Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Water is a critical resource for India’s socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. The National Water Policy (NWP) provides a framework for planning, developing, and managing water resources. However, increasing population, rapid urbanization, and industrialization have led to severe water pollution, particularly in rivers like the Ganges. Simultaneously, improper handling of hazardous waste poses significant threats to both human health and the environment. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive legal and policy framework, coupled with effective implementation strategies. The NWP aims to address these issues, but its success hinges on robust enforcement and community participation.
National Water Policy of India
The National Water Policy has been revised several times, with the latest iteration being in 2012. Key principles include:
- Water as a Basic Human Need: Ensuring access to safe drinking water for all.
- Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): A holistic approach considering all aspects of the water cycle.
- Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM): Involving beneficiaries in irrigation management.
- Water Pricing: Rationalizing water use through appropriate pricing mechanisms.
- Groundwater Management: Promoting sustainable groundwater extraction and recharge.
- Water Quality: Maintaining and improving water quality standards.
- Flood Management: Comprehensive flood management strategies, including structural and non-structural measures.
- Climate Change: Incorporating climate change considerations into water resource planning.
River Ganges: Pollution Control and Management Strategies
The Ganges River faces immense pollution from domestic sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and religious practices. Strategies for its control and management include:
- Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs): Establishing and upgrading STPs along the river basin. The Namami Gange Programme (2014) focuses heavily on this.
- Industrial Effluent Treatment: Enforcing stricter regulations on industrial discharge and promoting Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs).
- Riverfront Development: Constructing ghats and crematoria with proper facilities to prevent direct disposal of waste into the river.
- Afforestation: Planting trees along the riverbanks to prevent soil erosion and improve water quality.
- Public Awareness: Educating communities about the importance of river conservation.
- Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase I (1985) & Phase II (2009): Initial attempts to tackle pollution, though with limited success.
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): The implementing arm of the Namami Gange Programme.
Legal Provisions for Hazardous Waste Management in India
India has a robust legal framework for managing hazardous waste, primarily governed by the following:
- Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016: These rules categorize hazardous wastes, define responsibilities of waste generators, and regulate their handling, storage, transportation, and disposal.
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Provides the overarching legal framework for environmental protection, including hazardous waste management.
- Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989: Deals with the safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Plays a crucial role in setting standards, monitoring compliance, and providing technical guidance.
The rules mandate:
- Waste Segregation: Proper segregation of hazardous waste at the source.
- Authorized Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs): Hazardous waste must be treated and disposed of only at authorized TSDFs.
- Manifest System: A tracking system to ensure safe transportation of hazardous waste.
- Annual Reporting: Waste generators are required to submit annual reports on hazardous waste generation and management.
| Category of Hazardous Waste | Examples |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Highly toxic and hazardous wastes |
| Category 2 | Highly corrosive, reactive, or flammable wastes |
| Category 3 | Toxic wastes |
Conclusion
Effective water resource management and hazardous waste handling are crucial for India’s sustainable development. While the National Water Policy provides a guiding framework, its successful implementation requires strong political will, adequate funding, and community participation. The Namami Gange Programme represents a significant effort towards river rejuvenation, but sustained efforts are needed to address the complex challenges of pollution and waste management. Strengthening the legal framework, improving enforcement mechanisms, and promoting responsible waste management practices are essential for protecting the environment and public health.
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.