Generally it is observed that industrial effluents, mine drainage water, untreated sewage from urban settlements, agricultural water and run off from open defecation on the river banks have been the major causes of river water pollution. In this context, it is worth discussing two major river basins of Orissa that serve bright examples of river water pollution- 1) River Brahmani and 2) River Baitarani.

River Brahmani is one of the major perennial river systems in Orissa with a catchment area of 39,000 sq.km, which directly or indirectly influences activities along its course. Earlier Brahmani basin was essentially a virgin natural environment with very little human interference and environmental pollution. Vast mineral deposits in the catchment area, availability of water and good infrastructure favoured industrialization in the river basin has resulted in the deterioration of water quality. Two major industrial belts namely at Rourkela and Talcher and new establishments downstream around Dubri along the bank of the river are polluting the water by discharging domestic, mining, as well as industrial toxic effluents. At the upper end of the river Brahmani, Rourkela Municipality, Rourkela Steel Plant, Rourkela Fertilizer Plants, Rourkela Explosives, Bonaigarh Township, Tensa Mining Belt; along the middle sector, many coal mines of MCL, Aluminium Plant of NALCO at Angul, Thermal Power Plants in Talcher coal basin, Talcher Fertilizer Plant, Talcher Heavy Water plants and at down stream mine discharges of Sukinda belt and industrial activities at Dubri are polluting the river water. The deterioration in water quality has an adverse impact on human health and aquatic life directly.

Another important river basin is the Baitarani river that flows through two states of India. Major portion of its catchment lies within the state of Orissa and small patch of the upper reach lies in the Jharkhand state. Baitarani basin with its rich mineral and agricultural sources and with availability of cheap labour, offered ideal ground for establishment and operation of various industrial units, however consequent principal activities in industrial, agricultural and mining sectors contributed significantly towards deterioration in the water quality. Domestic sector did not also fall behind in this the race. It is estimated that he community waste is about four times the industrial effluent. In the Baitarani basin almost all these waste are discharged untreated into the water course causing pollution in the whole system. Since the villages usually do not have designated system of water supply and drainage of waste, the liquid content is totally absorbed in the soil of homestead areas and farm lands within the villages. Similarly in urban areas, the drainage channels are charged with overland sewerage water and it affects the ground water quality.

In agricultural sector, the application of pesticides releases toxic wastes that is highly hazardous to human life. Surface run offs from the agricultural fields carry the fertilizer into the river thus contaminating the water. This marine pollution has seriously affected the exploitable living resources, recreational and commercial uses of rivers, oceans and the overall integrity of marine ecosystem. In this context the unique wetland, Chilika, is the best example.

With alarming increase of river water pollution, it becomes very much essential for the Orissa Govt. and OPCB to control further pollution of the rivers and deterioration in water quality. A survey for checking water samples from the most affected areas should be carried out from time to time to ensure that the degree of pollution is maintained to the least extent possible. Educating the Urban as well as the Rural mass is another major step to put a check on the river water pollution. Masses should be made aware of the drastic consequences of such a situation on their lives, both directly and indirectly.