Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Industrial pollution of river water poses a severe threat to India’s water resources and public health. Defined as the discharge of harmful substances – chemical, physical, or thermal – from industrial processes into rivers, it degrades water quality, disrupts aquatic ecosystems, and impacts human livelihoods. India, with its rapid industrialization and often lax environmental regulations, faces a particularly acute challenge. Recent reports indicate that over 35% of river stretches are considered polluted, largely due to untreated industrial effluents. Addressing this requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing technological advancements, stringent regulations, and effective governance.
Sources of Industrial Pollution
Industrial pollution stems from diverse sources, broadly categorized as:
- Heavy Metals: From electroplating, mining, and chemical industries (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium).
- Organic Pollutants: From textile, pulp & paper, and food processing industries (e.g., dyes, pesticides, detergents).
- Thermal Pollution: From power plants and manufacturing units releasing heated water.
- Acidic/Alkaline Discharges: From chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Mitigation Measures
1. Technological Interventions
These focus on treating effluents before discharge:
- Primary Treatment: Physical removal of solids through screening and sedimentation.
- Secondary Treatment: Biological treatment using microorganisms to break down organic matter (e.g., Activated Sludge Process).
- Tertiary Treatment: Advanced treatment for removing specific pollutants like heavy metals and nutrients (e.g., Reverse Osmosis, UV disinfection).
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Aims to eliminate liquid effluent by recycling and reusing treated water.
2. Regulatory Framework & Enforcement
Strong regulations and their effective implementation are crucial:
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: Provides the basic framework for pollution control, establishing State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Empowers the central government to set standards and regulate industrial activities.
- EIA Notification, 2006: Mandates Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for certain industrial projects.
- Strengthening SPCB Capacity: Enhancing monitoring capabilities, laboratory infrastructure, and enforcement mechanisms.
3. Economic Instruments
Using market-based mechanisms to incentivize pollution reduction:
- Polluter Pays Principle: Making industries bear the cost of pollution damage.
- Environmental Taxes & Charges: Levying taxes on polluting activities.
- Subsidies for Cleaner Technologies: Encouraging adoption of environmentally friendly technologies.
- Tradable Emission Permits: Allowing industries to buy and sell emission permits.
Government Initiatives
The Indian government has launched several initiatives to address industrial pollution:
- National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): Launched in 1992, aims to improve water quality in major rivers.
- Namami Gange Programme: A flagship initiative launched in 2014, focusing on pollution abatement and river rejuvenation of the Ganga. It includes setting up of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs).
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Supports urban local bodies in improving water supply and sewage treatment infrastructure.
- Industrial Effluent Treatment Rules: Revised in 2020, these rules mandate stricter standards for effluent discharge and promote resource recovery.
| Scheme/Policy | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Namami Gange | Comprehensive river basin management, including sewage treatment, industrial effluent monitoring, and afforestation. |
| Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 | Establishes SPCBs, regulates effluent discharge, and provides penalties for violations. |
Conclusion
Addressing industrial pollution of river water in India requires a sustained and integrated approach. While government initiatives like Namami Gange are steps in the right direction, strengthening regulatory enforcement, promoting technological innovation, and fostering public awareness are equally crucial. A shift towards a circular economy, emphasizing resource efficiency and waste minimization, is essential for long-term sustainability. Effective collaboration between government, industry, and local communities is paramount to ensure the health of India’s rivers and the well-being of its citizens.
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.