Agartala, Aug. 26: Discharge of sewage and industrial wastes is polluting 10 major rivers of Tripura.

The finding by the Central Water Commission has raised fears of shortage of drinking water in the state known for its high annual rainfall and humid subtropical climate.

The survey was conducted by a team led by Ram Chandra, professor in the geology department of Benaras Hindu University.

“Tripura’s 10 major rain-fed rivers which originate in the hill ranges are parts of Meghna Basin in Bangladesh. There is high level of iron and arsenic in the rivers as well in the state’s ground waters. The pollution level is the same in upstream and downstream rivers.

“With sharp rise in pollution level, in the coming days water meant for human consumption will be used for bathing and washing livestock. After that, it can only be used for agricultural purpose. Thus regions having abundant water resources will turn into water-scarce areas,” Chandra said.

Earlier, the North East Regional Institute of Water and Land Management in Tezpur had tested 117 water samples in Tripura.

The experts indicated an alarming level of pollution caused by high iron content as well as presence of arsenic in the waters.