Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s rivers are the lifelines of its civilization, providing water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use, and supporting rich biodiversity. However, these vital resources face a complex web of challenges, constituting a ‘national problem’. This problem isn’t merely about pollution, but a systemic crisis encompassing water scarcity, deteriorating water quality, unsustainable water management practices, and escalating inter-state disputes. The increasing demand for water coupled with climate change impacts and inadequate infrastructure has exacerbated these issues, threatening ecological security and socio-economic stability.
I. Water Scarcity & Depletion
India faces increasing water stress, with approximately 21% of the population lacking access to safe drinking water (NITI Aayog, 2018). This scarcity is driven by several factors:
- Over-extraction of Groundwater: Agriculture is the largest consumer of groundwater, leading to its rapid depletion in many regions, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
- Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns, increased frequency of droughts, and glacial melt are impacting river flows. The Himalayan rivers are particularly vulnerable.
- Deforestation: Reduced forest cover diminishes groundwater recharge and increases soil erosion, impacting river basins.
- Urbanization & Industrialization: Growing urban populations and industrial activities increase water demand and contribute to pollution.
II. Water Pollution & Degradation
Rivers in India are heavily polluted by untreated sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and religious practices. Key pollutants include:
- Organic Waste: Untreated sewage from urban areas contributes to high levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic life.
- Industrial Effluents: Discharge of toxic chemicals from industries like textiles, tanneries, and pharmaceuticals contaminates water sources.
- Agricultural Runoff: Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leads to nutrient pollution (eutrophication) and pesticide contamination.
- Solid Waste: Disposal of solid waste, including plastic, into rivers contributes to pollution and obstructs flow.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports that 35% of river stretches are unfit for even bathing (2022 data).
III. Inter-State Water Disputes
Sharing of river waters is a major source of conflict between states. Several disputes remain unresolved:
- Cauvery River Dispute: Between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, revolving around water allocation.
- Krishna River Dispute: Between Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, concerning water sharing.
- Ravi-Beas River Dispute: Between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, related to the allocation of water from these rivers.
These disputes often lead to political tensions and hinder integrated river basin management.
IV. Ecological Degradation & Loss of Biodiversity
River ecosystems are facing severe degradation due to:
- Dam Construction: Dams alter river flows, fragment habitats, and impede fish migration.
- Riverbed Mining: Illegal mining of sand and gravel destroys riverbeds, increases erosion, and lowers water tables.
- Encroachment of Riverbanks: Construction and settlements along riverbanks reduce the river’s carrying capacity and increase flood risk.
- Invasive Species: Introduction of invasive species disrupts the natural ecosystem.
This degradation leads to loss of biodiversity, impacting fish populations and other aquatic organisms.
V. Governance & Institutional Failures
Effective river management requires strong governance and institutional frameworks. However, several challenges persist:
- Lack of Integrated River Basin Management: Fragmented approach to water management, with different agencies responsible for different aspects.
- Weak Enforcement of Regulations: Inadequate enforcement of pollution control laws and regulations.
- Insufficient Investment in Water Infrastructure: Limited investment in sewage treatment plants, water supply systems, and irrigation infrastructure.
- Lack of Public Awareness: Limited public awareness about the importance of water conservation and pollution control.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (Namami Gange) launched in 2014, aims to rejuvenate the Ganga river, but its progress has been uneven.
| River Basin | Major Challenges |
|---|---|
| Ganga | Pollution from untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff; low flows due to dam construction. |
| Brahmaputra | Flooding, erosion, and siltation; impact of climate change on glacial melt. |
| Indus | Water scarcity due to over-extraction and climate change; inter-state disputes. |
Conclusion
The national problem relating to our rivers is a complex interplay of ecological, economic, and governance factors. Addressing this requires a holistic and integrated approach, focusing on sustainable water management, pollution control, inter-state cooperation, and robust institutional frameworks. Investing in water infrastructure, promoting water conservation, and raising public awareness are crucial steps. A paradigm shift towards viewing rivers as ecological entities, rather than merely water resources, is essential for ensuring their long-term health and sustainability.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.