The River Ganga, revered as a sacred waterway by millions, is now grappling with the insidious effects of pollution, posing a grave threat to both the environment and human health. Stretching across the heartland of India, the Ganga, with its mythological significance and vital role in sustaining life, stands as a symbol of spiritual purity and cultural heritage. However, in recent years, rampant industrialization, urbanization, and unchecked human activities have transformed its pristine waters into a cesspool of contaminants. From industrial effluents to untreated sewage, the river bears the burden of multiple pollutants, endangering aquatic life and jeopardizing the livelihoods of those dependent on its waters. This alarming deterioration demands urgent attention and concerted efforts to reverse the tide of pollution before irreparable damage is done to one of India’s most revered natural assets.
- In January 2023, alarming levels of faecal coliform were detected in at least 71% of the river monitoring stations.
- Faecal coliforms, a bacteria group originating from the gut and faeces of warm-blooded animals, enter rivers primarily through the release of untreated sewage.
- Although Uttarakhand maintained faecal coliform levels within permissible limits (less than 2,500 most probable number (MPN) per 100 ml), the readings in three other states—UP, Bihar, and West Bengal—were deemed alarming.
WHY DOES GANGA STILL POLLUTED
- 60% of the Ganga river still receives untreated waste discharge.
- Despite the generation of 10,139.3 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage by the five major states along the river, their collective sewage treatment capacity is only 40%.
- Uttarakhand stands out as the sole state with adequate treatment capacity.
WIDER CHALLENGES
- At the majority of monitoring stations, there is an elevated level of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).
- BOD is a metric indicating the amount of oxygen needed by aerobic microorganisms for the biochemical oxidation of organic matter, and it directly influences the concentration of dissolved oxygen in rivers.
- A higher BOD signifies a reduced availability of oxygen for aquatic life. The existing challenge lies in lax monitoring practices, as data collection and dissemination remain difficult.
REASONS FOR POLLUTED RIVER GANGA
- Urbanization: The rapid urbanization in India over recent decades has led to various environmental challenges, including issues related to water supply, wastewater generation, and its subsequent collection, treatment, and disposal. Unfortunately, many towns and cities situated along the banks of the river Ganga have not adequately addressed the problems associated with wastewater and sewerage.
- Industries: The unchecked discharge of sewage and industrial effluents into the Ganga has significantly impacted its purity. The industrial wastes introduced into the water contain toxins harmful to life forms relying on this water source. Major contributors to wastewater pollution include paper mills, steel plants, textile industries, and sugar industries.
- Agricultural Runoff and Improper Agricultural Practices: During the onset of monsoons or heavy rains, traces of fertilizers and pesticides are washed into the nearest water bodies. This agricultural runoff, coupled with improper farming practices, adds pollutants to the river.
- Withdrawal of Water: According to a report from the Ministry of Water Resources regarding the study of minimum flows in the Ganga, the impact on water quality is influenced by the dilution offered by the river’s flow. However, the withdrawal of water for various purposes, such as the Upper Ganga Canal and the Lower Ganga Canal, has left the downstream stretch of the Ganga nearly dry.
- Religious and Social Practices: Religious beliefs and social practices also contribute to the pollution of the Ganga. The practice of cremating dead bodies on the riverbanks and, at times, disposing of partially burnt bodies into the river has negative environmental implications. Mass bathing during religious festivals, while a matter of faith and ancient rituals, adds to the pollution of the river water and adversely affects its overall quality.
STEPS TAKEN TO REDUCE POLLUTION IN RIVER GANGA
Public Policy: In 2016, the government issued a notification empowering the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to wield authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. NMCG subsequently issued directives to regulate mining activities along river banks, prohibit encroachment, and oversee practices such as the immersion of idols.
- Technology Intervention: NMCG embraced state-of-the-art technologies, including satellite imagery, remote sensing, and geospatial solutions, enabling real-time monitoring of pollutants in the Ganga and its tributaries. Advanced scientific forecast models were employed for the strategic design of new sewage treatment infrastructure.
- Community Participation: In a bid to promote community involvement in the river’s cleanup, a continuous awareness campaign is conducted in cities, towns, and villages situated along the Ganga, facilitated by the newly-established community force known as “Ganga Praharis.” Through this initiative, the government aims to transform “jal chetna” (water consciousness) into “jan chetna” (people’s consciousness) and evolve it into a “jal aandolan” (water movement).
FAQs – Pollution in River Ganga
1-Why are alarming levels of faecal coliform detected in River Ganga?
A: In January 2023, at least 71% of monitoring stations reported alarming levels of faecal coliform. These bacteria originate from the gut and faeces of warm-blooded animals, entering rivers through untreated sewage discharge.
2-What is the reason for the persistent pollution in the Ganga river?
A: Despite generating 10,139.3 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, the five major states along the Ganga have a sewage treatment capacity of only 40%. Uttarakhand is the only state with sufficient treatment capacity, resulting in 60% of the river receiving untreated waste discharge.
3-Why is there a higher biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the Ganga river?
A: Elevated BOD levels at monitoring stations indicate increased oxygen requirements for the biochemical oxidation of organic matter. Higher BOD leads to reduced oxygen availability for aquatic life. Lax monitoring practices contribute to this challenge.
4-What are the reasons behind the polluted state of River Ganga?
A: Urbanization, unchecked industrial discharge, agricultural runoff with fertilizers and pesticides, water withdrawal, and religious practices such as cremations and mass bathing contribute to the pollution of River Ganga.
5-What steps have been taken to reduce pollution in River Ganga?
A: Public policy measures include empowering the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Environment (Protection) Act. Technology intervention involves using advanced tools like satellite imagery for real-time monitoring. Community participation is encouraged through awareness campaigns and the involvement of “Ganga Praharis.”
6-How does urbanization contribute to Ganga’s pollution?
A: Rapid urbanization in India has led to environmental problems such as inadequate wastewater management. Many towns and cities along the Ganga have not addressed wastewater issues properly.
7-What role do industries play in Ganga’s pollution?
A: Industries discharge sewage and effluents into the Ganga, containing harmful toxins. Paper mills, steel plants, textile, and sugar industries are major contributors to water pollution.
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