Addressing River Pollution in India: Causes and Solutions

Understanding River Pollution in India

River pollution is a pressing environmental issue in India, highlighting a contradiction where rivers are both venerated and severely contaminated. The Ganga, revered as the holiest river, exemplifies this paradox, facing immense pollution challenges. Alarmingly, approximately 46% of India's rivers are polluted, posing serious health risks to millions.

Primary Sources of River Pollution

The main contributors to river pollution in India include:

• Untreated Sewage: A significant issue is the heavy discharge of untreated sewage into rivers, as seen with the Yamuna in Delhi.
• Solid Waste: Urban rivers, such as the Mithi River in Mumbai, are often choked with waste.
• Industrial Waste: Factories along the Noyyal River in Tirupur discharge harmful pollutants.
• Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides from fields, particularly in agricultural regions like the Punjab plains, contaminate rivers.

Who Bears Responsibility?

Addressing river pollution is a collective responsibility:

• Governments: Inadequate sewage treatment facilities in cities along rivers, such as the Gomti in Lucknow, contribute to the problem.
• Industries: Illegal discharges from factories along the Damodar River exacerbate pollution levels.
• The Public: Waste dumping into rivers, like the Cooum River in Chennai, is a significant issue.

The Issue of Untreated Sewage

Untreated sewage poses severe risks to water quality. For example, high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga illustrate the dangers of untreated wastewater.

Sewage Treatment Capacity in India

India produces over 72,000 million liters of sewage daily but can treat only 32,000 million liters. This shortfall is evident in rivers flowing through densely populated regions, such as the Krishna in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Industrial and Agricultural Contributions

Industries, particularly textiles along the Noyyal River, tanneries, and chemical plants significantly contribute to river pollution. Moreover, agricultural runoff introduces fertilizers and pesticides into river systems affecting regions like the Indus River basin.

Legal Framework and Amendments

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 aimed to mitigate pollution but has seen ineffective implementation, as evident in the enduring pollution of rivers like the Brahmaputra.

Amendments made in 2024 decriminalized minor violations, raising concerns among critics about potential worsening of pollution in rivers like the Sutlej.

Proposed Solutions

Strategies to combat river pollution include:

• Government Initiatives: Funding and executing clean water projects along rivers such as the Narmada.
• Personal Involvement: Engaging in local clean-up drives to restore rivers.
• Collective Action: Emphasizing the collective responsibility of all stakeholders for rivers like the Periyar in Kerala.

Youth Involvement in Conservation

Active youth participation is vital for river conservation. Young individuals can play a significant role in monitoring and advocating for cleaner river ecosystems within their communities.

Building a Sustainable Relationship with Nature

The article emphasizes the importance of fostering a mutually