The Dying Flow: Pollution
in the Sabarmati River
Presented by – Harshil Christian
Hamiz Shaikh
Class : BA English
Subject : Environmental Science
Date : 12/08/2025
2 Introduction
• Sabarmati River flows through Rajasthan &
Gujarat
• Main water source for Ahmedabad
• Historical & cultural importance (Sabarmati
Ashram)
• In recent years, river quality has worsened due
to pollution
3 Current Status
• Among the most polluted rivers in
India
• Water quality unfit for drinking &
bathing
• BOD levels far above safe limits
(sometimes 200+ mg/L)
• Strong odor and visible waste in
some stretches
4 Causes of Pollution
• Discharge of untreated sewage from
cities
• Industrial waste from textile, dyeing,
and chemical factories
• Solid waste dumping: plastics,
garbage, construction debris
• Agricultural runoff with pesticides
and fertilizers
5 Environmental Impact
• Death of fish and other aquatic
species
• Loss of natural biodiversity along
riverbanks
• Contamination of groundwater
• Reduced natural flow due to urban
projects
6 Human Health Impact
• Waterborne diseases: cholera,
diarrhea, jaundice, skin rashes
• Chemical toxins linked to long-term
health risks
• Unsafe irrigation water contaminates
crops
• Increased healthcare costs for locals
7 Social & Economic
Impact
• Decline in tourism & recreational
activities
• Loss of livelihood for fishermen
• Negative image for the city and
state
• Higher cost of water purification
8 Government Efforts
• Riverfront development to improve
surroundings
• Installation and upgrade of Sewage
Treatment Plants (STPs)
• Court orders to control industrial
discharge
• Periodic river clean-up drives
9 Possible Solutions
• Treat sewage and industrial effluents
before discharge
• Ban dumping of solid waste into the
river
• Promote eco-friendly farming
practices
• Community awareness and clean-
up programs
• Strict enforcement of environmental
laws
10 Conclusion
• Sabarmati River is a vital natural and
cultural resource
• Pollution threatens health,
environment, and economy
• Urgent joint action needed from
government, industries, and citizens
• “A clean river means a healthy
future”
11
Thank you
