Swarnarekha and Kharkai Rivers Facing Severe Ecological Crisis, Experts Warn

Jamshedpur: The Swarnarekha River and Kharkai River, regarded as the lifelines of Jamshedpur, are facing an alarming environmental crisis due to increasing pollution, shrinking water levels and ecological imbalance.

On the occasion of International Biodiversity Day (May 22), environmentalists and biologists expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the rivers and warned that unless urgent corrective measures are taken, the river ecosystems could collapse completely within the next few years.

Sewage and Industrial Waste Turning Rivers Toxic

Biologist and environmentalist Pradeep Verma said untreated domestic sewage and industrial waste from urban areas of Jamshedpur and Adityapur are continuously flowing into the rivers, severely contaminating the water.

He noted that rising summer temperatures and declining water flow are worsening the situation further by rapidly degrading water quality.

According to experts, the rivers once supported diverse aquatic life, including fish species, snails, mussels, amphibians and reptiles. However, pollution and reduced oxygen levels are now threatening the survival of these organisms.

Falling Water Levels Increasing Pollution Concentration

Environmental experts explained that during the summer season, river water levels naturally decline, causing pollutant concentration in the water to rise sharply.

As a result, the level of dissolved oxygen drops drastically, making it difficult for aquatic organisms to survive. Fish and several other species are reportedly dying due to suffocation caused by oxygen depletion.

Experts warned that continuous discharge of untreated waste could permanently damage the aquatic ecosystem of both rivers.

Algal Blooms and Pollution Indicators Raise Alarm

Verma stated that pollution-sensitive aquatic organisms are gradually disappearing from the rivers and are being replaced by insect larvae such as Tubificids and Chironomids, which are considered scientific “bio-indicators” of severe water pollution.

Their growing presence indicates critically low oxygen levels and heavy contamination in the rivers.

Environmentalists also pointed out that dense green algal blooms have become visible across several stretches of the Kharkai River during the summer months. The thick layer of algae blocks sunlight from entering the water, preventing aquatic plants from carrying out photosynthesis.

This process causes the water body to stagnate and decay internally, resulting in foul odour and worsening ecological conditions.

Migratory and Local Birds Under Threat

The Swarnarekha River and Kharkai River have traditionally served as important habitats for both migratory and local bird species.

Every winter, several migratory birds from distant regions visit the riverbanks, including species such as Eurasian Hoopoe, Citrine Wagtail, Bluethroat and Ruddy Shelduck.

Local species like the Red-naped Ibis also depend heavily on the river ecosystem for survival.

Experts warned that if pollution continues unchecked and river flow is not maintained, these bird populations may gradually disappear from the region.

Canary Hill Declared First Biodiversity Heritage Site

As part of these efforts, Canary Hill of Hazaribagh has been declared Jharkhand’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site.

Authorities are also conducting awareness campaigns through panchayats, schools and environmental institutions regarding the conservation and plantation of endangered plant species.

Citizens and Industries Urged to Take Responsibility

Environmentalists stressed that government schemes alone will not be sufficient to save the rivers unless citizens and industries actively participate in pollution control measures.

Experts urged industries to ensure proper treatment of waste before discharge and appealed to residents to avoid dumping garbage and sewage into river systems.

They warned that without collective efforts, the ecological crisis facing the Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers could soon become irreversible.