Bronte Wells
Water pollution is a pressing issue in India. The country has passed various laws and policies to prevent and control water pollution, such as the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act. However, this Act has been criticised for not addressing groundwater management policies or the indiscriminate tapping of groundwater and rainwater harvesting. To prevent water pollution, India must improve its wastewater treatment processes to support the recycling and recovery of water and nutrients. Treatment of domestic sewage and the utilisation of treated sewage for irrigation can also help prevent water pollution and reduce the demand for freshwater.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment of domestic sewage | Utilisation of treated sewage for irrigation |
| Wastewater treatment | Critical for sustainable water and nutrient management |
| Laws and policies | Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act |
What You'll Learn
Treatment of domestic sewage
One of the most effective ways to prevent water pollution in India is through the treatment of domestic sewage. Treated sewage can be utilised for irrigation, which not only prevents the pollution of water bodies but also reduces the demand for fresh water.
The treatment of domestic sewage is a critical component of sustainable water and nutrient management. However, India's wastewater treatment infrastructure requires significant improvement to meet the country's environmental standards.
The Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act, passed by the Indian Parliament, was one of the earliest attempts to address water pollution. Unfortunately, this Act has several drawbacks, including a lack of focus on groundwater management policies and the indiscriminate tapping of groundwater and rainwater harvesting.
To address these challenges, India has established the Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution Control Board. These boards are responsible for promoting the cleanliness of streams and wells across the state. The Central Pollution Control Board, in particular, advises the central government on matters related to water pollution prevention and control.
Through a combination of improved wastewater treatment, stricter legislation, and the dedicated efforts of pollution control boards, India can make significant strides in preventing water pollution and protecting its precious water resources.
Temperature's Impact: Unseen Pollution and Its Effects
You may want to see also
Groundwater management policies
Groundwater is India's most crucial water reserve and the management of this resource is essential. The Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act is one of the earliest acts passed by the Indian Parliament to control water pollution, but it does not include groundwater management policies.
The World Bank has signed an agreement to improve groundwater management in select states of India. The program will enhance the recharge of aquifers and introduce water conservation practices, promote activities related to water harvesting, water management, and crop alignment, and create an institutional structure for sustainable groundwater management.
The Atal Bhujal Yojana intends to strengthen the institutional framework for participatory groundwater management and encourage behavioural changes at the community level for sustainable groundwater resource management.
A book titled *Groundwater Management in India: Physical, Institutional and Policy Alternatives* compiles nine research papers discussing various aspects of groundwater management. It attempts to integrate knowledge about the physical system, the socio-economic system, the institutional set-up, and the policy environment to provide a realistic analysis of the situation.
One of the papers in the book argues that the monopoly power enjoyed by water sellers cannot be reduced by pricing policies, but by improving the transferability of groundwater. Another paper suggests private tradable property rights and the development of water markets as the institutional tool for achieving equity, efficiency, and sustainability of groundwater use.
How Vinegar Can Pollute and Harm the Environment
You may want to see also
Clean tap water access
One way to improve access to clean tap water is to treat domestic sewage and utilise treated sewage for irrigation. This can prevent pollution of water bodies and reduce the demand for fresh water.
Wastewater treatment is also critical for sustainable water and nutrient management. By treating wastewater, we can recycle and recover water and nutrients, preventing pollution and supporting the environment.
However, it is important to note that India's wastewater treatment infrastructure needs significant improvement to meet government environmental standards. This includes upgrading treatment facilities and implementing better management practices to ensure that treated water is safe and accessible to all.
By addressing these issues and improving wastewater treatment, India can move towards ensuring that all citizens have access to clean tap water, reducing water pollution, and promoting better health and environmental outcomes.
Purifying Polluted Water: Can We Make It Drinkable?
You may want to see also
Wastewater treatment
To improve wastewater treatment, India can focus on several key areas. Firstly, the treatment of domestic sewage is essential. By properly treating sewage and utilising it for irrigation, India can prevent the pollution of water bodies and reduce the demand for freshwater. This also supports the recycling and recovery of water and nutrients, contributing to sustainable water and nutrient management.
Secondly, India can continue to develop and enforce environmental standards for wastewater treatment. While the Central Pollution Control Board, established by the central authorities, promotes the cleanliness of streams and wells, there is room for improvement to meet the Indian government's environmental standards.
Additionally, stakeholder engagement is crucial. Workshops and initiatives led by organisations like the UNEP and its Global Wastewater Initiative can help inform decision-makers and authorities about the latest findings, recommendations, and possible actions to improve wastewater treatment in India.
By addressing these areas, India can make significant progress in preventing water pollution through effective wastewater treatment, ensuring cleaner water sources for its citizens and a healthier environment overall.
Ways to Clean Up Water Pollution
You may want to see also
Laws and policies
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, also known as the Water Act, is the central legislation in the control of water pollution in India. The Act was enacted to prevent and control water pollution and prohibits the discharge of pollutants into the water system in excess of standards. The Water Act was amended in 1988 to bring its provisions in line with the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The Indian Constitution stipulates that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. This includes the establishment of a National Green Tribunal (NGT) for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources.
To give practical implementation to the Water Act, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) have been established by the central and state authorities. The CPCB is to promote the cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the state and has the power to advise the central government on matters concerning the prevention and control of water pollution.
The court has observed that the right to clean water is a basic human right and that the state has a duty to prevent water from becoming polluted. In the case of MC Mehta vs. The Union of India, the court held that preventing the water of the River Ganga from being polluted is of utmost importance.
Treatment Plants: Unseen Pollution Culprits or Scapegoats?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act was one of the earliest acts passed by the Indian Parliament to control the pollution of water. However, it does not cover groundwater management policies or the indiscriminate tapping of groundwater and rainwater harvesting.
The Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution Control Board have been established by the central and state authorities to promote the cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the state.
Treatment of domestic sewage and subsequent utilisation of treated sewage for irrigation can prevent pollution of water bodies and reduce the demand for fresh water.
Wastewater treatment supports the recycling and recovery of water and nutrients and is, therefore, critical for sustainable water and nutrient management, while preventing pollution.
