GUWAHATI,ASSAM,INDIA-MARCH 20: A general view of Polluted Bharalu River ahead of World Water Day in Guwahati,Assam,India. The Bharalu River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam. The Bharalu River, flowing through Guwahati, Assam, is one of the most polluted rivers in the region. Once a vital waterway, it has now turned into a drainage channel due to unchecked urbanization, industrial waste, and domestic sewage. Large amounts of untreated wastewater, plastic, and solid waste are directly dumped into the river, leading to severe contamination. The water has turned black and emits a foul smell, making it unfit for any use. High levels of toxic pollutants, including heavy metals and bacteria, pose a serious health hazard to residents living nearby.

20 Mar 2025