Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Inland water resources – rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands – are vital for ecological balance and human sustenance. However, these resources are facing unprecedented environmental degradation due to anthropogenic activities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports that 70% of India’s surface water is polluted (as of 2022 data, knowledge cutoff). This degradation manifests in various forms, including chemical contamination, eutrophication, and physical alteration of habitats. Addressing this crisis is crucial for ensuring water security, public health, and the preservation of biodiversity. This answer will discuss the nature of this degradation and suggest measures for restoring the quality of our inland water resources.
Environmental Degradation of Inland Water Resources
Environmental degradation of inland water resources is a multifaceted problem. The primary causes can be categorized as follows:
- Industrial Effluents: Discharge of untreated or partially treated industrial wastewater containing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and toxic chemicals.
- Agricultural Runoff: Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leading to nutrient enrichment (eutrophication) and pesticide contamination.
- Domestic Sewage: Untreated or inadequately treated sewage containing pathogens, organic matter, and nutrients.
- Solid Waste Dumping: Illegal dumping of solid waste into water bodies, leading to physical pollution and chemical leaching.
- Deforestation & Soil Erosion: Increased sediment load in rivers and reservoirs due to deforestation and unsustainable land use practices.
- Hydro-morphological Alterations: Dam construction, channelization, and other alterations to river flow regimes impacting aquatic ecosystems.
Degradation Specific to Different Water Bodies
Rivers
Rivers are particularly vulnerable to pollution due to their role as sinks for all types of waste. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers are prime examples of heavily polluted rivers in India. Key issues include:
- High levels of fecal coliform bacteria.
- Presence of industrial pollutants like chromium, lead, and arsenic.
- Reduced dissolved oxygen levels due to organic pollution.
Lakes
Lakes often suffer from eutrophication, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion. Examples include Dal Lake in Kashmir and Chilika Lake in Odisha. Other issues include:
- Encroachment and loss of lake area.
- Sedimentation due to watershed degradation.
- Introduction of invasive species.
Reservoirs
Reservoirs experience sedimentation, nutrient accumulation, and changes in water quality due to altered flow regimes. The Bhakra Nangal Dam reservoir is an example facing sedimentation issues. Key concerns include:
- Reduced storage capacity due to sedimentation.
- Increased water temperature and stratification.
- Proliferation of water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds.
Measures to Restore Water Quality
Preventive Measures
- Strengthening Regulatory Framework: Strict enforcement of environmental regulations and pollution control standards.
- Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Encouraging the use of organic farming practices, integrated pest management, and efficient irrigation techniques.
- Improving Sewage Treatment Infrastructure: Investing in the construction and upgrading of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with advanced treatment technologies.
- Industrial Pollution Control: Implementing Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) norms for industries and promoting cleaner production technologies.
- Watershed Management: Implementing integrated watershed management programs to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation.
Curative Measures
- Bioremediation: Using microorganisms to degrade pollutants in water bodies.
- Phytoremediation: Using aquatic plants to absorb pollutants from water.
- Desilting of Rivers and Reservoirs: Removing accumulated sediment to increase storage capacity and improve water quality.
- Artificial Aeration: Increasing dissolved oxygen levels in polluted water bodies.
- River Rejuvenation Projects: Implementing comprehensive river rejuvenation projects like Namami Gange.
Policy and Legal Framework
Several policies and laws are in place to address water pollution in India:
| Act/Policy | Year | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act | 1974 | Establishes Central and State Pollution Control Boards, regulates discharge of pollutants. |
| Environment (Protection) Act | 1986 | Provides a framework for protecting and improving the environment. |
| National Water Policy | 2012 | Advocates for integrated water resource management and water quality monitoring. |
| Namami Gange Programme | 2014 | Comprehensive mission to rejuvenate the Ganga river. |
Conclusion
Environmental degradation of inland water resources poses a significant threat to India’s ecological and economic well-being. A multi-pronged approach encompassing stringent regulations, technological interventions, community participation, and robust policy implementation is essential for restoring water quality. Investing in sustainable water management practices and prioritizing preventative measures will be crucial for ensuring the long-term health of our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Furthermore, transboundary cooperation is vital for managing shared water resources effectively.
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.