Helena Joyce
India's polluted rivers are becoming a global concern. A little over half of India's 605 rivers were found to be polluted in 2022, with Maharashtra being the state with the highest number of polluted stretches. The country's mounting untreated waste is a problem with consequences that extend beyond its borders. India's vast river systems are home to 18% of the world's unique aquatic animals and plants, and millions of people depend on them for their survival. However, untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and unregulated small-scale industries contribute to the pollution of these vital water sources.
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What You'll Learn
India's polluted rivers are becoming a global issue
India's polluted rivers are becoming a pressing global issue. The country is home to 605 rivers, and in 2022, the Central Pollution Control Board found that slightly more than half of them were polluted. This issue is not merely a domestic concern but also a contributor to the worldwide problem of waste leakage into water bodies.
The primary sources of river pollution in India are untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and unregulated small-scale industries. Sewage discharged from cities, towns, and villages is the most significant cause, with major cities producing 38,354 million litres of sewage per day, while the treatment capacity is only 11,786 million litres. This has resulted in severely polluted rivers, with high levels of organic and bacterial contamination. The Ganga River, India's largest and a sacred site, has alarmingly high levels of faecal coliform, with 71% of monitoring stations reporting excessive amounts. The river Yamuna, also considered sacred, is in a similar state, with a dramatic increase in pollution over the past decade.
Agricultural runoff is another significant factor, as pesticides and fertilizers contaminate water sources, affecting soil fertility and reducing crop yields. Many pesticides used in India, such as Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), Aldrin, and Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), have been banned internationally due to their environmental damage but remain easily accessible and affordable alternatives for farmers. These chemicals are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and are potential carcinogens and mutagens. The levels of POPs found in several Indian rivers far exceed the WHO permissible limit.
The consequences of India's polluted rivers extend beyond its borders. A study by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) estimated that in 2020, India contributed to 10% of waste leakage into the world's rivers, and this figure is expected to grow without improved waste management. India currently accounts for 17% of the world's scattered municipal waste, and its mounting untreated waste poses a significant threat to global water bodies.
The impact of India's polluted rivers is felt domestically as well, with millions of people dependent on these river systems for their survival. Additionally, India's rivers support 18% of the world's unique aquatic animals and plants, and the pollution severely threatens this biodiversity. The economic costs are also significant, including healthcare expenses, loss of livelihoods for fishing communities, and water treatment and purification expenditures.
Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, investment is needed to increase sewage treatment capacity and improve the maintenance of existing plants. Secondly, there should be a shift towards better waste management practices, including the establishment of a circular waste management system and the implementation of global treaties with standardized frameworks for municipal solid waste disposal. Finally, India should continue its efforts to clean up its rivers, such as the Ganga rejuvenation initiatives and the Chennai River Restoration trust's work, while also ensuring coordination among the various ministries and departments responsible for water management.
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Maharashtra has the most polluted rivers
India has a total of 605 rivers, and a little over half of them were found to be polluted by the Central Pollution Control Board in 2022. The pollution in these rivers is caused by various factors, including untreated sewage, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and solid waste.
The state of Maharashtra has been identified as a significant contributor to river pollution in India. One of the most polluted rivers in Maharashtra is the Panchganga, which translates to "five rivers." The Panchganga is an important river located in Karnataka and Maharashtra, serving as a major tributary of the Krishna River. It receives water from four tributaries: the Kasari, the Kumbhi, the Tulsi, and the Bhogavati. The primary source of pollution in the Panchganga is the discharge of industrial waste, particularly from the many textile processing mills in Ichalkaranji that release their effluents and dyes into the river.
Another river in Maharashtra that faces significant pollution is the Godavari. The Godavari, the second-longest river in India, has been polluted by partially treated or untreated sewage and industrial effluents. The river originates in Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra, and the pollution starts from there, with higher levels of industrial waste found in the districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, and Khammam. Despite the Godavari River Pollution Control Scheme being introduced in 1991, not much tangible progress has been made over the decades.
The issue of river pollution in Maharashtra and India as a whole has severe consequences. It poses a major health risk, with high levels of contaminants such as arsenic and fluoride reported in many areas. The pollution also impacts agriculture, reducing crop yields and affecting food security. Furthermore, the economic costs of water pollution are significant, including healthcare expenses, loss of livelihoods for fishing communities, and water treatment expenditures.
To address the river pollution crisis, various government-led initiatives have been undertaken. For example, the Ganga Rejuvenation efforts by the union government and the Yamuna clean-up aim to improve the conditions of these sacred rivers. Additionally, civil society organizations like the Environmentalist Foundation of India are actively working to clean lakes and ponds across the country. However, the complexity of India's bureaucracy and the fragmented management of water issues among various ministries and departments remain challenges to effective implementation.
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Untreated sewage is the largest source of river pollution
India's polluted rivers are becoming a global concern. A little over half of India's 605 rivers were found to be polluted by the Central Pollution Control Board in 2022. The country's mounting untreated waste is a problem with far-reaching consequences.
The gap between sewage generation and treatment capacity is significant. Major cities in India produce 38,354 million litres of sewage per day, but the urban sewage treatment capacity is only 11,786 million litres per day. This has led to severe pollution of many Indian rivers, including the Ganga and Yamuna, which are among the most polluted rivers in the world. The Ganga, for instance, is polluted with human waste and industrial contaminants.
In addition to untreated sewage, other sources of river pollution in India include agricultural runoff and unregulated small-scale industry. Pesticides, such as Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), are commonly used in agriculture and contribute to water pollution. The discharge of industrial effluents, including heavy metals and chemicals, also poses a significant threat to water quality and marine life.
The Indian government has initiated various efforts to address river pollution, including the Ganga rejuvenation efforts and the Yamuna clean-up. However, the complex bureaucracy and fragmented responsibility among different ministries and departments have hindered effective water management. There is a need for increased investment in sewage treatment infrastructure and improved waste management practices to reduce river pollution in India.
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Pesticides and fertilisers contaminate water sources
India's polluted rivers are becoming a global concern. In 2022, the Central Pollution Control Board found that more than half of India's 605 rivers were polluted. Pesticides and fertilisers are significant contributors to this issue.
Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilisers is a major source of water pollution in India. The use of pesticides in agriculture has increased globally, with around 4.12 million tonnes applied in 2018—a 50% increase from the 1990s. This has led to the contamination of water sources and soil fertility, impacting crop yields and food security. India's rivers support 18% of the world's unique aquatic plants and animals, and millions of people depend on these river systems for their survival.
Pesticides are often persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are resistant to degradation. These chemicals accumulate in the environment and can pose severe threats to humans and other organisms. Studies have found pesticide residues in India's water resources, soil, fish, and sediments, indicating historical and recent use of banned pesticides. The levels of POPs in several Indian rivers exceed the WHO permissible limit, posing significant health risks.
The introduction of agrochemicals, such as Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), into water bodies can cause bioaccumulation. India has used over 350,000 million tonnes of DDT since 1985, despite its ban in 1989. These chemicals are potential carcinogens and mutagens, with long-lasting effects on the environment and human health.
Non-point sources of pesticide contamination originate from agricultural fields, where runoff and erosion allow pesticides to leach into groundwater and surface water. Additionally, urban use, pesticide production factories, and industrial activities contribute to water pollution. The improper disposal of wastewater from industries into rivers further exacerbates the problem.
Addressing the issue of pesticide and fertiliser contamination in water sources requires a comprehensive approach. This includes improving waste management practices, investing in sewage treatment infrastructure, and reducing the use of harmful pesticides. Community participation and decentralised water management can also play a vital role in mitigating the impact of pollution on India's precious water resources.
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Water pollution severely limits water availability
India's polluted rivers are becoming a global concern. In 2022, the Central Pollution Control Board identified 311 polluted river stretches across 279 rivers in 30 states/UTs in the country. This accounts for a little over half of India's 605 rivers. Maharashtra had the highest number of polluted stretches at 55, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 19.
Agricultural runoff is another major source of water pollution in India. Pesticides and fertilizers contaminate water sources, affecting soil fertility and reducing crop yields. Many pesticides that have been banned worldwide, such as Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and Aldrin, are still commonly used in India due to their cheap cost and easy availability. These chemicals are resistant to degradation and can cause bioaccumulation in water bodies, posing severe health risks as they are potential carcinogens and mutagens.
India's mounting untreated waste is not just a domestic issue but also a global concern. A study estimates that India is at risk of being one of the top contributors to waste leakage into aquatic environments. The consequences of poor waste segregation practices and inadequate waste management systems are far-reaching, impacting not only India's vast river systems and unique aquatic biodiversity but also the millions of people who depend on these water sources for their survival.
The economic impact of water pollution in India is significant. It includes healthcare costs, loss of livelihoods (especially for fishing communities), and expenses for water treatment and purification. Additionally, water pollution affects soil fertility, leading to reduced crop yields and impacting food security. The Indian government has initiated efforts to address this issue, such as the Ganga rejuvenation and the Yamuna clean-up projects. However, the complex bureaucracy and fragmented responsibility among various ministries and departments hinder the effective management of water issues.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2022, the Central Pollution Control Board identified 311 polluted river stretches on 279 rivers in 30 states/UTs. This was based on indicators of organic pollution, i.e. biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). However, another source states that 351 polluted river stretches were identified in 2021.
The largest source of water pollution in India is untreated sewage. Other sources of pollution include agricultural runoff and unregulated small-scale industry. Pesticides and fertilizers contaminate water sources and wastewater from many industries is often discarded in rivers.
River pollution in India has severe health, environmental, and economic impacts. It causes health problems such as cancer and affects food security by reducing crop yields. It also limits water availability for consumers, industry, and agriculture. The economic costs include healthcare expenses, loss of livelihoods, and water treatment expenses.
