Water Pollution In India: Solutions For A Cleaner Future

Water pollution is a significant issue in India, with around 70% of surface water unfit for consumption. The primary sources of water pollution in India are untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and unregulated small-scale industry. India's rapid urbanization and industrialization have resulted in an increase in toxic water bodies, with an estimated 40 million litres of wastewater entering rivers and other water bodies daily. To combat this issue, the Indian government has implemented various initiatives, such as the National Green Tribunal and the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide drinkable tap water to every rural home by 2024. Additionally, the government has partnered with organizations like Water.org to increase access to safe water and sanitation for families living in poverty. The World Bank has also supported the government's efforts by providing financing for projects focused on groundwater management and improving water supply and sanitation services in rural areas. Furthermore, modern systems like MBBR, which uses biological processes to treat water, are being explored to improve sewage treatment.

Characteristics and Values of Water Pollution in India

Improve sewage treatment capacity

India's sewage treatment capacity is higher than the global average of 20%. However, considering the magnitude of the problem, it is insufficient. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) in India can handle a little more than a third of the sewage generated per day. Major cities in India produce 38,354 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, but the urban sewage treatment capacity is only 11,786 MLD.

The Indian government has plans to improve this share. In 2021, more than 50% of the sewage generated in urban centres was treated. India has built more than 800 STPs in the last six years and tightened discharge limits. The government has also adopted new financial mechanisms to fund these projects. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has set strict requirements for plant discharges, which were upheld by the Supreme Court of India in June 2021.

To improve sewage treatment capacity, India can invest in upgrading existing STPs and building new ones. This presents business opportunities for technology providers, contractors, and equipment suppliers. Additionally, the reuse of treated sewage can decrease water demand from aquatic sources.

The adoption of modern systems, such as MBBR, SBR, and ASP, can also help improve sewage treatment capacity. MBBR, invented in Norway, uses biological processes to treat water and remove pollutants. However, it is challenging to adopt for large sewage treatment plants due to high maintenance costs.

To meet the environmental goals, India needs to improve the implementation of sewage treatment standards. The Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO) should provide price advisories for the entire life cycle of STPs, and public funding should be the sole source of financing for these projects.

Reduce industrial waste

Industrial waste is one of the biggest causes of water contamination in India. The country's rapid industrialization has resulted in a significant increase in industrial waste, which often ends up in water systems, causing severe pollution and negatively impacting the environment, human health, and aquatic life.

To reduce industrial waste and mitigate its impact on water pollution in India, several measures can be implemented:

Implement Effective Wastewater Treatment Systems

The treatment of industrial wastewater is essential to remove pollutants before releasing it into the environment. India should invest in modern wastewater treatment technologies, such as the MBBR system, which uses biological processes to treat water effectively. The government should also ensure that existing sewage treatment plants are properly maintained and operated, addressing issues like poor design, maintenance, and electricity supply.

Reduce and Treat Solid Waste

Solid waste generated by industrial processes should be managed effectively through recycling, composting, and proper disposal methods. This includes reducing the use of hazardous materials and promoting the use of biodegradable and recyclable products in industries.

Improve Industrial Processes

Optimizing industrial processes through advanced automation, monitoring systems, and control strategies can help minimize waste generation. Industries should also explore ways to complete processes without using or producing harsh chemicals and other harmful byproducts, such as through "green chemistry" initiatives.

Implement Pollution Prevention Strategies

Conducting systematic environmental audits can help identify sources of pollution and their impact on water sources. Industries should also collaborate with stakeholders, including NGOs, suppliers, and staff, to develop and implement effective pollution prevention strategies. This includes identifying and eliminating or reducing pollutant sources through process modification, substitution of raw materials, or product redesign.

Promote Energy Efficiency

Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices in industries can reduce overall energy consumption, which, in turn, decreases pollution associated with energy production. This includes investing in renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency in manufacturing processes.

Strengthen Environmental Regulations and Monitoring

Strict environmental regulations are necessary to control the discharge of industrial wastewater and enforce treatment standards. The Indian government should implement and consistently monitor compliance with regulations to ensure industries adhere to wastewater treatment requirements.

Ban harmful pesticides

India is facing a water crisis, with 35 million people lacking access to safe water and 678 million people lacking access to safe toilets. The country's water pollution problem is caused by untreated sewage, industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal. Pesticides are a significant contributor to water pollution in India, with rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, and Krishna reported to be grossly polluted.

To address this issue, banning harmful pesticides is a crucial step. Here are four paragraphs detailing the importance of banning harmful pesticides to reduce water pollution in India:

Paragraph 1:

Banning harmful pesticides is essential to protecting human health and the environment. Many pesticides, such as organochlorines, are persistent in the environment and have low biodegradability. Their indiscriminate use has raised serious concerns due to their rapid fat solubility and bioaccumulation in non-target organisms, including humans. Even at low concentrations, pesticides can exert adverse effects on living systems, impacting biochemical, molecular, and behavioral aspects. By banning these harmful pesticides, India can reduce the health hazards posed to its citizens and the environment.

Paragraph 2:

Pesticides like Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), Aldrin, and Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) have been banned worldwide due to their environmental and health impacts. However, these pesticides are still commonly used in India as cheap and easily accessible alternatives. DDT, for example, has been introduced into Indian water bodies since 1985, despite being banned in 1989. Banning these harmful pesticides in India is crucial to aligning with global environmental standards and protecting its water resources.

Paragraph 3:

The use of agrochemicals like DDT and HCH can lead to bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems, as they are resistant to degradation. This bioaccumulation poses risks to both aquatic life and humans who depend on these water sources. By banning these harmful pesticides, India can reduce the contamination of its water bodies and protect the health of its citizens, especially those who rely on fishing for their livelihoods. This ban will also help restore the balance of aquatic ecosystems, preserving biodiversity and habitat integrity.

Paragraph 4:

Implementing a ban on harmful pesticides in India will require a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, the government should invest in research and development to identify safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to these pesticides. Additionally, strict regulations and enforcement mechanisms should be put in place to ensure the ban is effective. Education and awareness campaigns can also play a vital role in informing farmers and the general public about the dangers of these pesticides and the importance of adopting alternative practices. By combining these strategies, India can successfully reduce the use of harmful pesticides and mitigate their impact on water pollution.

Improve water infrastructure

India's water crisis is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. The country's water resources are under immense pressure from various sources of pollution, including untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial discharge. These pollutants contaminate water bodies, making them unfit for human use and harmful to aquatic life. The problem is further exacerbated by the lack of adequate water infrastructure, which limits access to safe water for millions of people.

To address this pressing issue, improving water infrastructure is crucial. Here are several strategies that can be implemented to achieve this goal:

Investment in Sewage Treatment Plants

The gap between sewage generation and treatment capacity in India is significant. Major cities produce a vast amount of sewage daily, and the current treatment capacity falls far short. Investing in the construction and upgrade of sewage treatment plants is essential to bridge this gap. This includes allocating funds for modern treatment technologies, such as the MBBR system, which uses biological processes to treat water effectively. Upgrading and maintaining existing government-owned sewage treatment plants are also crucial to ensure their proper functioning.

Efficient Wastewater Management

Implementing efficient wastewater management practices is vital. Cities like Chennai are leading the way by recycling wastewater at scale to meet the non-drinking water needs of industries. This reduces the strain on freshwater resources and promotes sustainable water usage. Additionally, initiatives such as the UNEP-funded project in Delhi aim to improve wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery, ensuring that treated wastewater can be safely reused.

Enhancing Access to Safe Water and Sanitation

Affordable access to safe water and sanitation is a fundamental right. Organizations like Water.org have made significant progress in this area, empowering millions of people in India through their WaterCredit solution. By partnering with various institutions and the Government of India, they have increased access to safe water and sanitation for families, especially those living in poverty. Providing small, affordable loans to communities can help them access lasting solutions for safe water and sanitation.

Optimizing Irrigation Practices

India has made substantial investments in irrigation infrastructure over the years, benefiting farmers and rural communities. Optimizing the use of surface and groundwater through improved irrigation practices can help conserve water resources. For example, the World Bank has supported projects in West Bengal that have helped farmers access better irrigation services, enabling them to harvest two crops per year and increase their incomes.

River Rejuvenation and Protection

India's iconic rivers, such as the Ganga, are facing immense pressure from urbanization and sewage discharge. The World Bank has been supporting the Government of India's efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga since 2011, with projects worth $1 billion aimed at building the necessary infrastructure to keep the river clean. Protecting and restoring India's rivers is crucial for the country's cultural and environmental well-being.

International Support and Collaboration

International organizations, such as the World Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), play a vital role in supporting India's water infrastructure improvements. The World Bank has financed numerous projects to enhance water supply and sanitation services in rural and underserved areas. UNEP initiatives, like the study on reducing pollution in Delhi's waterways, offer valuable insights into efficient wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery practices.

By implementing these strategies and continuing to prioritize water infrastructure development, India can make significant strides toward ensuring safe and sustainable water access for its vast population, protecting the environment, and safeguarding public health.

Increase water conservation

Water pollution is a pressing issue in India, with the country facing a significant water crisis. Sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff are the main sources of water pollution, severely impacting the health and economy of the nation. To address this crisis, increasing water conservation is essential. Here are some ways to achieve that:

Water Conservation in Agriculture:

• On-farm adoption of drip irrigation: This method allows for precise water application to plant root zones, reducing water loss through runoff or deep percolation. It increases crop yield and gross revenue while conserving water.
• Water-saving technologies: Farmers can invest in water-saving technologies, such as efficient irrigation systems, to reduce water diversions from streams and increase crop yield. This can lead to higher income per unit of land.
• Groundwater management: India's groundwater program, Atal Bhujal Yojana, aims to improve groundwater management by helping communities understand their water availability and usage patterns. This knowledge enables them to budget their water use effectively.
• Incentivizing schemes: Implementing schemes like "Paani Bachao, Paisa Kamao" (Save Water, Earn Money) can motivate farmers to reduce groundwater usage. For example, providing cash incentives for saving electricity used for irrigation can result in significant water savings.

Water Conservation in Daily Life:

• Upgrading to efficient fixtures: Installing water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors can reduce water flow during showers without compromising cleansing effects.
• Toilet habits: Composting toilets are an effective way to cut water waste, as they require no water and keep nutrients and pollutants out of waterways. Additionally, avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket, as flushing small trash items wastes gallons of water.
• Dishwashing and laundry: When washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing. If you have a dishwasher or washing machine, use it only for full loads to save water and money.
• Rainwater harvesting: Capturing rainwater using rain barrels or catchment systems can provide untreated water for gardens, reducing water bills and promoting healthier plants.
• Reducing waste: Proper waste disposal and treatment are crucial. Ensure that sewage and industrial waste are treated effectively to prevent them from contaminating water bodies.

Frequently asked questions