There is no doubt that increased urbanisation and industrialisation have caused pollution of rivers in Andhra Pradesh. Studies conducted at various stations along the Godavari, Krishna, Pennar and Nagavali rivers by the Andhra Pradesh Pollu-tion Control Board show that increased human and industrial activity have compromised the health of the rivers and those who depend on them for sustenance.

New monitoring parameters were used in the study. Since there is a growing concern about pesticide residues and heavy metals in water sources, the Central Pollution Control Board directed the APPCB to collect samples of water in addition to the routine samples collected once a year, preferably in the month of April, to ascertain the presence of micro-pollutants,