Page 8 - WAPTAG TIMES_9th Aug2024.indd

the growth of harmful algae, depleting oxygen and heavily polluted stretches see a 9% reduction
harming aquatic life. in agricultural revenue and a 16% drop in crop
yields, as contaminated water affects soil health
and crop quality.

GOVERNmENT AND COmmUNITY
INITIATIVES TO COmBAT WATER

POLLUTION

Recognising the scale of the problem, both government
bodies and community organisations have launched
various initiatives to address water pollution.
• Solid Waste and Plastic Pollution: India produces These initiatives, though impactful, require sustained
substantial plastic waste, a significant portion of efforts and cooperation at all levels to ensure
which ends up in rivers. The Ganges, one of India’s effective implementation.
most sacred rivers, is plagued by plastic waste,
with tributaries also becoming dumping grounds • Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Launched in 2019, this
for microplastics. mission aims to provide safe and reliable drinking
water to every rural household by 2024. Through
A staggering 70% of surface water in India is now unfit this initiative, the government focuses on building
for consumption due to contamination, as estimated infrastructure for potable water supply in rural India.
by various studies. Furthermore, untreated wastewater
and solid waste continue to disrupt ecosystems, • namami Gange Programme: Established in 2014,
harming fish populations and other wildlife reliant on this initiative seeks to rejuvenate the Ganges by
these water bodies. reducing pollution and promoting sustainable
river management practices. It includes efforts
THE ECONOmIC AND HEALTH to establish sewage treatment plants, promote
afforestation, and discourage industrial discharge
COSTS OF WATER POLLUTION into the river.

The impact of water pollution in India extends far • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
beyond environmental degradation, posing severe monitoring: In collaboration with state pollution
economic and health risks: control boards, CPCb monitors water quality and
enforces industry-specific effluent standards under
• health Implications: Waterborne diseases such the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act,
as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid are prevalent in 1974. The online continuous effluent monitoring
areas where water contamination is widespread. systems provide real-time data, ensuring better
Diarrheal diseases alone account for a significant regulatory compliance.
percentage of childhood mortality, particularly in
rural regions. • Atal Bhujal Yojana: This groundwater management
scheme is designed to promote efficient water
• Economic Impact: Water pollution costs India usage, reduce pollution, and improve groundwater
approximately INR 3.75 trillion ($80 billion) annually levels through community-led initiatives.
in terms of environmental degradation. Health costs
related to water pollution are estimated at INR
470–610 billion ($6.7–8.7 billion) per year, primarily STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE:
from waterborne diseases. A WAY FORWARD

• Agricultural Losses: Pollution in upstream rivers India’s water contamination crisis requires a multi-
impacts agricultural productivity downstream. faceted approach that addresses the root causes
Studies have shown that regions downstream of and implements sustainable practices at both
community and governmental levels. Here are
several actionable strategies:
• Stricter Industrial Regulations: Enforcement
of industrial waste management and effluent
standards is crucial. Industries need to adopt
advanced treatment methods to ensure safe
disposal of wastewater.

• Sustainable Agriculture: Reducing the use
of chemical fertilizers and promoting organic

8 | WAPTAG Times WATeR CONTAmiNATiON iN iNDiA: A GROWiNG CRisis