Kitchener Lake Water Meets CPCB Standards, DPCC Tells Green Tribunal

Water quality in Kitchener Lake, situated behind the Dhaula Kuan metro station in New Delhi, has met the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), according to a compliance report submitted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The pollution control body conducted tests on the lake after the NGT directed it to independently collect and analyse water samples. The tribunal's direction came after questions were raised regarding the revival and current condition of the water body.

According to the DPCC report dated July 24, samples collected from the lake on July 14 showed key parameters within the prescribed Class D criteria laid down by the CPCB. Class D water standards are designated for the propagation of wildlife and fisheries.

The testing recorded a pH level of 8.1, falling within the permissible range of 6.5 to 8.5. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was measured at 4.9 mg/l, which satisfies the mandatory requirement of 4 mg/l or more. Free ammonia was found to be 0.2 mg/l, remaining well below the upper limit of 1.2 mg/l specified for this class.

In addition to the primary parameters, the DPCC analysis detailed several other chemical and physical properties of the lake water. Faecal coliform was recorded at 15,000 MPN/100 ml. Total dissolved solids (TDS) stood at 1,880 mg/l, while total suspended solids (TSS) were recorded at 136 mg/l.

The laboratory analysis also registered chloride levels at 765.8 mg/l, water hardness at 644 mg/l, chemical oxygen demand (COD) at 88 mg/l, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at 40 mg/l. Furthermore, sulphate concentration was recorded at 118 mg/l, and nitrate was measured at 2 mg/l.