Polluted Indian rivers

08 May Polluted Indian rivers

This article covers ‘Daily Current Affairs’ and the topic details of ”Polluted Indian rivers”. This topic is relevant in the “Environment” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

 

Why in the News?

The pollution levels in the tributaries of the Ganga River in Uttarakhand have escalated significantly, particularly in Udham Singh Nagar district, where three out of the five most polluted rivers are located. Recent reports from the Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board indicate concerning levels of contamination, underscoring a critical environmental issue in the area.

 

Reasons behind polluted rivers

• Industrial Waste: Industries and manufacturing facilities worldwide play a significant role in water pollution by generating waste containing hazardous chemicals and pollutants. Inadequate waste management systems result in the release of industrial waste into nearby freshwater systems, leading to the contamination of rivers and streams.
• Marine Dumping: Various countries often dispose of household waste in oceans, contributing to marine pollution. These materials can take extensive periods to decompose fully, negatively impacting marine ecosystems and water quality.
• Sewage and Wastewater: Even after treatment, sewage and wastewater contain harmful chemicals, bacteria, and pathogens. Discharging sewage and wastewater into water bodies introduces disease-causing agents, posing risks to both human health and aquatic life.
• Oil Leaks and Spills: Oil leaks and spills, frequently stemming from oil drilling operations or ships transporting oil, represent significant sources of water pollution. Oil does not dissolve in water, leading to adverse effects on marine life and ecosystems.
• Agricultural runoff: The use of chemicals and pesticides in agriculture for crop protection can infiltrate groundwater, posing risks to animals, plants, and humans. During rainfall, these substances combine with rainwater, eventually flowing into rivers and streams, exacerbating water pollution.
• Global Warming: Increasing temperatures attributed to global warming present a challenge concerning water pollution. Elevated water temperatures can contribute to the decline of aquatic organisms, worsening pollution issues. Mitigating global warming can aid in reducing water pollution in rivers and other water bodies.
• Deforestation and soil erosion: Clearing of forests and soil erosion result in sedimentation and nutrient runoff into rivers, altering water quality and ecosystem health.
• Urban runoff: Stormwater runoff from urban areas can carry pollutants such as oil, heavy metals, and litter into rivers, increasing pollution levels.
• Plastic pollution: Plastic waste, including bags, bottles, and microplastics, can enter rivers through littering or improper disposal, harming wildlife and disrupting ecosystems.

 

Consequences of polluted rivers

• Human Health Impact: Water pollution poses significant health hazards to human beings, resulting in ailments such as gastrointestinal issues, skin disorders, malnutrition, and even cancer. Contaminated water reservoirs are responsible for waterborne diseases, leading to approximately 829,000 fatalities annually on a global scale.
• Ecosystem Degradation: Water pollution exerts a profound influence on various aquatic ecosystems, encompassing freshwater bodies, coastal regions, and oceanic environments. The introduction of diverse pollutants, including chemicals, pathogens, and alterations like increased temperatures, instigates the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems, disrupting biodiversity and upsetting the equilibrium of aquatic life forms.
• Eutrophication: The excessive influx of nutrients into water sources due to pollution can initiate eutrophication, a process characterised by the depletion of dissolved oxygen in water. This phenomenon often results in the demise of fish and other aquatic organisms, upsetting the natural equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems.
• Industrial and Agricultural Contributions: Industrial operations and contemporary agricultural techniques emerge as principal sources of water pollution. Industries discharge hazardous chemicals, organic substances, and pollutants into water bodies, while agricultural practices introduce pesticides and germicides containing chemicals that infiltrate water reservoirs, leading to the eutrophication of freshwater lakes.
• Global Impact: Water pollution constitutes a pervasive global environmental concern, exacerbated by factors such as urbanisation, population expansion, industrial output, and climate change. Improper waste disposal, industrial effluent release, and urban runoff collectively contribute to the degradation of water quality, adversely impacting human health and ecosystems on a worldwide scale.
• Social and Cultural Impacts: Water pollution disproportionately affects marginalised communities and indigenous populations, exacerbating social inequalities and injustices. Indigenous cultures and traditions tied to waterways suffer when pollution damages sacred sites, disrupt traditional fishing practices, and threatens cultural heritage.

How is river pollution calculated?

Water pollution is often assessed and quantified through various parameters, with two common indicators being Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD).

 

• Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD):

• 1. BOD measures the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms while decomposing organic matter in water.
  2. It indicates the level of organic pollution in water, as higher BOD values suggest a greater amount of organic material present that bacteria will decompose, consequently depleting oxygen levels.
  3. BOD is typically expressed in milligrams of oxygen consumed per litre of water (mg/L) over a specified period, commonly 5 days (BOD₅).

 

• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD):

• 1. COD measures the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidise organic and inorganic matter in water.
  2. Unlike BOD, which relies on microbial action, COD utilises chemical reactions to quantify both organic and inorganic pollutants.
  3. COD results can provide a more rapid assessment of pollution levels compared to BOD, as it doesn’t depend on microbial activity and can include a broader range of pollutants.
  4. COD is also expressed in milligrams per litre (mg/L) of oxygen consumed, but the test typically takes less time to complete compared to BOD testing.

 

Initiatives taken by the government

• National Water Policy (2012): This policy seeks to recognize the current situation and propose a framework for establishing a system of laws and institutions, along with a coordinated national action plan.Initiated by the Ministry of Water Resources, it underscores the significance of water for human survival and economic development endeavours. It suggests strategies to conserve water resources through efficient, cost-effective, sustainable, and fair means.
• National Water Mission (2010): This mission strives for integrated water resource management to promote water conservation, minimise wastage, ensure fair distribution, and formulate improved policies.
• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): This initiative envisions a five-tier structure at the national, state, and district levels to implement measures for preventing, controlling, and mitigating environmental pollution in the Ganga River. Its objective is to maintain a consistent and sufficient flow of water to rejuvenate the Ganga River.

 

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 8th May 2024

 

Prelims practise question

 

Q1. Consider the following statements: 

1. Carbon Monoxide is responsible for acid rain.
2. Harmful algal blooms are the primary cause of “red tide” events in marine environments.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

ANSWER: B

 

Q2. Which parameter is more suitable for quickly assessing pollution levels in water samples?

(a) BOD

(b) COD

(c) Both are equally suitable

(d) Neither is suitable for quick assessment

 

ANSWER: B

 

Mains practise question

 

Q2. Discuss the social and cultural impacts of water pollution, emphasising how marginalised communities and indigenous populations are disproportionately affected.