The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently instructed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to create a National River Rejuvenation Mechanism for the country. The directive is aimed at strengthening the monitoring of steps taken to reduce pollution and restore all contaminated river routes across the nation.
Assessment of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
According to the CPCB’s 2016-17 assessment, the number of polluted stretches in the nation’s rivers has risen from 302 to 351 in two years. The number of critically polluted stretches—where water quality indicators are the worst—has increased from 34 to 45. Of these, 117 such river stretches are in Assam, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Since the 1990s, the CPCB has implemented a program designed to monitor the quality of rivers. The main measurement used is the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), which is a reflection of organic pollution; a higher BOD indicates a more polluted river. The CPCB regards a BOD less than 3 mg/l as a sign of a healthy river.
Initiatives by the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
The NGT established a Central Monitoring Committee tasked with creating and implementing a national plan to eliminate pollution from over 350 river stretches nationwide. The plan aims to address the serious threats water pollution poses to both water safety and the environment.
About the Latest Directive
Despite the enactment of the Water Act in 1974, there has been a decline in water quality in rivers. To counter this, the NGT suggested the establishment of the National River Rejuvenation Mechanism (NRRM). The NRRM may consider creating a National, State, or district environment data grid at appropriate levels for effective monitoring.
The process of restoring rivers should not be confined to the 351 stretches already identified, but should include all small, medium, and large polluted rivers. This also includes dried-up rivers.
Implementation Challenges
Effective measures should be taken by the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to develop action plans for pollution abatement and river rejuvenation. These officials are required to monitor progress personally once every month, and the NRRM every quarter.
Causes and Impact of River Pollution
Rapid urbanization, lack of efficient waste disposal systems, industrial cities on the banks of rivers, and run-off from agricultural activities are the main causes of river pollution. The World Bank estimates that the health costs of water pollution in India equal three percent of India’s GDP, attributing up to one-third of deaths to water-borne diseases.
Constitutional Provisions and Initiatives
Article 21 of the Constitution protects the fundamental right to a clean environment, including pollution-free water. Article 51-A (g) mandates every citizen’s duty to protect and improve the natural environment.
The National Water Policy (2012), National Water Mission (2010), and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) are key initiatives to tackle water pollution at the national level. While the National Water Mission ensures integrated water resource management, the NMCG focuses on preventing environmental pollution in the Ganga River. The Namami Gange Project also aims to clean and protect the Ganga River comprehensively.
