Cleaning The Ganga: Strategies To Reduce Pollution

The Ganges river is one of the most important natural water resources in the world, with more than 400 million people living at its basin. The river is considered sacred by Hindus and is used for bathing, cooking, washing clothes, and conducting funerals, among other things. However, due to this immense usage, the Ganges has become severely polluted, posing significant threats to human health and the environment.

To reduce pollution in the Ganges, several measures have been proposed and implemented over the years, including:

- The Indian government's Ganga Action Plan (GAP), launched in 1985, aimed at improving water quality by intercepting, diverting, and treating domestic sewage and preventing industrial waste from entering the river.

- The National Ganga River Basin Project (NGRBP), a $1 billion initiative launched by the World Bank in 2011, focused on creating bank investments in water sanitation and improving waste management in India.

- The Ganga Action Parivar (GAP), an Indian organisation that takes a diplomatic approach to fighting water pollution through communication, media outreach, and fundraising.

- The Namami Gange Programme, a flagship initiative of the Indian government with a budget of ₹20,000 crore, aims to effectively abate pollution, conserve, and rejuvenate the Ganges through wastewater treatment and river-surface cleaning.

- Promoting massive water conservation and water resource management, including rainwater harvesting schemes, at both centralised and decentralised levels within the Ganga River Basin.

- Implementing detailed legislation to prevent any source of pollution and protect the health of the river.

- Encouraging public awareness and education campaigns to prevent pollution and promote eco-consciousness.

- Restoring ecological flows at every point along the Ganges' course and preventing wastewater, especially sewage and industrial waste, from mixing with the river.

- Proper disposal of industrial waste and sewage treatment to reduce the amount of untreated waste entering the river.

- Improving water management practices and upgrading water supply and wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Stop industrial waste from being dumped into the river

The Ganges River, or Ganga, is one of the most important natural water resources in the world, with over 400 million people living at its basin. However, the river is severely polluted with industrial waste, making it dangerous for drinking or bathing. Here are some ways to stop industrial waste from being dumped into the river:

Implement and enforce laws and regulations

The Indian government should enforce existing laws, such as the Water (Prevention and Control) Act of 1974, the Human Rights Act, the Forest Act, the Biodiversity Act, and the Environmental Protection Act, to punish corporate and industrial offenders with fines and imprisonment for dumping toxic waste into the river.

Improve waste treatment technologies

Many of the sewage treatment plants (STPs) built under the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) are ineffective at treating heavy metal toxins, so even treated waters released into the river remain toxic. Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) must be mandatory for all industries, and industries should adopt zero-discharge technologies to treat their wastewater.

Reuse treated effluent

Industries should recycle and reuse their treated effluent to meet their industrial process water and irrigation requirements, reducing the amount of wastewater released into the river.

Improve water quality monitoring

The parameters for monitoring river water quality, such as dissolved oxygen (DO) and biological oxygen demand (BOD), are inadequate as they only account for decaying organic matter and not for persistent toxins like heavy metals. More comprehensive monitoring methods are needed to effectively treat and monitor the discharge of industrial waste.

Get the public involved

Regular and consistent water quality monitoring data should be made available to the public. Encourage public and social participation in the process of monitoring and implementing policies and laws to reduce industrial waste dumping. Provide incentives, training, and capacity-building programs to industries that use eco-friendly technologies to reduce toxic discharge.

Establish a Special Ganga Police Force

Empower a Special Ganga Police Force to enforce the law through investigations, fines, detention, and other actions against repeat corporate and industrial offenders who dump waste into the river.

Implement better waste management control

Implementing better waste management control is crucial to reducing pollution in the Ganga River. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to improve waste management and address this pressing issue:

Sewage Waste Management:

• Prioritize the treatment of sewage waste, which accounts for 80% of the pollution in the Ganga River.
• Construct and efficiently operate sewage treatment plants to ensure effective treatment of sewage before it is discharged into the river.
• Implement measures to prevent the disposal of untreated sewage and human waste into the river.
• Encourage the use of cloth bags to reduce plastic waste, which often ends up in the river.
• Provide garbage bins on boats to collect waste from the river and prevent direct disposal into the water.

Industrial Waste Management:

• Strictly regulate and control the disposal of industrial waste, particularly from tanneries, paper mills, distilleries, and sugar mills, which contribute significantly to the river's pollution.
• Implement and enforce legislation that prohibits the dumping of toxic industrial waste into the river.
• Develop and enforce standards for industrial waste treatment and disposal to ensure that waste is properly managed before it enters the river.
• Encourage industries to adopt cleaner production technologies and practices to reduce the generation of hazardous waste.

Solid Waste Management:

• Address the issue of solid waste, such as plastic and polythene, being thrown into the river.
• Implement measures to collect and properly dispose of solid waste to prevent it from entering the river and blocking sewerage systems.
• Educate the public about the harmful effects of disposing of non-biodegradable trash, such as plastics, into the river.
• Encourage recycling and proper waste disposal practices among the population.

Agricultural Management:

• Mitigate the negative impacts of water-intensive farming and inorganic farm run-off, which contribute dangerous chemicals to the river.
• Promote sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices that reduce the use of harmful chemicals, such as DDT and HDH.
• Implement regulations and guidelines for farmers to ensure that agricultural waste and run-off are properly managed and do not pollute the river.
• Encourage the use of organic farming methods and natural pesticides to reduce the environmental impact on the river.

Improve sewage treatment infrastructure

Improving sewage treatment infrastructure is a crucial aspect of reducing pollution in the Ganga River. Here are some detailed suggestions and actions to address this issue:

Decentralised Sewage Treatment Plants (dSTPs)

Promote and encourage the exclusive use of decentralised sewage treatment plants (dSTPs) at the colony level. Reusing treated wastewater for irrigation and diverting it into natural drains is an eco-friendly approach. For upcoming cities, smart cities, and those without master plans, allocate land for dSTPs. Encourage and incentivise dSTPs below 10 MLD under urban development and real estate schemes.

Efficiency, Reliability and Technology

The efficiency, reliability and technology of existing and planned STPs need to be independently verified. This assessment will determine if the technology is sustainable and provides value for money. Many STPs in Kanpur, for example, are not meeting environmental standards due to unrealistic assumptions and poor technology choices.

Local Storages

Develop and restore local storages, such as ponds, lakes and wetlands, as a permanent solution to both floods and droughts. Only 10% of monsoon rainfall is currently harvested. The restoration of these natural water bodies should be central to river conservation strategies.

Natural Drains

Bring back the health and functionality of natural drains that empty into the river. These have been converted into sewage carriers by municipalities and planning bodies, negatively impacting the river ecosystem.

Tributaries and Streams

Start restoring lower-order streams and smaller tributaries in the Ganga Basin. Every river is important, and they have been overlooked in the past. The Ganga has eight major tributaries, and they, along with the smaller rivers that join them, require equal attention and restoration efforts.

River-Corridors

Identify, define and protect 'river-corridors' as areas free from cement or concrete structures. Infrastructure development and riverfront projects often destroy the river ecosystem. Populist measures in the name of area development must be stopped to protect and conserve surface water sources.

Groundwater Recharge

Restore base flows through groundwater recharge. Groundwater significantly contributes to river flows, especially during lean seasons in the entire Ganga Basin. Groundwater rejuvenation is linked to the idea of Ganga rejuvenation. Effective planning and regulation of groundwater withdrawal and recharge are necessary to make the rivers perennial.

Ecological Flow Regime

Define the desired ecological flow regime in the Ganga main stem and its tributaries. This regime should not be a static figure but one that allows for the rejuvenation of the river. Dwindling flows due to over-allocation threaten the river's functions. Additional flow can be augmented by improving irrigation practices and canal efficiency. Old, inefficient dams should be decommissioned.

Innovative Revenue Generation

Develop new and innovative ways to generate sufficient revenues for the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure. Municipalities are struggling to operate existing STPs due to a lack of financing. Tapping into bond markets can be one way to secure the required funds for maintenance and upkeep.

Raise awareness about the importance of a clean Ganga

Raising awareness about the importance of a clean Ganga is a crucial step in reducing pollution and restoring the river's health. Here are four to six paragraphs detailing the significance of this initiative:

The Ganga, also known as the Ganges, is India's longest river and one of the most important natural water resources in the world. Over 400 million people rely on the Ganga for their daily needs, including bathing, cooking, and washing. The river is also of immense religious significance in the Hindu faith, with many considering it sacred. However, due to the high level of human activity, the Ganga has become severely polluted, posing a significant threat to both human health and the environment.

Raising awareness about the importance of a clean Ganga is vital to galvanising collective action. By educating people about the river's ecological, social, and cultural value, we can foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility. This awareness will lead to a better understanding of the impact of their actions on the river and encourage them to adopt more sustainable practices. It is essential to convey that the Ganga is not just a source of water but also a lifeline that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna and sustains numerous communities along its banks.

The pollution of the Ganga has severe consequences for the health and well-being of those who depend on it. Untreated sewage, industrial waste, and religious offerings dumped into the river contribute to high levels of toxic contamination. As a result, waterborne diseases are prevalent, and the river's water is unsafe for drinking and even irrigation. By raising awareness about these health risks, people will understand the urgency of keeping the Ganga clean and the importance of proper waste disposal and treatment methods.

Additionally, the Ganga's pollution has cultural and spiritual implications. For Hindus, the river is considered holy, and bathing in its waters is believed to cleanse sins. However, when the river is polluted, these religious practices become compromised. Raising awareness about the importance of a clean Ganga from a religious perspective can mobilise faith-based organisations and communities to take an active role in its preservation. This can include promoting eco-friendly alternatives for religious offerings and proper waste disposal methods during religious gatherings and festivals.

Furthermore, raising awareness can lead to increased public pressure on industries and governments to implement more effective pollution control measures. By educating people about their rights to a clean and healthy environment, they can advocate for stricter regulations and better enforcement of existing laws. This includes demanding improved waste management systems and holding industries accountable for their environmental impact. A well-informed public can also contribute to scientific research and monitoring efforts, providing valuable data and insights that can inform policy decisions and conservation strategies.

Lastly, raising awareness about the importance of a clean Ganga can foster a sense of pride and connection to this iconic river. By understanding the Ganga's rich history and cultural significance, people will be motivated to protect and preserve it for future generations. This sense of collective ownership can lead to the development of community-led initiatives and grassroots movements that work alongside government efforts to restore and maintain the river's health.

Ban religious waste from being thrown into the river

The Ganges River is considered the holiest river in the Hindu faith, with many rituals and traditions associated with it. However, these religious practices have also contributed significantly to the river's severe pollution. Tons of religious waste, including flower offerings, idols, and partially cremated bodies, are thrown into the river daily, posing a serious threat to the health of the river and the millions of people who depend on it.

To reduce pollution in the Ganges, it is imperative to implement a complete ban on throwing any form of religious waste into the river. This means no more flower offerings, leaves, food waste, or idols made from non-biodegradable materials such as plastic or cement. These items choke drainage systems, resist the flow of water, and increase stagnation, exacerbating the pollution problem.

The practice of cremating bodies on the river banks and depositing the ashes or partially burnt remains into the river is also detrimental to the river's health. In Varanasi alone, an estimated 40,000 bodies are cremated annually and deposited into the Ganges, with many of them only partially burnt due to the high cost of cremation wood. This has led to the discovery of 'super bacteria' in the river, resistant to most commonly used antibiotics.

While respecting the religious significance of the river, it is crucial to recognize the impact of these practices on the environment and the health of those who depend on the river. Alternative methods of disposing of religious waste must be implemented and strictly enforced to protect the Ganges.

Furthermore, public awareness campaigns and education are essential to ensure that people understand the impact of their actions. By working together and making small changes, such as turning devotional flowers into joss sticks instead of throwing them into the river, individuals can play an active role in reducing pollution and preserving the sanctity of the Ganges.

In conclusion, banning religious waste from being thrown into the river is a crucial step towards reducing pollution in the Ganges. This will help protect the health and well-being of the millions of people who rely on this vital natural resource.

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