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“The tribunal has also ordered the authorities to conduct regular inspections of the area and to ensure that the violators are held accountable for their actions”.
Industrial effluent and sewage water are polluting rivers across the country, according to the Chief of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Adarsh Kumar Goel. The pollution of water bodies is a significant issue that affects the environment and public health. In a recent statement, Goel emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and the need for public participation in ensuring the protection of the environment.
Report on Sewage and Solid Waste Discharge into Katahal Drain
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued an order to address the discharge of sewage and solid waste into the Katahal Drain, which is connected to the River Ganga in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. The NGT has taken this action in response to a petition filed by local environmentalists and activists. The petitioners have been raising concerns about the degradation of the river and its impact on public health.
The NGT has directed the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to stop the dumping of sewage and solid waste into the Katahal Drain. The tribunal has also ordered the authorities to conduct regular inspections of the area and to ensure that the violators are held accountable for their actions.
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The order comes as a relief for the people living in the vicinity of the river, who have been suffering from the adverse effects of pollution. The discharge of sewage and solid waste has not only led to the contamination of the river. But, has also resulted in the depletion of aquatic life, affecting the livelihood of local fishermen.
22 major drains contributing to pollution of the Ganga river
The report by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) states that there are 22 major drains that are responsible for discharging untreated sewage and industrial waste into the Katahal drain. This drain is connected to the River Ganga. The continuous discharge of sewage and waste from these drains has led to a significant increase in pollution levels in the river. This pollution is a result of a lack of proper waste management and treatment facilities.
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The report highlights the urgent need to address this issue through the installation of sewage treatment plants and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.
Impact on local communities
The River Ganga is considered one of the most sacred rivers in India and is an important source of water for millions of people. However, over the years, the river has become heavily polluted, primarily due to the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste. The government has initiated various programs to clean up the river, but progress has been slow.
According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), there are 351 points along the River Ganga where untreated sewage is discharged. And, 67 points where industrial waste is discharged. The report also stated that the water quality of the river was "unfit for bathing" at most of the monitoring stations.
The discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste into water bodies like the River Ganga can have severe environmental and health impacts on the local communities that depend on these water sources. In the case of the Katahal drain and the River Ganga in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, the pollution caused by the discharge of sewage and waste has led to a range of problems for local communities.
Firstly, the pollution of the river has adversely affected the quality of the water, making it unfit for human consumption or agricultural use. This has led to a scarcity of clean water in the area, affecting the livelihoods of people who rely on the river for fishing or agriculture. The pollution has also led to a decline in the aquatic ecosystem, with the death of fish and other aquatic animals, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
The pollution has also resulted in the contamination of soil and crops in the surrounding agricultural areas, reducing crop yields and affecting the health of the local communities. The discharge of toxic chemicals and heavy metals from industries into the river can also lead to soil contamination, making it unsuitable for farming.
The discharge of untreated sewage and waste into the river can also lead to the spread of water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. These diseases can cause severe illness and even death, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Pollution can also lead to skin diseases and respiratory illnesses, as people come into contact with the contaminated water or inhale the polluted air.
Recommendations by UPPCB to address the Issue
The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) report on the discharge of sewage and solid waste into the Katahal drain connected to the River Ganga in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh provides several recommendations to address the issue of pollution.
Firstly, the report recommends the installation of sewage treatment plants in the area to treat the sewage before it is discharged into the river. The treated water can be reused for irrigation or other non-potable purposes. Hence, reducing the demand for fresh water from the river. This would also help in reducing the pollution load on the river. Therefore, improving the water quality.
Secondly, the report recommends stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure that industries comply with the rules and regulations related to waste management and discharge. The UPPCB can undertake regular inspections of industries to ensure that they are following proper procedures for waste disposal and treatment.
Thirdly, the report recommends increasing public awareness about the impact of pollution on the environment and public health. This can be done through campaigns and outreach programs to educate the local communities about the importance of clean water and the impact of pollution on their health and livelihoods. This would encourage individuals and communities to take action to reduce their own pollution footprint. Furthermore, hold industries and authorities accountable for their actions.
Lastly, the report recommends the establishment of a task force to monitor and assess the pollution levels in the river. And, then take necessary actions to reduce pollution. This would involve regular monitoring of water quality, identifying sources of pollution, and taking measures to control the pollution load.
The UPPCB's efforts to address the pollution of water bodies in the Ballia district are commendable.
Enforcement of Stricter Environmental Regulations and Public Participation in Protecting the Environment
The NGT has emphasized that the protection of the environment is a fundamental right of every citizen, and it is the duty of the state to ensure that the environment is not degraded. The tribunal has also emphasized that the polluters must bear the cost of cleaning up the mess that they have created.
Enforcing stricter environmental regulations means that industries must comply with the rules and regulations related to waste management and discharge. This involves regular inspections by the pollution control board to ensure that industries are following proper procedures for waste disposal and treatment. This would help in reducing the pollution load on the river and prevent the discharge of untreated waste into the river.
Public participation is also crucial in protecting the environment. This involves educating the local communities about the importance of clean water and the impact of pollution on their health and livelihoods. In the context of the Ganga River, public participation can also involve the active involvement of local communities in cleaning and restoring the river.
For example, the "Namami Gange" project, launched by the Indian government, involves the active involvement of local communities, NGOs, and government agencies in cleaning and restoring the river. This project has led to the removal of thousands of tons of waste from the river and the installation of sewage treatment plants in several cities along the river.
Conclusion
The protection of the environment is a fundamental right of every citizen, and it is the duty of the state to ensure that the environment is not degraded. The NGT has emphasized that the polluters must bear the cost of cleaning up the mess that they have created. The NGT's order sends a strong message to the polluters that they cannot get away with damaging the environment.
The degradation of the River Ganga has not only had an environmental impact. But, also a social and economic impact. The fishing community that relies on the river for its livelihood has been severely affected. The pollution of the river has also led to a decline in tourism, which is a significant source of income for the region.
In conclusion, the NGT's action against the dumping of sewage and solid waste into the River Ganga is a positive step towards the conservation of the environment. It is hoped that this order will serve as a deterrent to the violators and will encourage the authorities to take stronger action against those who harm the environment.
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