Subject: Environment & Ecology

Industrial pollution of river water poses a critical environmental challenge in India, with 46% of 603 Indian rivers polluted according to CPCB reports. The discharge of untreated industrial effluents containing heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and organic pollutants severely impacts water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and public health.

Mitigation Measures

Technological Solutions

• Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs): Industries are mandated to install ETPs to treat wastewater before discharge. Over 1,100 ETPs are monitored in the Ganga basin alone.

• Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs): Cost-effective solution for small and medium industries, as implemented in Ankleshwar Industrial Estate, Gujarat.

• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Policy: Industries must treat and recycle wastewater with no discharge into rivers. Textile industries in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu have successfully adopted ZLD practices.

Regulatory and Technological Measures

• Advanced Treatment Technologies: Implementation of advanced oxidation processes using ozone and UV treatments to break down toxic chemicals.

• Bioremediation: Using natural organisms for pollutant cleanup, with phytoremediation techniques being explored for the Yamuna River.

• Green Manufacturing: Encouraging cleaner production technologies and environmentally friendly raw materials.

Government Initiatives

Major Programs

• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): Implements the Namami Gange Programme launched in 2014, with over 150 sewage treatment plants sanctioned.

• National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): Targets pollution control across 32 rivers nationwide.

• National Water Quality Monitoring Program: Monitors water quality at 4,000+ stations across the country.

Regulatory Framework

• Central and State Pollution Control Boards: Monitor industrial discharges and enforce compliance with the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

• National Green Tribunal (NGT): Has mandated closure of 123 industries for non-compliance with pollution standards and issued closure directions to 73 grossly polluting industries.

• Penalties and Enforcement: Heavy fines imposed with ₹200 crores collected in 2022 for violations.

While significant progress has been made through technological solutions and regulatory frameworks, effective river pollution control requires stronger enforcement mechanisms, enhanced industry-academia collaboration, and coordinated efforts between central and state agencies to ensure sustainable water management and ecosystem protection.