/ground-report/media/post_banners/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Source-Canva-31-1.webp)
In Lok Sabha, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, a Minister in the Environment Ministry, revealed alarming facts about water pollution in India. He stated that every day, over 402.67 million litres of waste from 3,186 highly polluting industries are dumped into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The Ganga receives about 249.31 million litres, and the Yamuna gets 153.36 million litres.
The report also showed a worrying level of pollution, with the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) reaching 19.74 tonnes per day. This is split as 13.73 tonnes in the Ganga and 6.01 tonnes in the Yamuna.
A study conducted in seven states found 1,229 highly polluting industries along the Ganga and 1,957 along the Yamuna. These industries are located in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi, and Haryana, and they pose a significant risk of polluting the rivers and their tributaries.
The problem is made worse by the fact that 105 towns along the Ganga generate 3,558.5 million litres of sewage per day. While there are sewage treatment plants capable of handling 2,561.7 million litres, only about 72% of the sewage is treated.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 311 polluted stretches across 279 rivers in 30 states and union territories, based on the BOD. These stretches have been classified into five priority classes, showing the seriousness of the situation.
To fight this crisis, the River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC) in states has developed action plans. These aim to clean up polluted river stretches so they are safe for bathing. The plans include controlling the source of pollution, managing river catchments, protecting floodplains, ensuring ecological/environmental flow, and managing watersheds.
Moreover, laws like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and industry-specific waste discharge standards under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, are being enforced to protect water bodies.
With water pollution posing a major threat to public health and the environment, urgent and comprehensive action is needed to reduce its harmful effects and ensure sustainable water management practices across the country.
Keep Reading
Yamuna is drying in early February, how it will impact you?
Yamuna water level surges, to break 60 years old mark, people being evacuated
Historic flooding in Death Valley, Is it Climate Change?
Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected]
