Water pollution is a significant problem in India, with the country ranking 120th out of 122 countries in the 2019 Environmental Performance Index. India’s rapidly growing population, urbanization, and industrialization have contributed to the deterioration of the country’s water quality. In this essay, we will explore where water pollution in India is most prevalent and the causes and consequences of this problem.
India is facing a major challenge of water pollution, which is becoming a threat to human health and the environment. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have resulted in deteriorating water quality in the country. The issue of water pollution in India is a complex one, as it involves a range of factors and stakeholders. In this context, it is important to understand the extent and location of water pollution in India to develop effective solutions to this problem.
The Ganges River
The Ganges River is one of the most polluted rivers in the world and the most polluted river in India. It is a sacred river in Hinduism, but it is also heavily polluted due to human activities such as industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage. The river is the primary source of drinking water for millions of people, and the pollution levels are causing severe health problems, including water-borne diseases and cancer.
Causes of Pollution in the Ganges
The Ganges River pollution is primarily caused by industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff. The discharge of untreated sewage from households, hotels, and hospitals into the river is a significant contributor to the pollution. Lack of proper sanitation facilities and inadequate sewage treatment plants are the primary reasons for untreated sewage discharge into the Ganges.
Industrial effluents from factories located near the riverbanks also contribute to the pollution. Heavy metals, chemicals, and other hazardous substances are released into the river, causing severe health and environmental impacts. The agricultural runoff from the use of pesticides and fertilizers is another significant contributor to pollution in the Ganges.
Other Polluted Rivers in India
Apart from the Ganges River, several other rivers in India are heavily polluted. These include the Yamuna, Godavari, and Brahmaputra rivers. The Yamuna River is the second most polluted river in India and is heavily polluted due to industrial effluents and untreated sewage. The Godavari River, which flows through Maharashtra and Telangana, is polluted due to industrial waste and agricultural runoff. The Brahmaputra River, which is the lifeline of Assam, is also heavily polluted due to industrial effluents and oil spills.
Key takeaway: Water pollution is a significant problem in India, with the Ganges River being the most polluted river in the country. The causes of pollution in rivers and coastal areas are similar, mainly caused by industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff, exacerbated by the lack of proper sanitation facilities, insufficient regulations, and inadequate sewage treatment plants. The consequences of water pollution in India have severe impacts on human health and the environment, leading to water-borne diseases, cancer, respiratory and skin diseases, and environmental degradation.
Causes of Pollution in Other Rivers
The causes of pollution in other rivers in India are similar to those in the Ganges. Industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff are the primary contributors to river pollution in India. The lack of proper sanitation facilities, inadequate sewage treatment plants, and insufficient regulations on industrial waste disposal exacerbate the problem.
Coastal Pollution
India’s coastline is over 7,500 km long, and coastal pollution is a significant problem in the country. The coastal areas of Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are heavily polluted due to industrial effluents and untreated sewage. The discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste into the sea has led to the contamination of seafood, causing severe health problems.
Key takeaway: Water pollution is a significant problem in India, primarily caused by industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff. The Ganges River is the most polluted river in India, while several other rivers and coastal areas are also heavily polluted. The consequences of water pollution are severe, leading to water-borne diseases, environmental degradation, and severe health problems such as cancer, respiratory diseases, and skin diseases.
Causes of Coastal Pollution
The causes of coastal pollution are similar to those of river pollution. Industrial effluents and untreated sewage are the primary contributors to coastal pollution in India. The lack of proper sewage treatment facilities, inadequate regulations on industrial waste disposal, and the absence of strict enforcement mechanisms exacerbate the problem.
Consequences of Water Pollution
Water pollution in India has severe consequences for human health and the environment. The contaminated water leads to water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A. The pollution also affects marine life, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic creatures. The agricultural runoff from the use of pesticides and fertilizers affects soil fertility and contaminates groundwater.
Health Impacts
The health impacts of water pollution in India are severe. The consumption of contaminated water leads to water-borne diseases, with millions of people suffering from diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid each year. The pollution also causes cancer, respiratory diseases, and skin diseases.
Environmental Impacts
The environmental impacts of water pollution in India are also severe. The pollution affects marine life, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic creatures. The agricultural runoff from the use of pesticides and fertilizers affects soil fertility and contaminates groundwater, leading to long-term environmental degradation.
FAQs: Where is Water Pollution in India?
What are the major sources of water pollution in India?
India, being an agricultural country, agriculture practices like excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides are the major sources of water pollution in India. Additionally, industrial waste, domestic sewage, and untreated wastewater from commercial establishments that are disposed of directly into rivers and other surface water bodies contribute significantly to water pollution.
Which are the most polluted rivers in India?
The most polluted rivers in India are the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari. These rivers are polluted with industrial waste, domestic sewage, and high levels of toxic metals, which exceed the permissible limits.
What are the health risks associated with drinking polluted water in India?
Drinking polluted water can cause a range of health problems in India, especially in rural areas where filtration systems are not widely available. Waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and diarrhea are common, and they can cause severe dehydration and death in severe cases. Additionally, excessive drinking of polluted water which contains heavy metals like lead and arsenic can cause chronic health problems like kidney disease, neurological disorders, and cancer.
What steps has the government taken to address water pollution in India?
The government of India has implemented various policies and programs to address water pollution in India. The National River Conservation Plan, the National Water Policy, and the Swachh Bharat Mission are some notable examples. The government also imposed strict laws and regulations on the discharge of wastewater from industries and commercial establishments.
What can individuals do to help reduce water pollution in India?
Individuals can help to reduce water pollution in India by adopting environmentally friendly practices such as reducing water usage, installing water-saving appliances in homes, and using organic fertilizers in agriculture. People can also participate in cleaning drives to remove non-degradable waste from rivers, lakes, and other water bodies in their local communities. Additionally, educating oneself and the society at large about the importance of water conservation and pollution-free water bodies can help promote positive change.
