Bhubaneswar, Dec 23: In a significant move to combat water pollution in rivers, tributaries, canals, and other water sources across Odisha, the state government has placed priority on ensuring the protection of water bodies. As part of this initiative, the government has introduced a mobile laboratory for water quality testing, stationed in Bhubaneswar.
This mobile lab, named VARUN (Van for Analysis and Research on Urban Drainage and Natural Watercourses), will play a crucial role in monitoring the health of water bodies across the state.
The mobile lab is capable of providing detailed reports on water quality in just 45 minutes. These reports will be forwarded to the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), allowing quick analysis of the water's status. This data will be made available through a digital dashboard, ensuring real-time access to water quality information for stakeholders and enabling timely action. Based on these reports, appropriate measures can be taken by the Water Resources Department and the Urban Development Department to address pollution concerns and ensure the purification of water.
The mobile lab service began in Bhubaneswar on June 5 of the current year and will gradually extend to other cities. As part of its pilot phase, the lab will assess water quality in various places in Puri and Cuttack. By 2026, additional mobile labs will be deployed in the state, with plans to cover Rourkela, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Angul, and Kalinganagar as well.
The mobile lab will conduct qualitative analysis on the 12 key parameters of water quality, which include pH (acidity/alkalinity), temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), and various other indicators of water quality such as chemical and biological contamination.
One of the primary goals of VARUN is to monitor the water quality in urban drainage systems and wastewater disposal mechanisms, studying the effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants and the conditions of water systems around key public institutions like hospitals, educational facilities, and industrial areas.
The government’s initiative will also focus on improving wastewater disposal systems and enhancing the treatment of polluted water to ensure public health and environmental sustainability.
Through this initiative, Odisha aims to improve water quality, control pollution, and safeguard the state's precious water resources, contributing significantly to public health and environmental well-being.
