River pollution is a problem in India, and experts warn that it is generating a lethal catastrophe that jeopardises the country's health and development.

 Why Indian Rivers Are Dirty And Toxic?

The Indian rivers once had a spiritual significance. River banks were also popular for picnics and family outings. It didn't escape Bollywood's attention and facilitated the fantasy of youths towards rivers. 

There are several films with themes around Indian rivers in which performers take joy in bathing or singing. A generation has grown up romanticizing rivers. However, things aren’t that rosy now. 

 

Within a short time, rivers in India became a joke. Rivers are progressively withering and have turned into a sea of waste, unlike in the past when they were venerated and depicted in splendour. In this post, I will highlight a few factors primarily to blame for the current state of affairs, so buckle up.  

 Exploring the Reasons Why Indian Rivers Are Dirty

As I walked along the banks of the river, I couldn't help but notice the putrid smell emanating from the water. The once crystal-clear river was now murky and filled with debris. I couldn't help but wonder why Indian rivers were so dirty and toxic. Our rivers are in trouble, from the Ganges to the Yamuna and even small tributaries. And the effects of water pollution don't end there; they can be felt in every corner of India. 

 

Post-Independence Industrialization

India's post-independence period, which began in 1947, saw tremendous economic growth, industrialization, and a boost in agricultural production. The government invested heavily in infrastructure, including dams, canals, and barrages

 

However, this growth came at a high cost, leading to an alarming increase in water pollution. The problem has only persisted with time. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), almost 37,000 million litres per day (MLD) of untreated sewage water runs into rivers across the country. Today, the rivers in India are among the most polluted in the world, with high levels of toxic chemicals, sewage, and industrial waste.

Rapid Population Growth and Urbanization
Urbanization has been a double-edged sword for India. While it has brought about economic growth and development, it has also resulted in severe environmental degradation, particularly in river pollution. India is rapidly urbanizing, with a population set to surpass 1.5 billion by 2030. 

 

The rapid population growth in urban areas has put a tremendous strain on the already limited resources of the cities. The demand for water supply and sewage management has far exceeded the capacity of the cities to provide these basic amenities. Consequently, many untreated sewage and industrial effluent enter the rivers. 

Inadequate Waste Management Systems

Waste management remains a systemic issue in India. The majority of urban areas still need efficient waste management systems. Municipal solid waste management is still nascent, with minimal waste segregation. It has led to massive open dumpsites, causing the leaching of toxins into the soil and groundwater, which eventually ends up contaminating the rivers. As per some reports, nearly 80% of Indian water is severely polluted, and the condition is horrifying in urban areas. 

Encroachments and Riverbank Construction

Encroachments along the riverbanks and illegal constructions seriously threaten the river's ecosystem. These constructions and encroachments disrupt the river's natural flow, leading to erosion of the riverbanks and altering the river's course. Additionally, the lack of buffer zones causes the sedimentation of the river's bed, compromising the river's self-cleansing capacity. 

Agricultural Practices

Agricultural practices are another significant source of river pollution. Farmers use an enormous amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides without adequate precautions. Excessive use of these elements leads to runoff into the rivers and other water bodies, leading to toxicity. The buildup of nutrients results in eutrophication. 

 

Lack of awareness among the general public and insufficient government actions to curb pollution are also contributing factors. 

Historically, rivers in India were seen as a symbol of purity and prosperity. The degradation of these holy rivers is a symptom of India's rapid growth and lack of environmental awareness. 

 

As I concluded my walk along the river, I couldn't help but feel a sense of despair. The situation seemed bleak, and it was evident that drastic measures were the need of the hour. The government, industries, and the public must unite to make a concerted effort to clean up the rivers and prevent further pollution. Today, Indian rivers are in disastrous condition. Our moral responsibility is to clean them up, restore their lost radiance, and allow actors to return to the rivers as they once were.

Image Courtesy: Google Images