NEW DELHI: With human population on a steep ascending graph, untreated sewage generated in the Capital could well be one of the prime reasons for water-related diseases such as malaria, cholera and jaundice now becoming an accepted health hazard of urban living.

One of the most important sources of water pollution in the country is untreated sewage.

In the Capital alone, it is estimated that of the 3,267 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage generated, treatment capacity exists only for 2,330 MLD.

However, actual treatment is possible only for 1,478 MLD of sewage in terms of biochemical oxygen demand (the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by micro-biological action).

What is particularly shocking is the state of the Capital's sewage treatment plants (STPs). "There are 30 STPs at 17 locations in Delhi and the total combined treatment capacity of all the STPs is 2,330 MLD. The actual treatment of sewage during November-December 2003 was 1,478 MLD,'' states a Central Pollution Control Board report.

Twenty of the total STPs are running under capacity, five over capacity, three are non-functional and two are running to capacity.

The STPs in Mehrauli, Najafgarh, Nilothi, Narela, Okhla and Papankalan are among those that are under-utilised.

Sewage pollution is basically an urban issue, notes the CPCB's latest report, adding that due to inadequate collection system the sewage is accumulated within urban areas forming cesspools promoting breeding of mosquitoes, percolating into the ground and polluting the groundwater, the only source of drinking water in many urban areas, which may pose serious health hazards.

The report also warns that sewers often leak and overflow releasing their contents to storm-water or other surface drains or percolating into soil to reach ground water or streams.

Some 60 per cent of all infant mortality is linked to infectious and parasitic diseases, most of them water-related. The report also notes that using contaminated sewage for fertilizer can result in an epidemic.

The CPCB has recommended measures to ensure that the common man can contribute to reducing sewage pollution. These includes sweeping off and not using the hose to clean your lawn or corridor, optimal use of washing machine, fixing leaks, turning off taps when not in use and adopting more eco-friendly habits.

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