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Essay on Water Pollution: Types, Causes, Effects & Prevention

March 10, 2021 by Sandeep

Water Pollution Essay: When water gets contaminated by pollutants making it unhealthy and unfit to consume, we call it water pollution. The pollution of water bodies like oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground sources has drastically affected life forms. Domestic and industrial wastes, pesticides and effluents mainly pollute water.

Essay on Water Pollution 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Water Pollution Essay in English, suitable for class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10. This essay is drafted in simple and easy words.

Water is undoubtedly one of the essential resources on our planet. It is vital for the survival of all living organisms. Water takes over two-thirds of the Earth’s surface. It is a priceless commodity that has been contaminated and depleted to a critical level with time. The addition of harmful foreign substances into water bodies is known as water pollution. These water bodies can be in the form of aquifers, rivers, lakes, ponds, seas, groundwater, streams, waterfalls, and oceans. Human activities are the prime reason for the adulteration of water bodies.

Types of Water Pollution

Water pollution can be of three kinds – groundwater pollution’s, surface water pollution, and marine pollution.

The contamination of groundwater is known as groundwater pollution. Industrial effluents, dirty water from drains and sewage, which flow on the land surface, seep down the soil and mix with the groundwater. Surface water pollution includes contamination of open water bodies (like rivers, lakes, and oceans) present on Earth’s surface. Lack of proper sanitation and uncontrollable discharge are the major contributors.

Marine pollution involves large water bodies. Wastewater discharges in the river make their way to the seas and oceans, thus causing pollution. Aquatic species become exposed to hazardous chemicals. Food chains get disrupted. Oxygen content in the water bodies is reduced. Marine life is adversely affected as a result. These polluted water bodies become the hub for microbes and spread epidemics like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, and diarrhoea.

Causes of Water Pollution

Water tends to dissolve almost everything. It is known as the universal solvent. This feature enables it to dissolve toxic substances. These toxicities arise from factories, refineries, waste disposal sites, acid rains, detergents, domestic waste, etc. Some of the major causes of water pollution are:

• Sewage: Every day, tons of waste matter generated from farmlands, commercial sites and households are dumped into the lakes and rivers. These wastes which remain untreated contain harmful chemicals that can be poisonous to plants, animals, and humans.
• Industrial Effluents: Industrial waste largely contributes to the adulteration of water bodies. Direct disposal of these wastes has disastrous effects on the ecosystem. Chemical effluents from tanning industries contain poisonous compounds, volatile matter, and heavy metals. This water then mixes with the river and contaminates the underground water table.
• Eutrophication: It is the process that occurs when large amounts of nutrients in the water bodies result in the formation and growth of algae on the surface of the water. Bacteria feed on these algae. Hence, aquatic organisms like fishes and plants get depleted of oxygen. Their habitat is destroyed, and the quality of water is critically reduced.
• Oil Spills: Leakages from ships and tankers result in oil spills. This is one of the most dangerous modes of water pollution. When the oil gets spilt, it forms a layer over the water surface. This layer prevents the penetration of oxygen, which is essential for the survival of marine plants and animals.
• Affected River Banks: Lack of sanitation measures in the villages has resulted in defecation in open areas (especially near river banks). Washing clothes and cattle in the lakes is a common practice. Solid waste accumulation is not a rare sight. Litters composed of plastics, glasses, Styrofoam, etc., do not decompose well and stay in the water for years.
• Indirect Sources: These are the pollutants that indirectly lead to water pollution. They can be chemical dumps, septic tanks, pesticides, hazardous wastes, radioactive substances, etc. Radioactive wastes generated from atomic power plants and other medical procedures are dangerous.

Prevention of Water Pollution

Besides predominantly affecting our health, water pollution can have disastrous effects on our ecosystem. Toxicant pass through the affected aquatic species to us humans. The food chain is badly influenced by it. Prevention of water pollution is essential. Conservation of water must be the first step. Preventive measures include sewage water treatment, using environment-friendly products, reduction in plastic consumption, proper disposal of chemical liquids, solid waste management, and less use of pesticides.

Apart from that, drains must be cleaned more often. The implementation of proper sanitary measures by the government in the villages is a great step. Mass awareness through media and entertainment can help sensitize people about the issue. Educating people, especially in rural areas, can ensure a positive outcome. Enforcement of appropriate laws for Industries and other production sectors can prove beneficial. Natural reserves of water must be safeguarded, and a balance must be maintained in our diversified environment.

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Water Crisis in India – Explained Pointwise

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The recent Bengaluru water crisis has put the spotlight again on the looming water crisis in India. Water starved Bengaluru is facing the looming threat of Day Zero (when government will shut down water connections for homes and businesses). A BBC report , based on UN-projections, had listed Bengaluru in the second position after Brazil’s São Paulo among the 11 global cities that are likely to run out of drinking water.

What is Water Crisis? What is the situation in India?

Water Crisis- Water crisis refers to the situation where the available potable, safe water in a region is less than its demand. The World Bank refers to water scarcity as a condition when the annual per-capita availability is less than 1000 cubic metres .

Water Crisis Situation in India

What are the reasons for the Water Crisis in India?

1. Rising water demand- According to NITI Aayog, India’s water demand is increasing at a rapid rate. India’s water demand will be twice the available supply by 2030 . Also, the rate of depletion of groundwater in India during 2041-2080 will be thrice the current rate.

2. Groundwater use for agriculture – There is high groundwater usage in agriculture  due to faulty cropping patterns. For ex- Water-intensive paddy cultivation in the states of Punjab and Haryana .

3. Encroachment of Natural Water Bodies- There has been destruction of lakes and small ponds to meet the infrastructure needs of burgeoning populations. For ex- Encroachment of lakes in Bengaluru .

4. Climate Change- Climate Change has led to erratic monsoon and reduced water levels in many rivers. This has induced water crisis in India.

5. Discharge of Pollutants-  There has been contamination of groundwater resources by the discharge of industrial chemicals , sewers and improper mining activities .

6. Lack of proactive management policies- Water management policies in India have failed to keep pace with changing demands of time. For ex- The Easement Act of 1882 granting groundwater ownership rights to the landowner leading to indiscriminate use of water resources.

7. Governance issues- a. Water governance in India has been fragmented . The centre and the states have their respective departments for governing various issues related to water. b. There have been separate departments for surface water and groundwater. Central Water Commission ( for surface water ) and Central Ground Water Board ( for groundwater ). c. Politicization of inter-state disputes by the political parties have hindered the quick resolution of disputes.

8. Detached Citizens- Since water is a free resource, it is not valued by the citizens. Citizens are completely detached from the water issues.

What are the impacts of Water Crisis in India?

1. Economic Impact- a. As per World Bank, India’s GDP could decline by as much as 6% by 2050 due to water scarcity. b. Water scarcity will result in decline of food production . This will hamper India’s food security and have serious impacts on the livelihood of farmers and farm labourers. c. Decline in industrial production as Industrial sectors such as textiles, thermal power plants,etc. may suffer due to water shortage

2. Ecological Impact a. Water scarcity may lead to extinction of flora and fauna . b. Heavy metal contamination (Arsenic, cadmium, nickel etc.) and oil spills in rivers and oceans respectively may threaten the marine biodiversity .

3. Social Impact a.  Deterioration of health of children due to intake of contaminated water . It leads to a reduction in human capital. b. The increased out-of-pocket expenditure on medical expenses adversely impacts the poorest and the most vulnerable sections. c. Increased hardships for women like school dropout,’ water wives ‘ to fetch water in drought prone regions .

4. Federal Relations- a. Amplification of the existing inter-state water disputes like Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari. There will be emergence of new disputes in the future. b. There will be a rise in parochial mindset and regionalism among states and may hinder growth of national unity.

5. International Relations- Water scarcity can lead to conflict among nations to get control over the water bodies. For ex- Impact on India-China relations due to Chinese building of dams over Brahmaputra river .

What are the government initiatives?

What should be the way forward.

1. Promotion of Water Conservation- Encouraging rainwater harvesting to capture monsoon run-off. Also, traditional water conservation practices like Kudimaramath practice (Tamil Nadu), Ahar Pynes (Bihar), Bamboo Drip irrigation System(North-East) must be revived .

2. Demand-side Management- States can adopt a participatory approach with the involvement of local communities. For ex- The Swajal model adopted by Uttarakhand focussing on community-based management of water resources. Revival of Johads in Rajasthan desert by Rajendra Singh (Waterman of India).

3. Nature-Based Solutions- Nature-based solutions refer to the solutions that mimic natural processes to provide human , ecological and societal benefits . For ex- Artificial Floodplains to increase water retention , Forest management to reduce sediment loadings.

4. River Basin Management- River basin management must be done through hydrological-basin approach rather than administrative boundaries . Also, steps must be taken to promote interlinking of rivers , while addressing its environmental concerns.

5. Evidence-based policy-making- We must create robust water data systems with real-time monitoring capabilities. For ex- Andhra Pradesh’s online water dashboard for mapping of hydrological resources for better policymaking.

6. Implementing the Mihir Shah Committee Report- The Mihir Shah Committee recommendations must be implemented for restructuring the water governance in India: a. Establishing National Water Commission by merging Central Water Commission(CWC) and Central Groundwater Board(CGWB). It would ensure that the surface and the groundwater are taken as a single entity. b. Focussing on management and maintenance of dams rather than construction of dams. c. Adopting a participatory approach to water management.

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India’s Water Crisis – How to Solve it?

From Current Affairs Notes for UPSC » Editorials & In-depths » This topic

Water is the most valuable natural resource as it is essential for human survival and life on earth. However, the availability of freshwater for human consumption is highly under stress because of a variety of factors. This crisis of water scarcity is most visible in India as well as in other developing countries.

This topic of “India’s Water Crisis – How to Solve it?” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination , which falls under General Studies Portion.

What is water scarcity?

• Water scarcity is the lack of freshwater resources to satisfy water demand.
• It is manifested by partial or no satisfaction of expressed demand, economic competition for water quantity or quality, disputes between users, irreversible groundwater depletion, and negative effects on the environment.
• It affects every continent and was categorised in 2019 by the World Economic Forum as one of the largest global risks with respect to its potential impact over the next decade.
• One-third of the global population (2 billion people) live under situations of severe water scarcity at least one month of the year.
• Half a billion people in the world affected by severe water scarcity all year round.
• Half of the world’s largest cities have been facing water scarcity.

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How is the water scarcity measured?

• The absolute minimum water requirement for domestic usage is 50 litres per person per day, though 100-200 litres is often recommended.
• Considering the needs of agriculture, industry and energy sectors, the recommended minimum annual per capita requirement is about 1700 cubic meters .
• If a country like India has only about 1700 cu. meters water per person per year, it will experience only occasional or local water distress .
• If the availability falls below this threshold level, the country will start to experience periodic or regular water stress .
• If the water availability declines below 1000 cu. meters, the country will suffer from chronic water scarcity . Lack of water will then start to severely affect human health and well-being as well as economic development.
• If the annual per capita supply declines below 500 cu. meters, the country will reach the stage of absolute scarcity .

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What is the status of water availability in India?

• India receives 4000 bcm (billion cubic metres) rainfall each year. Out of this, 1869 bcm remains after evaporation = The actual availability is only 1137 bcm.
• Even in that 1137 bcm of water, there is a lot of temporal as well as regional variations in the availability.
• For instance, on the one side, there are water surplus states such as Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and on the other side, there are water scarce states such as Maharashtra (Vidarbha, Beed), Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat.
• Moreover, some states that are known to be water abundant such as Punjab, Haryana have their own issues.

What is the magnitude of the water crisis in India?

• Currently, the annual availability of water is 1123 bcm in India and the demand is around 750 bcm. However, by 2050 the annual demand for water will be 1180 bcm which will exceed the water availability = wide ramifications for the country.
• 70% of India’s water is contaminated.
• 75% of households do not have drinking water on its premises.
• 84% of rural households do not have access to piped water.
• 54% of the country’s groundwater is declining rapidly than it is being replenished.
• India’s water table is declining in most regions. Also, there is a presence of toxic elements like fluoride, arsenic, mercury, even uranium in our groundwater.
• Water levels in India’s major reservoirs have fallen to 21% of the average of the last decade.
• Hundreds of small and seasonal rivers are perishing permanently.
• Almost all the major perennial rivers remain stagnant.
• Cauvery and its tributaries haven’t met the ocean for decades; the upstream dams choke its flows downstream, affecting people in Tamil Nadu.
• Krishna river runs dry in her delta region for most of the year.
• According to NITI Aayog’s water quality index, India ranks 120 th among 122 countries.

What is the recent water crisis in India?

• Maharashtra is facing a water crisis of unprecedented proportions. After years of drought, the river currents have ebbed, water in dams and reservoirs have depleted and over-exploitation of groundwater has raised concerns regarding the long-term availability of water.
• Meanwhile, media reports claim IT firms in Chennai are asking employees to work from home. The reason is that they don’t have enough water to sustain their operations. It hasn’t rained for almost 200 days in the city and it may not get adequate rain to get over the water crisis for the next 3 months.
• In North India, the people of arid Thar Desert of Rajasthan are spending Rs. 2500 for getting 2500 litres of water which they share with their cattle.
• With Punjab facing the threat of desertification and the state struggling to break away from the wheat-paddy cycle, farmers in the state have been adopting a decade-old scheme to utilise underground pipeline system for irrigation.
• In light of this crisis, Central government on its part has created a Jal Shakti Ministry under a full-fledged cabinet minister to resolve the water crisis but a lot more needs to be done.

What are the reasons for this crisis?

Monsoon dependence:.

There is a huge dependence on monsoon rains to replenish most of India’s important water sources such as underground aquifers, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs . But monsoon is vulnerable to factors such as climate change, El-Nino , etc.

Uneven distribution of water and Rainfall pattern :

Certain regions have surplus amounts of water for their need while others face perennial droughts for most of the year. For instance, Drought is a recurrent phenomenon in Andhra Pradesh where no district is entirely free of droughts. Rajasthan is one of the most drought-prone areas of India.

Increasing demand :

Population growth, industrialization, rapid urbanisation, rising needs of irrigation and increase in domestic water usage have accelerated the demand for water. Since urbanization increases in India at a rapid pace = water demand will increase rapidly as city dwellers consume more water than rural people.

Urbanisation & Water scarcity:

• Currently, about 285 million or 33% of India’s total population resides in urban areas. By 2050 this figure will reach 50%.
• Rapid urbanisation is adding to the water scarcity issue in the country.
• Presence of buildings, tar, and cement roads = even if a city like Mumbai gets good rains, the rainwater is not retained in the area as the water is not allowed to percolate underground.
• Therefore, water required for cities is largely drawn from neighbouring villages and far-off rivers and lakes = threatening the availability in those areas.
• Large cities also generate large quantities of urban sewage which pollutes the freshwater sources and ocean waters. However, only about 20% of urban wastewater is currently treated globally. In India, the figure is even lower.

Overexploitation :

• In developing countries like India, groundwater fulfills nearly 80% of irrigation requirement = resulted in a fast depletion of groundwater sources.
• Free power and inefficient utilisation of water by farmers has added to the issue of groundwater depletion.
• The groundwater and sand extraction from most river beds and basins has turned unsustainable.
• Tanks and ponds are encroached upon.
• Dug-wells and borewells are carelessly built to slide deeper and deeper to suck water from greater depths.

Shift to cash-crops:

Water is being diverted from food crops to cash crops that consume an enormous quantity of water.

Inefficient cultivation practices:

• In India, around 70% of the population is still dependent on agriculture for its livelihood.
• Since the adoption of Green Revolution in the 1960s, nearly 50% of the food production comes from irrigated land.
• But inefficient cultivation practices have led to the flooding of fertile land which in turn has caused salinization, siltation of reservoirs, etc = causing groundwater reserves of major agricultural states to be depleted at an alarming rate.

Water Pollution :

• Release of industrial and domestic waste, including urban sewage, into rivers, lakes, and estuaries has polluted freshwater sources at an alarming rate in India = those fresh water sources are not fit for drinking or other activities.
• Eutrophication of surface water and coastal zones is expected to increase almost everywhere leads to nitrogen pollution .

What are the impacts of the water crisis?

Economic growth: A Niti Aayog report predicted that water demand will be twice the present supply by 2030 and India could lose up to 6% of its GDP during that time.

Power supply: Water shortages are hurting India’s capacity to generate electricity because 40% of thermal power plants are located in areas where water scarcity is high.

Agricultural crisis: Indian agriculture is heavily dependent on monsoon (not dependable) + Ineffective agricultural practices in irrigated areas = Water stress in agriculture = Poor Cultivation = Farmer suicides .

Drinking water scarcity: Not only farmers are affected by the water crisis, urban dwellers in cities and towns across India are also facing a never seen before drinking water scarcity.

Conflicts over water : In India, there are conflicts between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over sharing of Cauvery waters, between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh over sharing of Narmada waters, between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over sharing of Krishna waters, etc.

What are the measures taken by the government?

Across the country, states are taking the lead:.

• In Rajasthan, there is a scheme named ‘Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan’. One of its objectives is to facilitate effective implementation of water conservation and water harvesting related activities in rural areas.
• Maharashtra has launched a project called ‘Jalyukt-Shivar’, which seeks to make 5000 villages free of water scarcity every year.
• accelerating the development of minor irrigation infrastructure,
• strengthening community-based irrigation management and
• adopting a comprehensive programme for restoration of tanks.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan:

• It is a collaborative initiative of various Union Ministries and State Governments, being coordinated by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS).
• Focus Area: is water-stressed districts (256) and blocks (1592).
• Team: Central government officers, headed by joint secretaries and additional secretaries, are assigned to these 256 districts and district administration will also select 2 members to join the team. This team of officers from the central government and district administration will visit and work on water-stressed districts and blocks to ensure water conservation initiatives.
• The campaign is centered on 5 aspects
• Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
• Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks
• Reuse of water and recharging of structures like bore well
• Watershed development
• Intensive afforestation
• Significance: With this initiative, the government seeks to provide drinking water to all households on a priority and in a sustainable way. It is also expected to bring a positive mindset in people for water conservation. The campaign will assist people to work for rainwater harvesting, maintenance, and upkeep of ponds and village tanks and conservation of water.

Jal Shakti Mantralaya

• The government has created a new Ministry named ‘Jal Shakti’after merging Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation with the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
• Providing clean drinking water,
• International and inter-states water disputes,
• Namami Gange project aimed at cleaning Ganga and its tributaries, and sub-tributaries.
• The ministry will launch the government’s ambitious plan (‘Nal se Jal’ scheme under jal jivan plan) to provide piped drinking water supply to every household in India by 2024.
• This Move seeks to consolidate the administration and bringing water-related issues such as conservation, development, management, and abatement of pollution under a single ministry.
• National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) is responsible for implementing the centrally sponsored national river conservation plan for all rivers across the country except river Ganga and its tributaries (as issues regarding Ganga and its tributaries are taken up by National Mission for Clean Ganga).

Jal Jeevan Mission *

Atal Bhujal Yojana *

•  It is a world bank funded central scheme that aims to improve groundwater management at the national level… Read More .

Can a new water ministry tackle the worst water crisis in Indian history?

• Experts are of the opinion that an exclusive ministry can only bring about a cosmetic but not a real change.
• Water is a state subject = Unless states make specific requests the centre cannot intervene.

What are the solutions to the water crisis in India?

Good water management practices :

• India receives adequate annual rainfall through the south-west monsoon. However, most regions of the country are still water deficient mainly because of inefficient water management practices.
• Rainwater harvesting should be encouraged on a large scale, especially, in cities where the surface runoff of rainwater is very high.
• Roof-top rainwater harvesting can also be utilised to recharge groundwater by digging percolation pits around the house and filling it with gravel.
• Indian cities need to learn from Cape Town of South Africa which when faced with the water crisis in 2018 had announced “ Day Zero “. During that day, water-taps in the city turned off = people had to use communal water-taps to conserve water. Restrictions on water use per person were also fixed.
• Since water is a state subject in India state governments should take active measures and create awareness for the minimal use of water.

Interlinking of rivers :

• Interlinking of rivers is a topic that has been discussed and debated for several years as a possible permanent solution to the water crisis in the country.
• The 3 primary advantages mentioned in favour of the scheme are (1) droughts will never occur (2) there will be no more floods in the major rivers and (3) an additional 30,000 MW of hydropower will be generated.

Coordination in aquifer usage: There is an urgent need for coordination among users for aquifers. There should be laws and contracts for sharing of aquifers. Groundwater aquifer mapping has started only recently in India which is a welcome step.

River basin authority: There should be a River Basin Authority for sharing information among states since most of the rivers in India pass through different states.

Coordinated efforts among states for management of groundwater at a localized level.

Community-level management: At the village level, there can be decentralized management of water at the community level.

Charging money for efficient use of water (like electricity). For example- Water ATMs at Marathwada provide water @25 paisa per litre a day.

Good Cultivation practices:

• Changing the cropping pattern, crop diversification and encouraging water use efficiency in agriculture by moving towards food crops from cash crops.
• Innovative farming practices like precision farming , zero budget natural farming , etc. could be employed for efficient water utilisation.

Incentive-based water conservation in rural parts of the water-stressed regions is another solution.

• For example, if a particular level of groundwater level is maintained, higher MSP can be provided to the farmers of that region.
• MSP can also be provided based on crop’s water usage = Crops that consume a high amount of water will get less MSP.

Way forward

India is not a water deficit country, but due to severe neglect and lack of monitoring of water resource development projects, many regions in the country face water stress from time to time. Therefore balancing water demand with available supply is the need of the hour for future economic growth and development as well as for the sustenance of human life.

New National Water Policy (NWP)

In November 2019, the Ministry of Jal Shakti had set up a committee to draft the new National Water Policy (NWP). This was the first time that the government asked a committee of independent experts to draft the policy.

Highlights of NWP

1) demand-side: diversification of public procurement operations.

• Irrigation utilizes 80-90% of India’s water , most of which is used by rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
• Therefore, crop diversification is the single most crucial step in addressing India’s water crisis.
• The policy recommends diversifying public procurement operations to include Nutri-cereals, pulses, and oilseeds.
• This would incentivize farmers to diversify their cropping patterns, resulting in huge savings of water.

2) Reduce-Recycle-Reuse

• Reduce-Recycle-Reuse has been suggested as the basic mantra of integrated urban water supply and wastewater management, with the treatment of sewage and eco-restoration of urban river stretches, as far as possible via decentralised wastewater management.
• All non-potable use like flushing, fire protection, vehicle washing should mandatorily shift to treated wastewater.

3) Supply-side measure: Using technology to use stored water in dams

• Within supply-side options, the NWP points to trillions of litres stored in big dams, that are still not reaching farmers.
• NWP recommends how the irrigated areas could be considerably expanded at very low cost by using pressurised closed conveyance pipelines, in addition to Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)  systems and pressurised micro-irrigation.

4) Supply of water through “nature-based solutions”

• The NWP places major importance on the supply of water via “nature-based solutions” like the rejuvenation of catchment areas, to be incentivised through compensation for ecosystem services.
• Specially curated “blue-green infrastructure” like rain gardens and bio-swales, restored rivers with wet meadows, wetlands constructed for bio-remediation, urban parks, permeable pavements, green roofs etc are suggested for urban areas.

5) Sustainable and equitable management of groundwater

• Information on  aquifer boundaries , water storage capacities and flows provided in a user-friendly manner to stakeholders, assigned as custodians of their aquifers, would allow them to create protocols for effective management of groundwater.

6) Rights of Rivers

• The NWP accords river protection and revitalisation prior and primary importance.
• Steps to restore river flows include: Re-vegetation of catchments, regulation of groundwater extraction, river-bed pumping and mining of sand and boulders.
• The NWP outlines a process to draft a  Rights of Rivers Act,  including their right to flow, to meander and to meet the sea.

7) Emphasis on water quality

• The new NWP considers water quality as the most serious un-addressed issue in India today.
• It proposes that every water ministry, at the Centre and states,  include a water quality department.
• The policy advocates adoption of state-of-the-art, low-cost, low-energy, eco-sensitive  technologies for sewage treatment.
• Widespread use of  reverse osmosis has led to huge water wastage  and adverse impact on water quality.
• The policy wants  RO units to be discouraged  if the total dissolved solids count in water is less than 500mg/L.
• It suggests a  task force on emerging water contaminants  to better understand and tackle the threats they are likely to pose.

8) Reforming governance of water

• The policy makes radical proposals for improving the governance of water, which suffers from three kinds of issues: That between irrigation and drinking water, surface and groundwater, as also water and wastewater.
• Government departments, working in silos, have generally dealt with just one side of these binaries.
• Dealing with drinking water and irrigation in silos has meant that aquifers providing assured sources of drinking water dry up because the same aquifers are used for irrigation, which consumes much more water.
• And when  water and wastewater are separated in planning,  the result is a fall in water quality.

9) Creation of National Water Commission

• The NWP also suggests the creation of a unified multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder National Water Commission (NWC), which would become an exemplar for states to follow.
• Governments should build enduring  partnerships with primary stakeholders of water , who must become an integral part of the NWC and its counterparts in the states.

How Gujarat transformed from Water-deficit state to surplus state?

• The Gujarat government created the state-level Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG) to aid in the supply of services and solutions for the deployment of map-based GeoSpatial Information Systems.
• Micro-level check dams.
• Macro-level projects particularly in the Saurashtra, Kutch, and North Gujarat areas.
• Gujarat launched the Kutch branch canal from the Narmada Main canal, which helps provide water to the most distant parts.
• Sujalam Sufalam Yojana: to irrigate the areas of North Gujarat.
• The SAUNI Yojana (Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation Yojana), which means literally “reincarnation of the Narmada River in the region,” was thus introduced.
• Administrative and Governance reforms.

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Excellent essay indeed!

Great explanation.

worth a praise! well done :)

Wish you could mention the references for all the statistics and facts.

Please add features to include this article in PDF.

Where are effects🙄

Haven’t you seen the impacts heading in this article?

Great explanation and essay. This is exactly what I have been searching for.

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Water Crisis in India

Last updated on April 28, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

Despite having 17% of the global population, India only has 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. Due to pollution and climate change, the water situation is getting worse. What is the current status of the water crisis in India? What are the causes of an increased water crisis in India? To know more, read further.

The yearly water availability per person has decreased by 75% in the 75 years after Independence, from 6,042 cubic meters in 1947 to 1,486 cubic meters in 2021;

India is dealing with several issues, including the disappearance of ponds, lakes, tanks, and wetlands, as well as the depletion of groundwater and the pollution of surface water.

According to preliminary statistics from the first water body census, 18.691 out of 9.45 lakh water bodies, or 2%, have been encroached upon;

As many as 256 of India’s 700 districts have reported “critical” or “over-exploited” groundwater levels, according to the most recent Central Ground Water Board data.

Table of Contents

Falkenmark Index

• It is one of the most commonly used measures of water scarcity.
• It measures water scarcity as the quantity of renewable freshwater that is accessible to each person each year. It describes water scarcity in terms of the total water resources that are available to the population of a region.
• below 1,700 m 3 ,  the country is said to be experiencing  water stress.
• below 1,000 m 3 ,  it is said to be experiencing  water scarcity.
• below 500 m 3 ,  it is experiencing  absolute water scarcity.

Water Crisis: Reasons

Pollutants are being discharged into the water

• Sewage water and untreated industrial pollutants are dumped into rivers. This results from a lack of adherence to effluent standards.
• Cities are severely short on sewage treatment facilities. Improper mining practices also deteriorate the water quality and damage the adjacent aquifers.

Climate Change

• Weather patterns are changing as a result of climate change, and this leads to extreme weather events, uncertain water availability, a worsening of water scarcity, and tainted water sources.
• The quantity and quality of water that humans need to survive can be significantly impacted by such effects.

Encroachment of water bodies

• To suit the infrastructure needs of growing cities, water bodies are being encroached upon.

Water wastage

• Due to excessive subsidies and ignorance, there is an overuse and waste of water.
• Groundwater levels in Punjab and Haryana have been substantially reduced by uncontrolled irrigation water use and a lack of conservation efforts. More than 10% of rural areas’ water bodies are no longer necessary.

Over-dependence on groundwater

• According to reports, agriculture uses over 85% fresh water.
• Due to an overreliance on groundwater for the cultivation of crops like paddy and sugarcane, which need a lot of water, there is currently a problem in numerous states, including Punjab, Haryana, and western UP.

Policy Paralysis

• Irrigation is a major focus of the National Water Policy. Since the country’s independence, the water administration has been afflicted with hydro-schizophrenia.
• The management of the issue of water, including surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and irrigation, has been handled separately by various agencies such as the Central Water Commission (CWC) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) without any coordination.

Read:  Agro-policies for SWAB

What are the consequences of an increased water crisis?

Negative Effects on Health

• Children’s malformations are caused by the presence of pollutants in the water such as fluoride, chloride, and nitrate. Along with skin-related illnesses, it causes premature hair greying.
• Water contaminated with uranium traces can lead to severe illnesses like cancer;

Economic consequences

• According to a World Bank report, climate change-exacerbated water scarcity could cost certain regions up to 6% of their GDP.

Women hardships

• The majority of women are in charge of running the home. Due to a lack of water, women and young girls bear the majority of the burden of collecting it.
• According to a National Commission for Women report, rural women in Rajasthan travel nearly 2.5 kilometres each day to obtain a source of water.
• In one Maharashtrian community that is prone to drought, severe water scarcity has resulted in polygamy. To collect water, you need more than one spouse. The relationship is known as “water wives”;

Affecting food security

• Agriculture’s productivity will be impacted by water scarcity. In light of the increasing population strain on farms, will affect food security.

What are the steps taken by the government to reduce the water crisis?

Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): In 256 water-stressed regions, it was launched in 2019 as a campaign for water conservation, recharge, and rainfall gathering. It now encompasses each of the nation’s 740 districts.

Amrit Sarovars: Each district’s 75 water bodies are to be developed and revitalized as part of the Mission. By August 2023, the Union Government plans to construct 50,000 Amrit Sarovars throughout India.

Atal Bhujal Yojana: The program is expected to emphasize recharge and better use of groundwater resources. It seeks to strengthen the institutional framework and bring about behavioural changes at the community level for sustainable groundwater resource management;

Paani Bachao, Paisa Kamao (Save Water, Earn Money): It has been launched by the Punjab Government. It incentivizes farmers to reduce groundwater and electricity usage. This has resulted in water savings of between 6-25% without any adverse effect on the yield.

Ganga Rejuvenation: The World Bank has been supporting the Government of India’s efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga River since 2011. Two World Bank projects, worth US$ 1 billion, are helping set up the institutions needed to manage the river and build the infrastructure to keep it clean.

Ministry of Jal Shakti: The formation of the Ministry of Jal Shakti is an important step in the direction of overcoming hydro-schizophrenia. It will bring the irrigation and drinking water departments, together. within one ministry.

Way Forward

Enumerating, geo-tagging, and creating an inventory of all extant water bodies should be the main priorities according to the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. It is important to take all necessary precautions to ward off encroachments.

To improve water management and eliminate inter-state water conflicts, the states must cooperate along hydrological boundaries rather than just administrative ones.

The general public should be made aware of this issue by supporting public servants like Rajendra Singh (Waterman of India).

A better framework for water governance is required. To create a new National Water Commission, the CWC and CGWB should join, considerably expanding each organization’s capabilities (NWC). It would enhance cooperation and provide the necessary skills for various water sources.

To read more on groundwater depletion and contamination click here.

Also Read: Bengaluru Water Crisis;  Desalination: a unique solution to Chennai water woes

Article written by: Jis John Sebastian

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Water Pollution In India: Critical Analysis

• 30 November, 2021
• 25 min read
• Download PDF
• Water crisis
• Environmental Pollution
• Biodiversity & Environment

What is Water pollution?

Water Pollution Definition:  Water Pollution is the  addition/presence of undesirable substances to/in water such as organic, inorganic, biological, radiological, heat, which degrades the quality of water  so that it becomes unfit for use.

What are the Sources of Water Pollution?

Sources of Water Pollution in India: Natural sources of water pollution are soil erosion, leaching of minerals from rocks  (due to natural solubility and solubility triggered by acid rain), and  decaying of organic matter.

What are the Causes of Water Pollution?

Sewage water - sewage water includes  discharges from houses and other establishments. the sewage contains  human and animal excreta ,  food residues, cleaning agents, detergents,  etc. domestic and hospital sewage  contain many  undesirable pathogenic microorganisms., dissolved oxygen (do ).

• The Presence of  organic and inorganic wastes in water decreases the dissolved oxygen content  of the water.
• Water  having DO content below 8.0 mg/L  may be considered  contaminated .
• Water having  DO content below. 4.0 mg/L  is considered to be  highly polluted.
• DO content of water is  important for the survival of aquatic organisms .
• A number of factors like s urface turbulence, photosynthetic activity, O2 consumption by organisms, and decomposition of organic matter  are the factors that determine the amount of DO present in water.
• The  higher amounts of waste increase the rates of decomposition and O2 consumption thereby decreases the DO content  of water.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

• Water  pollution by organic wastes  is measured in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
• BOD is the  amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic wastes present in water . It is expressed in  milligrams of oxygen per liter of water .
• The  higher value of BOD indicates a low DO content  of water.
• Since BOD is limited to biodegradable materials, it is not a reliable method of measuring water pollution.

Chemical oxygen demand (COD )

• Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a  slightly better mode  used to measure pollution load in the water.
• COD measures the  amount of oxygen in parts per million required to oxidize organic (biodegradable and non-biodegradable) and oxidizable inorganic compounds in the water sample.

Industrial Wastes

• Discharge of  wastewater from industries like petroleum, paper manufacturing, metal extraction and processing, chemical manufacturing, etc., that often contain toxic substances, notably, heavy metals  (defined as elements  with density > 5 g/cm3 such as mercury, cadmium, copper, lead, arsenic ) and a variety of organic compounds.

Agricultural sources

• Agricultural runoff  contains  dissolved salts such as nitrates, phosphates, ammonia,  and other nutrients,  and toxic metal ions, and organic compounds .
• Fertilizers contain major  plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Excess fertilisers may reach the groundwater by leaching or may be mixed with surface water.
• Pesticides include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.  They contain a wide range of chemicals such as  chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs. E.g. DDT, Endosulfan, etc.), organophosphates, metallic salts, carbonates, etc.
• Many of the  pesticides are non-degradable,  and their residues have a long life.
• Wastes from  poultry farms, piggeries, and slaughterhouses,  etc. reach the water through runoff.
• Not only is the agricultural sector the  biggest consumer  of global freshwater resources, with farming and livestock production using  about 70 percent of the earth’s surface water supplies , but it’s also a serious water polluter.
• The River pollution in India, Agricultural pollution is the  top source of contamination  and streams, the  second-biggest source in wetlands, and the third main source in lakes . Nutrient pollution, caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water or air, is the number-one threat to water quality worldwide and can cause algal blooms.

Thermal Pollution

• Power plants, thermal and nuclear, chemical, and other industries use a lot of water for cooling  purposes, and then used hot water is discharged into rivers(that causes river water pollution in India), streams, or oceans.
• Discharge of hot water  may increase the temperature of the receiving  water by 10 to 15 °C above the ambient water temperature . This is thermal pollution.
• An increase in  water temperature decreases dissolved oxygen  in the water.
• Unlike terrestrial organisms, aquatic organisms are adapted to a uniform steady temperature of the environment. A sudden rise in temperature kills fishes and other aquatic animals.
• One of the best methods of reducing thermal pollution is to store the hot water in  cooling ponds , allow the water to cool before releasing into any receiving water body

Radiation Pollution

• Nuclear accidents  near water bodies or during natural calamities like tsunami and earthquakes pose the  risk of radiation leakage  (radiation exposure) into water bodies. E.g.  Fukushima Daiichi  nuclear disaster.
• Radiation exposure  causes mutations in the DNA of marine organisms . If those mutations are not repaired, the cell may turn  cancerous .
• Radioactive iodine tends to be absorbed by the thyroid gland and can cause thyroid cancer.

Marine pollution

• Oceans are the  ultimate sink of all-natural and manmade pollutants .
• The  sewerage and garbage of coastal cities  are also dumped into the sea.
• The other sources of oceanic pollution are  navigational discharge of oil, grease, detergents, sewage, garbage, and radioactive wastes, offshore oil mining, oil spills.
• The most common cause of oil spills is  leakage during marine transport and leakage from underground storage tanks .
• An oil spill could occur during  offshore oil production as well .

Impact of oil spill on marine life

• Oil being lighter than water covers the water surface as a  thin film cutting off oxygen to floating plants  and other producers.
• Within hours of an oil spill, the fishes, shellfish, plankton die due to suffocation and metabolic disorders .
• Birds and sea mammals that consume dead fishes  and plankton  die due to poisoning.

Invasive species

• Plants  of water hyacinth  are the world’s most problematic aquatic weed, also called  ‘Terror of Bengal’.
• They grow  abundantly in eutrophic water  bodies and lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem.
• They cause havoc by their excessive growth  leading to stagnation  of polluted water.

Underground water pollution

• In India at many places, the groundwater is  threatened with contamination due to seepage from industrial and municipal wastes and effluents, sewage channels, and agricultural runoff.
• Pollutants like  fluorides, uranium, heavy metals, and nutrients like nitrates and phosphates are common in many parts of India.
• Excess nitrate in drinking water  reacts with hemoglobin  to form non-functional  methemoglobin  and impairs oxygen transport. This condition is called  methemoglobinemia  or blue baby syndrome.
• High levels of nitrates may form  carcinogens  and can accelerate  eutrophication  in surface waters.

Trace metals

• Include a  lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, chromium, and nickel .
• These metals can  be toxic and carcinogenic .
• Seepage of  industrial and mine discharges, fly ash ponds of thermal power  plants can lead to arsenic in groundwater.
• In  India and Bangladesh (Ganges Delta),  millions of people are exposed to groundwater contaminated with high levels  of arsenic, a highly toxic and dangerous pollutant.
• Chronic exposure to arsenic  causes black foot disease . It also causes  diarrhoea  and also  lung and skin cancer.
• Excess fluoride in drinking water causes  neuromuscular disorders ,  gastrointestinal problems, teeth deformity, hardening of bones, and stiff and painful joints (skeletal fluorosis ).
• Pain in bones and joints  and  outward bending of legs  from the knees is called  Knock-Knee syndrome .
• Fluorosis  is a common problem in several states of the country due to the intake of high fluoride content water.

Effects of Water Pollution in India

Effects of water pollution  on human health.

• Domestic and hospital sewage  contain many undesirable  pathogenic microorganisms,  and its disposal into the water without proper treatment may cause an outbreak of serious diseases caused by water pollution, such as  typhoid, cholera , etc
• Metals like lead,  zinc, arsenic, copper, mercury, and cadmium in industrial wastewaters adversely affect humans and other animals
• Consumption of such  arsenic  polluted water leads to  accumulation  of arsenic in the  body parts like blood, nails, and hairs causing skin lesions, rough skin, dry and thickening of the skin, and ultimately skin cancer
• Mercury compounds in wastewater are converted by bacterial action into extremely toxic methyl mercury , which can cause numbness of limbs, lips, and  tongue, deafness, blurring of vision, and mental derangement
• Pollution of water bodies by  mercury causes Minamata  (neurological syndrome) disease in humans.
• Lead causes  lead poisoning  (Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues).
• The compounds of lead cause  anemia, headache, loss of muscle power, and bluish line around the gum .
• Water contaminated with  cadmium can cause itai itai disease  also called ouch-ouch disease (a painful disease of bones and joints) and cancer of the lungs and liver.

Effects of Water Pollution  on the Environment

• Micro-organisms involved in the biodegradation of organic matter in sewage waste consume a lot of oxygen and make water oxygen-deficient killing fish and other aquatic creatures.
• Presence of large amounts of nutrients in water results in algal bloom (excessive growth of planktonic algae. This leads to ageing of lakes.
• A few toxic substances, often present in  industrial wastewaters , can undergo biological magnification ( Biomagnification)  in the aquatic food chain. Eg.,  mercury and DDT.
• High concentrations of  DDT  disturb calcium metabolism in birds, which  causes thinning of eggshells  and their premature breaking, eventually causing a  decline in bird populations .

Effects of Water Pollution  on Aquatic Ecosystem

• Polluted water  reduces Dissolved Oxygen (DO)  content, thereby,  eliminates sensitive organisms like plankton, molluscs, and fish,  etc.
• However, a few  tolerant species  like  Tubifex  (annelid worm) and  some insect larvae  may survive in highly polluted water with low DO content. Such species are recognized as  indicator species for polluted water.
• Biocides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals  directly  eliminate sensitive aquatic  organisms.

Eutrophication

• The  nutrient-enrichment of the lakes promotes the growth of algae, aquatic plants, and various fauna . This process is known as  natural eutrophication.
• Similar nutrient enrichment of lakes at an  accelerated rate is caused by human activities  and the consequent ageing phenomenon is known as  cultural eutrophication .
• On the basis of their nutrient content, lakes are categorized as  Oligotrophic  (very low nutrients),  Mesotrophic  (moderate nutrients), and  Eutrophic  (highly nutrient-rich).
• A vast  majority of lakes in India are either eutrophic or mesotrophi c because of the nutrients derived from their surroundings or organic wastes entering them.

Algal Bloom

• Phytoplankton (algae and blue-green bacteria) thrive on the   excess nutrients  and their population explosion  covers almost the entire surface layer . This condition is known as an algal bloom.
• Phytoplankton is  photosynthetic during the daytime adding oxygen  to the aquatic ecosystem. But  during nights, they consume far more oxygen as they respire  aggressively. i.e.  Algal blooms   accentuate the rate of oxygen depletion  as the population of phytoplankton is very high.
• The primary consumers  like small fish are killed due to oxygen deprivation caused by algal blooms.
• The death of primary consumers  adversely  affects the food chain.
• Further, more oxygen is taken up by microorganisms during the decomposition process of dead algae, plants, and fishes.
• The new  anaerobic conditions  (absence of oxygen) were created to promote the growth of bacteria such as  Clostridium botulinum  which produces toxins deadly to aquatic organisms, birds, and mammals.
• Water temperature has also been related to the occurrence of algal blooms , with unusually warm water being conducive to blooms.
• Algal blooms can be any color , but the most common ones are  red or brown.  These blooms are commonly referred to as  red or brown tides .
• Loss of coral reefs : Occurs due to a  decrease in water transparency  (increased  turbidity ).

Harmful Algal Blooms

Most algal blooms are not harmful, but some produce  toxins . These are known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). E.g.  Shellfish poisoning .

Significantly impact on  local economies and the livelihood  of coastal residents.

Dead zones (biological deserts)

• Dead zones are areas in the ocean with  very low oxygen concentration (hypoxic conditions).
• Eg., the Gulf of Mexico every spring (farmers fertilize their crops and rain washes fertilizer off the land and into streams and rivers).
• Gulf of Oman and it’s growing.

Marine pollution -

Refers to the  emptying of chemicals into the ocean  and its harmful effects.

World efforts to control Marine Pollution:

Convention on the dumping of wastes at sea/london convention.

• The Protocol states that “the polluter should, in principle, bear the cost of pollution”.
• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for the Secretariat

The United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea

• UNCLOS establishes general obligations for safeguarding the marine environment and protecting freedom of scientific research on the high seas.
• It also creates an innovative legal regime for controlling mineral resource exploitation in deep seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction, through an International Seabed Authority.
• UNCLOS can hold states liable for damage caused by violation of their international obligations to combat pollution of the seas.

Marpol Convention/   International Convention for the Prevention of Water Pollution from Ships

• Adopted in response to the number of tanker accidents in 1976-1977.
• The Convention includes regulations aimed at preventing and minimizing water pollution from ships - both accidental pollution and that from routine operations.

Case Studies of  Indigenous technologies by Indians to purify water  which won Innovation Awards.

• Using  artificial intelligence and robotics , Asim Bhalerao and Nidhi Jain have been instrumental  in diverting 600 MLD (Million Liters a Day) of raw sewage from entering water bodies  and prevented over 5,600 hours of manual scavenging.
• Nikhilesh Das  from Assam came up with an indigenous way to use  human hair to clean oil spills  in water.
• Anjan Mukherjee, a former marine chief engineer, has developed the  Taraltec Disinfection Reactor.
• Using Floating Wetlands  to Make Water Bodies Pollutant-Free . Tarun Sebastian Nanda , an ecological engineer, is using a natural way to clean water bodies in Delhi through his ‘ Adopt an Island’  initiative.

Water Pollution Control Measures

• Realizing the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the water bodies, the Government of India has passed the  Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974  to safeguard our water resources. 
• An ambitious plan to save the river called the  Ganga Action Plan  was launched in 1985.
• In India, the  Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),  an  apex body in the field of water quality management,  has developed a concept of “ designated best use”.

Accordingly, the water body is designated  as A, B, C, D, E  on the basis of

• dissolved oxygen, mg/l
• BOD, (200C) mg/l
• total coliform (MPN/100ml)
• free ammonia mg/l,
• electrical conductivity etc.

The CPCB, in collaboration with the concerned State Pollution Control Boards, has  classified all the water bodies  including coastal waters in the country  according to their “designated best uses”.

• Treatment of sewage water and the industrial effluents  before releasing it into water bodies.  Hot water should be cooled  before release from the power plants.
• Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides should be avoided .  Organic farming and the efficient use of animal residues  as fertilizers can replace chemical fertilizers.
• Water hyacinth  (an aquatic weed, invasive species) can purify water by taking some toxic materials and a number of heavy metals from water.
• Oil spills in water can be cleaned with the help of  bregoli  — a by-product of the paper industry resembling  sawdust, oil zapper, microorganisms .
• It has been suggested that we should plant  eucalyptus trees all along sewage pond s. These trees absorb all surplus wastewater rapidly and release pure water vapor into the atmosphere.
• Bioremediation
• Microorganisms can be specifically designed for bioremediation using  genetic engineering techniques.
• TERI  has developed a mixture of bacteria called ‘ Oilzapper and Oilivorous-S’  which degrades the pollutants  of oil-contaminated sites , leaving behind no harmful residues.
• Coagulation / Flocculation -  Aluminium sulphate (alum ) is the most common coagulant used for water purification.
• Chlorine  is used because it is a very effective disinfectant, and residual concentrations can be maintained to guard against possible biological contamination
• Fluoridation - Water fluoridation is the treatment of community water supplies for the purpose of adjusting the concentration of the free fluoride ion to the optimum level sufficient to reduce dental caries.
• pH Correction - Lime is added to the filtered water to adjust the pH and stabilise the naturally soft water in order to minimise corrosion
• National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI ) is in Nagpur.
• EcoSan  toilets-,Ecological sanitation is a sustainable system for handling human excreta, using dry composting toilets.
• Bio-Toilets- D esigned by Railways along with DRDO.

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Water Pollution

As per NITI Aayog, overall, 70 percent of the freshwater sources in the country were found to be contaminated 

and India ranks 120 out of 122 countries in terms of water quality.

Causes of Water Pollution

Water pollutants come from either point sources or dispersed sources . A point source is a pipe or channel, such as those used for discharge from an industrial facility or a city sewerage system. 

A dispersed (or nonpoint) source is a very broad unconfined area from which a variety of pollutants enter the water body, such as the runoff from an agricultural area.

• Domestic Sewage
• Solid waste
• Toxic waste

Impacts of Water Pollution : Destruction of biodiversity. Water pollution depletes aquatic ecosystems and triggers unbridled proliferation of phytoplankton in lakes — eutrophication. Contamination of the food chain

Initiatives to Control Water Pollution:

National Measures: 

• Legal Measures : Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. Preparation of action plan for sewage management and restoration of water quality in aquatic resources by State Governments
• Financial assistance for installation of Common Effluent Treatment Plants for cluster of Small Scale Industrial units
• Issuance of directions for implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge
• Implementation of National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) and National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)for conservation and management of identified lakes and wetlands

International efforts:

• The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) is a unique international legal instrument which aims to ensure the sustainable use of transboundary water resources 
• The Protocol on Water and Health, jointly serviced by UNECE and WHO-Europe, is a unique legally binding instrument aiming to protect human health by better water management and by reducing water-related diseases. 
• SDG-6: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

Way Forward:

• Eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemical into water.
• Efficient Plastic waste management
• Minimizing the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
• Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals 
• Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
• Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is the most basic human need for health and well-being. 

Initiatives to control water pollution

• Introduction: Arth Ganga is a transformative initiative to rejuvenate the Ganga river and foster sustainable development in the Ganga basin region.  It aims to integrate economic activities with ecological considerations, ensuring the conservation and revitalization of the Ganga river and its surrounding ecosystem.
• Key objectives: River Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity Conservation, Afforestation and Reforestation, Riverfront Development and Tourism: 
• Key features: Monetization and Reuse of Sludge & Wastewater, Livelihood Generation Opportunities, Increased, Public Participation, Promotion of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Institution building

Conclusion:  

Arth Ganga serves as a pioneering model of river rejuvenation, merging economic growth with environmental sustainability. Through initiatives in pollution control, sustainable farming, biodiversity conservation, reforestation, and promoting cultural heritage, it embodies a holistic approach to transforming the life and landscape of the Ganga basin.

Water Sensitive cities

"Water-sensitive cities are not just about managing water, they are about creating vibrant, resilient, and livable urban spaces. They are cities that understand the value of water,embrace its presence and integrate it into every aspect of urban life."  

News in Focus: 

Water-sensitive cities in the Global South emphasize the need to address inequalities in access, functionality, and reuse of water resources for sustainable urban development.

Introduction

• Definition: Water-sensitive cities are urban areas that adopt integrated, sustainable water management approaches to ensure efficient use of water resources, reduce water pollution, and enhance overall water resilience. 
• Aim: They aim to minimize the environmental impact of urban development on water systems while maximizing the social, economic, and ecological benefits associated with water.

Key Principles of Water Sensitive Cities:

• Water Security: Efficient water management systems like Singapore's NEWater meet a significant portion of water demand, ensuring a reliable water supply.
• Flood Risk Reduction: Amsterdam's multifaceted flood management, including the "Room for the River" program, mitigates flood risks and enhances urban resilience.
• Water Conservation: Melbourne's water-sensitive urban design, rainwater harvesting, and reduced water consumption practices contribute to sustainable water use and conservation.
• Biodiversity Preservation: Portland's ecosystem restoration efforts, such as improving water quality in Johnson Creek, support biodiversity conservation.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Copenhagen's Cloudburst Management Plan and similar strategies enhance urban resilience to extreme rainfall events caused by climate change.
• Sustainable Urban Development: Freiburg's Vauban district exemplifies sustainable practices, including rainwater infiltration and decentralized stormwater management, promoting environmentally friendly urban development.

Conclusion : 

Water-sensitive cities are essential for addressing the growing challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and climate change. By integrating sustainable water management practices, promoting community engagement, and adopting innovative technologies, cities can achieve resilience, improve quality of life, and ensure a sustainable future for all.

One Water Approach

"Adopting a 'One Water' approach means recognizing that water  is a finite and interconnected resource, requiring us to manage it holistically and make decisions that consider  the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of water sustainability." 

• Definition and Overview: The One Water Approach, also known as “Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)”, recognizes the value of all water sources.
• Emphasis: It emphasizes the integrated, inclusive, and sustainable management of water resources involving multiple stakeholders.

Why is the “ONE WATER” approach better than conventional water management practices? 

• Integrated resource management: all water sources, such as drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater, leading to more efficient and sustainable water resource management.
• Enhanced water efficiency: By promoting water recycling and reuse, the One Water Approach optimizes resource utilization. 
• Climate resilience: The One Water Approach considers climate change impacts and develops strategies to enhance resilience. 
• Cost-effectiveness: Integrated water management approaches can provide cost savings. 
• Environmental benefits: The One Water Approach incorporates green infrastructure, such as wetlands and green roofs, which provide multiple environmental benefits.
• Community engagement and empowerment: The One Water Approach encourages community involvement, leading to more inclusive and participatory decision-making processes. 

The One Water Approach holds immense potential for the future of water resource management. By integrating all water sources, promoting efficiency, resilience, and community engagement, it offers a pathway towards sustainable and holistic management, ensuring reliable water supplies for both human and ecological needs.

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Water Pollution Control Measures in India and Indian River Systems – UPSC Environment Notes

Water pollution control measures in India are of critical importance due to the country’s vast river systems, which serve as lifelines for millions of people. With the Ganges, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and many other rivers flowing through its landscape, India’s water resources are indispensable for agriculture, industry, and daily living. However, rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural activities have led to significant contamination of these water bodies, posing severe threats to public health and the environment. To combat this issue, the Indian government has implemented various measures aimed at controlling water pollution and restoring the health of its rivers. These measures encompass regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, public awareness campaigns, and community participation initiatives, all geared towards safeguarding India’s precious water resources for current and future generations.

• Hot water must undergo cooling before its release from power plants.
• Prohibiting domestic cleaning activities in tanks, streams, and rivers that serve as sources of drinking water is essential.
• The excessive use of fertilizers and insecticides should be avoided.
• Organic farming and the efficient utilization of animal waste are recommended alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
• Water hyacinth, an aquatic weed and invasive plant, can purify water by eliminating harmful compounds and heavy metals.
• Bregoli, a byproduct resembling sawdust from the paper industry, along with oil zappers and microorganisms, can be employed for cleaning oil spills in water.
• Planting eucalyptus trees around sewage ponds has been proposed as they rapidly absorb excess wastewater and release pure water vapor into the atmosphere.

Table of Contents

MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

• State governments should formulate comprehensive action plans for sewage management and the restoration of water quality in aquatic resources. 
• This includes the installation of online effluent monitoring systems to directly oversee discharges into rivers and water bodies. 
• Establishing a robust monitoring network to assess water quality is crucial, with regulatory bodies like SPCBs and PCCs playing an active role in enforcing effluent standards.
• Additionally, the installation of Common Effluent Treatment Plants for clusters of Small Scale Industrial Units is recommended, along with directives for implementing Zero Liquid Discharge. 
• Industries fall under the purview of environmental protection acts, and specific sections of legislation mandate compliance.
• Furthermore, the implementation of national conservation plans like the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) and the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP), integrated into the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), encompasses various activities such as wastewater interception, diversion, treatment, pollution abatement, and overall lake management.
• Recognizing the significance of water purity, the Indian government enacted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, of 1974. 
• Subsequent initiatives, such as the Ganga Action Plan in 1985, aimed to rescue the Ganga River. 
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced the concept of “approved best use” based on parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, BOD, total coliform, free ammonia, and electrical conductivity to categorize water bodies.
• This classification aids in setting water quality goals and guides restoration programs across the country. 
• The efforts culminated in significant plans like the Ganga Action Plan and the National River Action Plan. 
• To address pollution, sewage water, and industrial effluents undergo treatment before discharge. 
• The collaboration between Indian Railways and DRDO resulted in bio-toilets installed beneath train lavatories, preventing direct human waste release and subsequent track corrosion. 
• The innovative bio-toilets convert human waste into non-corrosive neutral water using specific bacteria.

FAQs – Water Pollution Control Measures in India

1-why should hot water from power plants undergo cooling before release.

Answer: Cooling hot water is essential to prevent adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, as elevated temperatures can harm aquatic life. Cooling mitigates these impacts, promoting environmental sustainability.

2-Why is domestic cleaning prohibited in water sources like tanks, streams, and rivers used for drinking water?

Answer: Prohibiting domestic cleaning is crucial to prevent the introduction of pollutants into water sources. Cleaning activities may release harmful chemicals, compromising the quality of drinking water and posing risks to public health.

3-How can the excessive use of fertilizers and insecticides be avoided?

Answer: Prudent measures include optimizing the efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, employing nitrogen testing and modeling for precise application, and promoting organic farming as an alternative to chemical fertilizers.

4-How does water hyacinth contribute to water purification?

Answer: Water hyacinth, as an aquatic weed, aids in water purification by removing specific toxic materials and heavy metals. Its natural capacity to absorb pollutants makes it valuable in maintaining water quality.

5-What methods are employed to clean water in the event of oil spills?

Answer: Bregoli, a byproduct from the paper industry, along with oil zappers and microorganisms, can be used to clean water during oil spills. These substances facilitate the breakdown and removal of oil pollutants.

6-Why are eucalyptus trees suggested around sewage ponds?

Answer: Eucalyptus trees are proposed for planting around sewage ponds as they rapidly absorb excess wastewater and release pure water vapor into the atmosphere, aiding in wastewater management.

7-Why should state governments formulate comprehensive action plans for sewage management and water quality restoration?

Answer: State governments play a crucial role in sewage management and water quality restoration by implementing plans that include online effluent monitoring systems, Common Effluent Treatment Plants, and directives for Zero Liquid Discharge.

In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.  

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• Biology Article
• Water Pollution Control

Water Pollution And Its Control

Water is one of the most vital natural resources on earth and has been around for a long time. In fact, the same water which we drink has been around in one form or the other since the time of the dinosaurs.

The earth has more than two-thirds of its surface covered with water. This translates to just over 1 octillion litres (1,260,000,000,000,000,000,000 litres) of water distributed in the oceans, rivers, lakes and streams.

That is a lot of water, however, less than 0.3% is accessible for human consumption. As commercialization and industrialization have progressed, that number continues to dwindle down. Furthermore, inefficient and outdated practices, lack of awareness and a plethora of other circumstances have led to water pollution.

Also Read: How Can We Conserve Water?

• Water pollution
• Modern Epidemic

Minamata Incident

• Ganges River

What is Water Pollution?

Water pollution can be defined as the contamination of water bodies. Water pollution is caused when water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater and aquifers get contaminated with industrial and agricultural effluents.

When water gets polluted, it adversely affects all lifeforms that directly or indirectly depend on this source. The effects of water contamination can be felt for years to come.

Also Refer:  Types of Pollution

Sources Of Water Pollution

The key causative of water pollution in India are:

• Urbanization.
• Deforestation.
• Industrial effluents.
• Social and Religious Practices.
• Use of Detergents and Fertilizers.
• Agricultural run-offs- Use of insecticides and pesticides.

Water Pollution – A Modern Epidemic

One of the primary causes of water pollution is the contamination of water bodies by toxic chemicals. As seen in the example mentioned above, the dumped plastic bottles, tins, water cans and other wastes pollute the water bodies. These result in water pollution, which harms not just humans, but the whole ecosystem. Toxins drained from these pollutants, travel up to the food chain and eventually affect humans. In most cases, the outcome is destructive to only the local population and species, but it can have an impact on a global scale too.

Nearly 6 billion kilograms of garbage is dumped every year in the oceans. Apart from industrial effluents and untreated sewage, other forms of unwanted materials are dumped into various water bodies. These can range from nuclear waste to oil spills – the latter of which can render vast areas uninhabitable.

Effects Of Water Pollution

The effect of water pollution depends upon the type of pollutants and their concentration. Also, the location of water bodies is an important factor to determine the levels of pollution.

• Water bodies in the vicinity of urban areas are extremely polluted. This is the result of dumping garbage and toxic chemicals by industrial and commercial establishments.
• Water pollution drastically affects aquatic life. It affects their metabolism, and behaviour, and causes illness and eventual death. Dioxin is a chemical that causes a lot of problems from reproduction to uncontrolled cell growth or cancer. This chemical is bioaccumulated in fish, chicken and meat. Chemicals such as this travel up the food chain before entering the human body.
• The effect of water pollution can have a huge impact on the food chain. It disrupts the food chain. Cadmium and lead are some toxic substances, these pollutants upon entering the food chain through animals (fish when consumed by animals, humans) can continue to disrupt at higher levels.
• Humans are affected by pollution and can contract diseases such as hepatitis through faecal matter in water sources. Poor drinking water treatment and unfit water can always cause an outbreak of infectious diseases such as cholera, etc.
• The ecosystem can be critically affected, modified and destructured because of water pollution.

The Minamata Incident marked one of the worst cases of water pollution

In 1932, a factory in Minamata City, Japan began dumping its industrial effluent – Methylmercury, into the surrounding bay and the sea. Methylmercury is incredibly toxic to humans and animals alike, causing a wide range of neurological disorders.

Its ill effects were not immediately noticeable. However, this all changed as methylmercury started to bioaccumulate inside shellfish and fish in Minamata Bay. These affected organisms were then caught and consumed by the local population. Soon, the ill effects of methylmercury were becoming apparent.

Initially, animals such as cats and dogs were affected by this. The city’s cats would often convulse and make strange noises before dying – hence, the term “dancing cat disease” was coined. Soon, the same symptoms were observed in people, though the cause was not apparent at the time.

Other affected people showed symptoms of acute mercury poisoning such as ataxia, muscle weakness, loss of motor coordination, damage to speech and hearing etc. In severe cases, paralysis occurred, which was followed by coma and death.  These diseases and deaths continued for almost 36 years before they could be officially acknowledged by the government and the organisation.

Since then, various control measures for water pollution have been adopted by the government of Japan to curb such environmental disasters in the future.

Pollution of the Ganges

Some rivers, lakes, and groundwater are rendered unfit for usage. In India, the River Ganges is the sixth most polluted river in the world. This is unsurprising as hundreds of industries nearby release their effluents into the river. Furthermore, religious activities such as burials and cremations near the shore contribute to pollution. Apart from the ecological implications, this river poses a serious health risks as it can cause diseases like typhoid and cholera.

Pollution of the Ganges is also driving some of the distinct fauna to extinction. The Ganges River shark is a critically endangered species that belong to the order Carcharhiniformes. The Ganges River dolphin is another  endangered species of dolphin that is found in the tributaries of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers.

As per a survey, by the end of 2026, around 4 billion people will face a shortage of water. Presently, around 1.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean, potable water and proper sanitation. It is also projected that nearly 1000 children die every year in India due to water-related issues. Groundwater is an important source of water, but unfortunately, even that is susceptible to pollution. Hence, water pollution is quite an important social issue that needs to be addressed promptly.

Control Measures of Water Pollution

Water pollution, to a larger extent, can be controlled by a variety of methods. Rather than releasing sewage waste into water bodies, it is better to treat them before discharge. Practising this can reduce the initial toxicity and the remaining substances can be degraded and rendered harmless by the water body itself. If the secondary treatment of water has been carried out, then this can be reused in sanitary systems and agricultural fields.

A very special plant, the Water Hyacinth can absorb dissolved toxic chemicals such as cadmium and other such elements. Establishing these in regions prone to such kinds of pollutants will reduce the adverse effects to a large extent.

Some chemical methods that help in the control of water pollution are precipitation, the ion exchange process, reverse osmosis , and coagulation. As an individual, reusing, reducing, and recycling wherever possible will advance a long way in overcoming the effects of water pollution.

Further Reading:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sewage treatment.

Wastewater treatment or sewage treatment generally refers to the process of cleaning or removing all pollutants, treating wastewater and making it safe and suitable for drinking before releasing it into the environment.

What are the main steps in sewage treatment?

There are four main stages of the wastewater treatment process, namely:

• Stage 1: Screening
• Stage 2: Primary treatment
• Stage 3: Secondary treatment
• Stage 4: Final treatment

What are the main causes of water pollution?

The main causes of water pollution are attributed to

• Industrial activities
• Urbanization
• Religious and social practices
• Agricultural runoff
• Accidents (such as oil spills, nuclear fallouts etc)

What are the effects of water pollution?

Water pollution can have disastrous consequences on the ecosystem. Furthermore, toxic chemicals can travel through the food chain and get into our bodies, causing diseases and death.

To learn more about water pollution, causes, effects, preventive measures and other important environmental concerns (such as eutrophication), visit us at BYJU’S Biology.

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Environment Pollution: Classification, Causes and Its Types 

What is Environmental Pollution?

Environmental Pollution refers to any addition of unwanted material in the environment due to human activities that lead to undesirable changes in the environment and ecology. For example, sewage water being released in clean water sources like tanks, rivers, etc. is an example of water pollution.

What are Pollutants?

The different agents that cause environmental pollution are called pollutants . Pollutants can be chemicals, biological materials, or physical things that get added into the environment by accident that are directly or indirectly harmful to people and other living things.

Classification of the Pollution

Effects of environmental pollution.

• Pollution affects the very factors which support life on the ear, such as the air we breathe, the water we drink and, at large, the ecosystems we depend upon. Thus, it poses a threat to life on the earth. 
• Pollution poses one of the greatest challenges to the health of humans and other living beings .
• Though it affects the overall well-being of the entire society, vulnerable sections like the poor, the children, the women etc are affected disproportionately by it. 
• Pollution has its negative impacts on the economy as well. For example, as per a study, water pollution would cause a loss of around 6% of India’s GDP by 2050 due to loss in sectors like fishing, agriculture, water intensive industries etc. 
• Other socio-economic impacts of pollution include food insecurity due to decreased agricultural yield, forced migration due to water crisis etc. 

Causes of Environmental Pollution

• Rapid increase in human population has increased anthropogenic activities by manifold. Most of these activities, in some way or the other, add some unwanted things to the environment. 
• Rapid urbanization in recent times has led to increased construction activities. This, in turn, is causing environmental pollution through different ways, such as release of dust in air, generation of waste materials etc. 
• Increased population and urbanization have meant increased transportation activities. This, in itself, is a major source of pollution. 
• An increased focus on industrialization of late is leading to rapid generation of industrial wastes and emissions, and hence environmental pollution. 
• Some agricultural activities also lead to environmental pollution. For example, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides not only pollutes the soil but also nearby water bodies due to spill over. 
• There are many other causes of environmental pollution, such as Burning of fossil fuels, increased use of chemicals, etc.

Types of Pollution

Depending on the source as well as destination of the pollutants, there are various types of pollution. Some major of them can be seen as follows:

Air Pollution

• As per WHO, Air Pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
• According to WHO data , 99 percent of the world’s population breathes air that contains high levels of pollutants and exceeds WHO guideline limits, with low and middle-income countries experiencing the highest exposures.

Causes of Air Pollution

• Industrial emissions, household emissions , motor vehicles emissions,  forest fires etc are some common sources of air pollution.
• Pollutants of major public health concern include Particulate Matter, Carbon Monoxide, Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Sulphur Dioxide .

Measures Taken to Control Air Pollution

• The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981
• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
• Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS )
• Green Crackers developed by CSIR-NEERI
• The Great Green Wall of Aravalli 
• Some states like Delhi has built Smog Towers to tackle air pollution.

Water Pollution

Water pollution refers to release of unwanted substances into subsurface groundwater or into water bodies like lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries, and oceans to a level which negatively impacts the beneficial use of the water or natural functioning of ecosystems.

When harmful chemicals or microorganisms contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, the water’s quality deteriorates and it becomes toxic for both humans and the environment.

• Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels drop, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) rises, aquatic species perish, eutrophication occurs, etc. as a result of water pollution.

Causes of Water Pollution

• Agriculture is one of the primary sources of water pollution. Animal waste from farms and livestock operations, pesticides, and fertilizers wash nutrients and pathogens like bacteria and viruses into our waterways.
• More than 80 percent of the world’s wastewater flows back into the environment without being treated or reused, according to the United Nations.
• Nearly half of the estimated 1 million tons of oil spills over into marine environments.
• Radioactive substances generated by uranium mining, nuclear power plants and the hospitals that use radioactive materials for research and medicine. These waste can persist in the environment for thousands of years, making disposal a major challenge.

Measures Taken to Control Water Pollution

International measures to tackle water pollution.

• International Conventions to Mitigate Marine Pollution 
• Convention on Dumping Wastes at Sea or London Convention (1972)
• The 1972 Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by the Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, also known as “LC ’72” or the “London Convention,”
• United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLoS).

Measures Taken in India to Tackle Water Pollution

• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:
• Initiatives to rejuvenate rivers, like Ganga Action Plan, Yamuna Action Plan etc. 
• Initiatives taken by the Central Pollution Control Board to tackle contamination and over-exploitation of groundwater.

Noise Pollution

• Noise Pollution is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as noise that is louder than 65 decibels (dB).  
• Precisely speaking, noise becomes harmful above 75 dB and painful above 120 dB Thus, it is advised to keep noise level below 65 dB during the day. 
• An ambient noise level advisable for the nighttime is 30 dBas restful sleep cannot be achieved with noise levels above this. 
• The current status of noise pollution all over the world can be seen through the United Nations Environment Programme’s report titled ‘Frontiers 2022: Noise, Blazes and Mismatches’ which enlist the noisiest cities in the world.

Suggested Measures to Control Noise Pollution

• Suppression of noise at the source
• Acoustic zoning
• Sound insulation at construction sites
• Planting trees
• Strict legislative measures.

Soil Pollution

• The contamination of soil with abnormally high concentrations of toxic substances is referred to as soil pollution .
• Given the numerous health risks it contains, it is a serious environmental concern. For instance, exposure to soil with high Benzene concentrations increases the risk of developing Leukaemia.

Causes of Soil Pollution

• Phenomena such as loss of organic carbon, erosion, increased salt content, acidification, compacting, and chemical pollution are the major causes of current soil degradation .

Suggested Measures to Tackle Soil Pollution

• Promote eco-friendly practices in business, agriculture , and stock breeding and other sectors of the economy.
• Ensure an efficient transportation and treatment of wastewater through proper urban planning. 
• Increase topsoil conservation, landscape restoration,
• Mining waste management .

Radioactive Pollution

• When radioactive elements are accidentally present in the environment or atmosphere and pose a risk to the ecosystem owing to radioactive decay , this is known as radioactive pollution .
• The radioactive materials create damage by releasing potentially harmful ionizing radiation into the environment, such as Alpha or Beta particles , gamma rays , or neutrons.

Causes of Radioactive Pollution

• Nuclear Accidents from Nuclear Energy Generation Plants
• Use of Nuclear Weapons as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
• Use of Radioisotopes in Health and other sectors.
• Mining 
• Spillage of Radioactive Chemicals
• Cosmic Rays and Other Natural Sources
• Nuclear Waste Handling and Disposal

Light Pollution

• Light pollution is the presence of inappropriate, unwanted and excessive artificial lighting .
• Too much light pollution has negative impacts on the environment and human health, obstructs astronomical research , disturbs ecosystems, and wastes energy.
• Specific categories of light pollution include light clutter, light trespass, over-illumination, glare and sky glow . 
• To overcome these challenges , use of Led lights, reduce the use of decorative lighting, minimise the use of light etc.

Nitrogen Pollution

• Nitrogen pollution results from an overabundance of nitrogen compounds, such as ammonia and nitrous oxide . Sometimes, the usage of synthetic fertilizers causes this pollution. 
• Another possible cause is the breakdown of large quantities of animal manures and slurry , which are frequently present in intensive livestock units.
• It may have detrimental effects on our climate, the ecosystem , and  health .

Suggested Measures to Tackle Nitrogen Pollution

• Use climate and nature-friendly growing methods and avoid using synthetic fertilisers.
• Support organic and agro-ecological farmers in order to promote farmers to transition to a future with less nitrogen.

Thus, various types of pollutions being caused by different anthropogenic activities have the potential to cause damage to the existence of life on the earth. India and the world must adopt a “green vision” as part of the development agenda. The time has come to add “clean environment” to the list of basic necessities – “roti-kapada-makaan”. 

• National Geography

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UPSC Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 4 JUNE 2024

NOTE : Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent);

1. The current status of water bodies in India is alarming. Fresh water bodies are facing significant challenges due to various anthropogenic and natural factors. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1. Key Demand of the question: To write about the present status of water bodies, major issues affecting their distribution and utilisation. Directive word:  Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Start by giving context of water resources. Cite statistics. Body: First, write about the current status of water resources – current status of water bodies in India, including rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and groundwater resources etc. Next, write about the various issues in the above – including encroachment and destruction due to urbanization and industrialization, pollution, climate change, and inadequate water management policies. Next, write about the steps that must be taken in order to overcome the above issues. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward. 

Introduction

India faces severe water scarcity despite being home to 18% of the world’s population. Paradoxically, it possesses only 4% of the global water resources. The annual utilizable surface water and groundwater resources are estimated at 690 billion cubic meters (BCM) and 431 BCM, respectively. Over the last two decades, per capita water availability has declined by almost 20%, and it is projected to decrease further by 20% by 2050.

Challenges and Issues:

• Rapid urbanization and industrial growth lead to increased pollution of water bodies, rendering them unfit for consumption.
• Encroachment on water bodies exacerbates the problem.
• Overexploitation of groundwater for irrigation and domestic use has led to its depletion.
• Tubewell irrigation practices, especially in states like Punjab, contribute to falling water tables.
• Erratic monsoons due to climate change affect water availability.
• Increased frequency and intensity of floods and droughts add pressure to water resources.
• Lack of effective water management policies and infrastructure.
• Inadequate rainwater harvesting and mismanagement of water resources.
• Water pollution from industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage affects both surface water and groundwater quality.

Steps to Overcome Water Challenges:

• Programs like the Atal Bhujal Yojana engage communities in understanding water availability and usage patterns.
• Villagers learn to budget their water use, promoting sustainable practices.
• In Punjab, the “Paani Bachao, Paisa Kamao” scheme incentivizes farmers to reduce groundwater usage.
• Cash incentives for electricity savings during irrigation have resulted in water savings without affecting crop yield.
• Promote rainwater harvesting techniques to recharge groundwater.
• Educate farmers about efficient irrigation methods (e.g., drip irrigation) to conserve water.
• Develop sanitation practices that conserve and wisely utilize water resources.
• Address both urban and rural sanitation needs.

Way Forward:

India must adopt an integrated approach:

• Policy Reforms : Strengthen water governance, enforce regulations, and invest in infrastructure.
• Awareness and Education : Educate communities about water conservation and sustainable practices.
• Research and Innovation : Invest in technology for efficient water use and pollution control.
• Collaboration : Involve stakeholders, NGOs, and international organizations to address water challenges.

Safeguarding India’s water resources requires collective efforts, innovative solutions, and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Topic: Social empowerment

2. The persistent practice of manual scavenging in India is a stark reminder of the deep-seated social and economic inequalities. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1. Key Demand of the question: To write about the persistent practise of manual scavenging despite being banned and steps needed to stop it. Directive: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about reasons for lack of effective implementation of the laws to prevent the practice of manual scavenging – lack of alternative livelihood opportunities for affected communities, political will, resources, and capacity-building of government agencies. Next, write about the steps we can take in this regard – multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of the problem, provides alternative livelihood opportunities, ensures effective implementation of laws and policies, and promotes public awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Manual scavenging  refers to the unsafe and manual removal of raw (fresh and untreated) human excreta from buckets or other containers that are used as toilets or from the pits of simple pit latrines.

Indian government is preparing to declare India “manual scavenging-free” by August. However, there are still 246 districts that have not yet self-declared themselves as free from manual scavenging. From March 22 to April 26, 2023, as many as eight people died while cleaning sewers in various parts of the Gujarat, raising concerns about the continuing deaths of manual scavengers despite the fact that the practice has been declared illegal across the country.

Government interventions

• The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 and employment of manual scavengers was declared unlawful.
• National Commission for Safai Karamcharis was constituted under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993, to monitor and recommend specific programs.
• National action plan for the total eradication of manual scavenging by 2007 .
• Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers  initiated to provide training, loans, and subsidies for alternate occupations in 2007.
• Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation, Act, 2013 .
• In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled in  Safai Karamchari Andolan v. Union of India that “entering sewer lines without safety gears should be made a crime even in emergency situations,” and ordered for compensation in cases of death of the worker.
• The Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan  (NBA) was replaced by Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) in 2014.
• Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment announced the  Draft National Action Plan Framework ‘to eliminate inhuman practices by 15th August 2022’ and counted sewage cleaning as one such practice.

Reasons for lack of effective implementation of the law

• It  does not mention health as a component of rehabilitation and provides a meagre amount of money to the worker in the name of assistance for alternative occupations, which  most manual scavengers remain unaware 
• Nothing in the act mentions  provisions related to the death of manual scavengers .
• M unicipalities choose the compensation route as they mostly outsource the unsanitary sanitation work.
• Toilets that were built under SBM are dependent on water and a lot of parts of India are  not connected by the sewage system .  Also, Septic tanks have engineering defects which means that after a point, a machine cannot clean it.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has remained elusive of the health problems of manual scavengers even though the National Health Policy (2017) calls for action on social determinants of health.

Reasons for the Prevalence of Manual Scavenging in India

• Delayed Implementation – Manual scavenging was banned 25 years ago but it continues to find practitioners.
• Insanitary Latrines – According to Safai Karmachari Andolan, the occupation persists mainly because of the continued  presence of insanitary latrines . There are about 2.6 million insanitary latrines (dry toilets) that require cleaning by hand.
• Caste-based notions of stigma  and deployment of Dalit workers in these occupations in modern contexts reinforces manual scavenging in India.
• The policymakers’ have a  fragmented and a target driven approach (counting numbers of toilets, length of sewerage, etc.,) to sanitation.
• Privatization of waste management and acute contractualisation of sanitation work has made fixing legal responsibility and identification of the guilty much more difficult.
• Gender-based occupation – Manual scavenging is not only a caste-based but also a gender-based occupation with 90 percent of them being women. Households with dry latrines prefer women to clean the excreta instead of men as they are located inside the house.
• Inadequate Funding 

Way-Forward

• Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board is using 70  mini jetting machines  that can access narrow lanes and smaller colonies to clear the choked sewer pipes.
• In  Thiruvananthapuram , a group of engineers has designed a spider-shaped robot that cleans manholes and sewers with precision.
• Proper awareness and sensitization of the authorities : It is essential that the authorities are sensitized to recognize the intensity of the issue and see the system as dehumanizing and unconstitutional.
• Sensitising Women  through a nationwide march to make them aware of their right to live with dignity and assure them of ‘sustainable freedom’, by providing an alternative livelihood option.
• That the  Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013  and the  Supreme Court’s judgment of 2014  should be duly implemented and applied in all cases of sewer/septic tank deaths.
• Target driven approach to measure the success of the sanitation policy
• The underlying caste-based attitude to sanitation work and workers should be identified and strong action taken against it.

To eradicate the profession of manual scavenging, it is important to provide these people with  alternate professions . The government could start by giving specific training for vocations like plumbing, gardening etc to those involved in manual scavenging.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

3. Making healthcare in India more accessible and affordable is essential for improving public health, fostering economic stability, and promoting social equity. Discuss. Suggest steps to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: As we navigate the dynamic landscape of Indian health care, cost considerations are increasingly influencing every aspect of service delivery and patient care Key Demand of the question: To write about the importance of making healthcare more accessible and affordable. Directive word:   Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about the various bottlenecks in accessibility and affordability of health care in India. Next, write about the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare. Suggest reforms to ensure the that healthcare is accessible and affordable by all. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.

With rising health disparities and uneven access to medical services, the need for equitable and sustainable health-care policies has never been more urgent than now. Ongoing discussions about setting rates for medical services are not just bureaucratic exercises. They fundamentally shape how we perceive, access, and deliver health care across India. In this globalised era, we see a variety of responses to similar challenges worldwide, shaped by differing cultural, economic, and systemic factors.

Challenges in Healthcare Accessibility and Affordability:

• Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE): India faces high OOPE, where households directly bear a significant portion of healthcare costs. In 2016, India’s OOPE was around 65%, far above the global average of approximately 20%.
• State-Level Disparities: States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have OOPE constituting 80% and 75% of total health expenditure, respectively. Even in relatively better-performing states like Karnataka and Gujarat, households still cover nearly half of healthcare costs.
• Medicine Expenses: Medicines account for a substantial share of OOPE (around 43% in 2015-16). Ensuring affordable access to quality medicines is critical.
• Impoverishment: Health expenses can push households below the poverty line. Approximately 7% of households experience impoverishment due to healthcare costs.

Importance of Accessible and Affordable Healthcare:

• Public Health: Improved access leads to better preventive care, early diagnosis, and reduced disease burden. It enhances overall public health and productivity.
• Economic Stability: Healthy citizens contribute more effectively to the economy. Reduced healthcare costs alleviate financial stress on households.
• Social Equity: Equal access ensures that vulnerable populations receive necessary care, bridging gaps in health outcomes.

Reforms for Accessible and Affordable Healthcare:

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Implementing UHC ensures that everyone has access to essential health services without financial hardship. It involves expanding insurance coverage and reducing OOPE.
• Strengthening Primary Healthcare: Investing in robust primary care facilities can address health issues at an early stage, reducing the need for expensive treatments later.
• Generic Medicine Promotion: Encouraging the use of generic drugs lowers costs. India’s Jan Aushadhi stores provide affordable generic medicines.
• Telemedicine and Digital Health: Leveraging technology can improve access, especially in rural areas. Teleconsultations, e-pharmacies, and health apps enhance convenience.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations between government and private sectors can enhance infrastructure, service delivery, and affordability.
• Health Infrastructure Investment: Building more hospitals, clinics, and health centers ensures proximity to healthcare services.
• Health Literacy and Awareness: Educating citizens about preventive measures, early detection, and available services empowers them to make informed choices.
• Regulating Drug Prices: Stricter price controls on essential medicines can curb excessive costs.
• Community Health Workers: Deploying trained community health workers can improve outreach and awareness.

Conclusion and Way Forward:

• India must prioritize accessible and affordable healthcare as a fundamental right.
• Coordinated efforts by policymakers, healthcare providers, and citizens are essential.
• By addressing bottlenecks, promoting reforms, and ensuring equitable access, India can achieve better health outcomes for all.
• A comprehensive approach involving policy reforms, infrastructure development, and public awareness will pave the way toward a healthier and more equitable India

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health , Education , Human Resources

4. The government must prioritize education, nutrition, and health of children in their policies due to their critical role in fostering socio-economic development and ensuring future well-being. Discuss. (250 words)

Why the question: Children form about 30% of India’s population, but they are invisible during elections. Key Demand of the question: To write about the need for prioritising education, nutrition, and health of children in its policies. Directive word: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Begin by giving context. Body: In the first part, write about the importance of child education – enhances human capital, drives economic growth, and promotes social stability. Next, write about the importance of child nutrition – physical and cognitive development, leading to better educational outcomes and long-term health etc. Next, write about the importance of child health – boosts productivity, reduces healthcare costs, and improves quality of life. Mentions ways to achieve the above Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Children form about 30% of India’s population, but they are invisibilised during elections. India has the largest child population in the world, yet most political parties turn a blind eye to children’s interests.

Importance of Child Education:

• Education equips children with knowledge, skills, and abilities, enhancing their human capital.
• Well-educated individuals contribute more effectively to society, the economy, and technological advancements.
• A literate and skilled workforce drives economic productivity and innovation.
• Countries with higher literacy rates tend to experience faster economic growth.
• Education fosters social cohesion by promoting understanding, tolerance, and empathy.
• An educated populace is more likely to engage in peaceful dialogue and democratic processes.

Importance of Child Nutrition:

• Proper nutrition during early childhood is crucial for physical growth and brain development.
• Malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, impaired cognitive function, and reduced learning capacity.
• Well-nourished children perform better academically.
• Adequate nutrition improves attention span, memory, and overall cognitive abilities.
• Childhood nutrition impacts long-term health outcomes.
• Proper nutrition reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

Importance of Child Health:

• Healthy children are more likely to attend school regularly and actively participate.
• Good health contributes to better concentration and overall productivity.
• Preventive measures, such as vaccinations and regular check-ups, reduce healthcare expenses.
• Early detection and intervention prevent costly treatments in the long run.
• Healthy children experience a better quality of life, both physically and emotionally.
• Physical fitness enhances their ability to engage in recreational activities and social interactions.
• Governments, NGOs, and communities should collaborate to address education, nutrition, and health simultaneously.
• Integrated programs yield better results than isolated efforts.
• Invest in early childhood education and nutrition programs.
• Target vulnerable populations to break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition.
• Educate parents on the importance of balanced diets, hygiene, and preventive healthcare.
• Empower parents to make informed decisions for their children.
• Schools can serve as hubs for health education and screenings.
• Regular health check-ups and awareness campaigns benefit students and their families.
• Involve local communities in promoting child health and education.
• Community health workers can play a pivotal role in disseminating information.

Holistic approach that integrates education, nutrition, and health is essential for nurturing healthy, educated, and productive future generations.

Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers.

5. Policymakers need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks associated with herbicide-tolerant (Ht) rice and consider alternative sustainable agricultural practices that ensure economic viability for farmers, protect the environment, and safeguard national food security. Examine. (250 words)

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has commercialised herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties, claiming they can control weeds in rice crops while also promoting water-saving direct seeded rice (DSR). Key Demand of the question: To write about the pros and cons of commercialising herbicide-tolerant (Ht) rice. Directive word:  Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about the need for Ht rice. Next, write about the advantages it offers – weed control and labor savings, potentially leading to higher yields etc. Next, write about various risks associated with it – high costs of seeds and herbicides, increased, risk of herbicide-resistant weeds, biodiversity loss, soil health degradation, food security and water pollution etc Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Herbicide-tolerant (Ht) rice refers to genetically modified rice varieties that can withstand specific herbicides. These varieties have gained attention due to their potential impact on agricultural practices.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has commercialised herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties, claiming they can control weeds in rice crops while also promoting water-saving direct seeded rice (DSR).

Need for Ht Rice:

• Weed Management: Weeds compete with rice crops for nutrients, sunlight, and water. Effective weed control is crucial for maximizing yields.
• Labor Efficiency: Traditional manual weeding is labor-intensive and costly. Ht rice promises reduced dependence on manual labor.
• Water-Saving Techniques: Ht rice can be integrated with direct-seeded rice (DSR), promoting water conservation.

Advantages of Ht Rice:

• Weed Control: Ht rice allows targeted herbicide application, minimizing weed interference. This leads to cleaner fields and better crop growth.
• Labor Savings: Reduced manual weeding means lower labor costs for farmers.
• Yield Potential: By minimizing weed competition, Ht rice has the potential to boost yields.

Risks Associated with Ht Rice:

• High Costs: Farmers must invest in Ht rice seeds and specific herbicides. These costs may outweigh the benefits.
• Herbicide Resistance: Overreliance on a single herbicide can lead to resistant weeds, rendering the technology less effective over time.
• Biodiversity Loss: Herbicides affect non-target plants and insects, impacting overall ecosystem diversity.
• Soil Health Degradation: Frequent herbicide use may harm soil microorganisms and nutrient cycling.
• Food Security Concerns: If Ht rice becomes dominant, it could reduce crop diversity and threaten food security.
• Water Pollution: Herbicides can leach into water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems.

Way Forward

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combine Ht rice with IPM practices, including crop rotation, biological control, and diversified cropping systems.
• Research on Herbicide Alternatives: Explore eco-friendly herbicides or non-chemical weed management techniques.
• Farmer Training: Educate farmers on responsible herbicide use, emphasizing sustainable practices.
• Monitoring and Regulation: Regular monitoring of Ht rice adoption and its impact on ecosystems.
• Balanced Approach: Promote Ht rice alongside other sustainable technologies, ensuring a holistic approach to weed management.

Policymakers must carefully evaluate the benefits and risks of Ht rice. Striking a balance between agricultural efficiency and environmental sustainability is essential for long-term food security.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

6. The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India faces several key challenges. Addressing these challenges is essential to overcome the barriers to EV adoption and pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future in India. Evaluate. (250 words)

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question: Last November, Delhi came up with its Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023. It mandates licensing and regulatory requirements for aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce entities. Key Demand of the question: To write about the evaluation of India’s move towards electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on progress, challenges in it and government initiatives need to overcome it. Directive word:  Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence.  You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by giving aa statistics related to EV vehicle adoption for context. Body: First, write about India’s progress in transitioning towards electric vehicles (EVs). Highlight the increase in the number of EV sales, the growth of EV charging infrastructure, and the initiatives taken by automakers to introduce EV models in the market. Next, write about the key challenges hindering widespread EV adoption in India. Discuss issues such as high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and consumer perceptions. Address the need for addressing these challenges through policy interventions and public awareness campaigns. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

An electric vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. An electric vehicle may be powered through self-contained battery, solar panels or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity. India is among a handful of countries that supports the  global EV30@30 campaign, which aims for at least 30 per cent new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030 .

Progress  of electric vehicles in India

• The Electric vehicle adoption, be it four-, three-, two-wheelers, or buses, has seen a massive uptick over the past year or so.
• As an example, Hero Electric, India’s pioneering electric two-wheeler manufacturer, clocked its highest ever calendar year volumes in 2022, with more than 1,00,000 units finding new homes across the year
• As fuel prices skyrocket, there are rising concerns about the steep increase in the cost of running petrol and diesel vehicles. Electric vehicles seem to be coming into their own at last.
• The Indian electric vehicle market was valued at USD 1,434.04 billion in 2021, and it is expected to reach USD 15,397.19 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 47.09% during the forecast period (2022-2027).
• The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in India (FAME I and II) helped create the initial interest and exposure for electric mobility.
• To promote the domestic electric vehicle industry, the Indian government has provided tax exemptions and subsidies to EV manufacturers and consumers.
• India’s shift to shared, electric and connected mobility could help the country save nearly one giga-tonne of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.

Potential of EVs in India

• India has committed to cutting its GHG emissions intensity by 33% to 35% percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
• As per  NITI Aayog’s report EVs will help in cutting down as much as 1 Gigatonne (GT) of carbon emissions by 2030.
• Electric vehicles don’t produce emissions that contribute to climate change and smog than conventional vehicles.
• All-electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, which specifically helps improve air quality in urban areas.
• According to a recent study by WHO, India is home to 14 out of 20 most polluted cities in the world. EVs will help in tackling this problem by reducing local concentrations of pollutants in cities.
• Cost reduction from better electricity generating technologies. This has introduced the possibility of clean, low-carbon and inexpensive grids.
• India imports oil to cover over 80 percent of its transport fuel.
• Electric mobility will contribute to balancing energy demand, energy storage and environmental sustainability.
• Electric vehicles could help diversify the energy needed to move people and goods thanks to their reliance on the wide mix of primary energy sources used in power generation, greatly improving energy security.
• Advances in battery technology have led to higher energy densities, faster charging and reduced battery degradation from charging.
• EVs manufacturing capacity will promote global scale and competitiveness.
• Promotion of EVs will facilitate employment growth in a sun-rise sector.

Challenges in adoption of EVs

• Despite being the third-largest auto market and several incentives dished out by New Delhi and state governments, India remains a laggard in electric vehicles (EV).
• The country is a ripe target for EV makers but is slow to catch up with other markets, according to a recent report by S&P Global Ratings.
• Domestic sales of EVs have more than doubled, but they barely represent 2% of the total light-vehicle sales in the last 12 months.
• India is technologically deficient in the production of electronics that form the backbone of EV industry, such as batteries, semiconductors, controllers, etc.
• The lack of clarity over AC versus DC charging stations, grid stability and range anxiety (fear that battery will soon run out of power) hinder the growth of EV industry.
• India is dependent on countries like Japan and China for the import of lithium-ion batteries.
• EVs have higher servicing costs and higher levels of skills is needed for servicing. India lacks dedicated training courses for such skill development.
• Affordability of e-vehicles (EVs) and the range they can cover on a single battery charge.

Various measures taken by the government to promote electric vehicles

• Most recently, Government think-tank Niti Aayog has prepared a draft battery swapping policy, under which it has proposed offering incentives to electric vehicles (EVs) with swappable batteries, subsidies to companies manufacturing swappable batteries, a new battery-as-a-service business model, and standards for interoperable batteries, among other measures.
• Government has set a target of electric vehicles making up 30 % of new sales of cars and two-wheelers by 2030.
• To build a sustainable EV ecosystem initiative like –National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric vehicles in India (FAME India) have been launched by India.
• NEMMP was launched with an aim to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in the country.
• FAME India Scheme was launched with the objective to support hybrid/electric vehicles market development and manufacturing ecosystem.
• The Union power ministry categorized charging of batteries as a service, which will help charging stations operate without licenses.
• Implementation of smart cities would also boost the growth of electric vehicle
• For EVs to contribute effectively, we need commensurate efforts in developing an entire ecosystem .
• Need to shift the focus from subsidizing vehicles to subsidizing batteries because batteries make up 50% of EV costs.
• Increasing focus on incentivizing electric two-wheelers because two-wheelers account for 76% of the vehicles in the country and consume most of the fuel.
• A wide network of charging stations is imminent for attracting investment.
• Work places in tech parks, Public bus depots, and Multiplexes are the potential places where charging points could be installed. In Bangalore, some malls have charging points in parking lots.
• Corporates could invest in charging stations as Corporate Social Responsibility compliances.
• Addressing technical concerns like AC versus DC charging stations, handling of peak demand, grid stability etc.
• India needs to leap into EV battery manufacturing.
• Private investment in battery manufacturing plants and developing low cost production technology is needed.
• Need for a policy roadmap on electric vehicles so that investments can be planned.
• Acquiring lithium fields in Bolivia, Australia, and Chile could become as important as buying oil fields as India needs raw material to make batteries for electric vehicles.
• Providing waiver of road tax and registration fees, GST refunds and free parking spaces for EVs.
• What are the options available to Sreekanth?
• Critically analyse the above-mentioned actions?
• Which actions should Sreekanth choose? Why?

Topic: Case Study

7. Sreekanth is District Magistrate of La La Land. The land is home to diverse communities, living in harmony despite occasional tensions. However, recent events have led to an increase in communal tensions and an atmosphere of distrust.

Sreekanth’s reputation as a just and fair administrator is well-known. As the District Magistrate, he finds himself in the midst of a delicate situation when he receives a call from both the influential MLA and the Mayor. They request his assistance in demolishing what they claim are illegal constructions linked to the minority community.

The MLA and Mayor assert that these constructions have been established without proper permits and are a result of the recent riots, which they attribute to the minority community. They claim that these buildings serve as hotbeds of dissent and must be torn down to maintain peace and security in the region.

Sreekanth is faced with an ethical dilemma. On one hand, he understands the importance of maintaining law and order in the region. On the other, he senses a hidden agenda behind the MLA and Mayor’s request. He knows that blindly complying with their demands could lead to further unrest and fuel division among the communities.

The case encapsulates the complex dynamics of societal divisions based on religion, ethnicity, or other cultural affiliations. In this context, La La Land, known for its historically diverse and harmonious communities, has recently grappled with escalating tensions. This case epitomizes the intricate challenges of communal issues, demanding thoughtful analysis and a principled approach to preserve unity and justice in the face of mounting discord.

Options available with Sreekanth

• Comply with the MLA and Mayor’s Request:  Sreekanth could choose to go along with the request to demolish the alleged illegal constructions. This may temporarily satisfy the influential political figures, but it could exacerbate tensions and potentially lead to further unrest in the long run.
• Investigate the Claims:  Sreekanth could conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged illegal constructions. This would involve verifying whether the buildings were indeed constructed without proper permits and if they pose a genuine threat to public safety and security. This option allows for a fair and evidence-based decision.
• Engage in Dialogue:  Sreekanth could facilitate a dialogue between the different communities involved, including representatives from the minority community, to address the concerns and grievances. This could help in building mutual trust and finding a peaceful resolution to the situation.
• Seek Legal Advice:  Sreekanth could consult legal experts or seek advice from higher authorities to ensure that any decision he makes is legally sound and in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintain Neutrality:  Sreekanth could choose to remain neutral and avoid taking sides in the dispute. He could emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law while also ensuring that the rights and interests of all communities are respected.

Critical analysis of the actions

• Compliance with the Request:  While this may provide a short-term solution, it could potentially worsen the situation by deepening mistrust and resentment between communities. It may also violate the rights of the minority community if the demolitions are not based on legitimate legal grounds.
• Investigation:  This is a balanced approach that ensures decisions are based on evidence and legality. However, it may take time and resources to conduct a thorough investigation, and there could be political pressure to act quickly.
• Engage in Dialogue:  This is a constructive approach that seeks to address the underlying issues and build bridges between communities. However, it may be challenging to bring all parties to the table, and finding a mutually acceptable solution could be difficult.
• Seek Legal Advice:  Consulting legal experts is a prudent step to ensure that any decision is legally defensible. However, this may not necessarily address the broader ethical considerations at play.
• Maintain Neutrality:  While important for maintaining the appearance of impartiality, this option may not directly address the immediate concerns raised by the MLA and Mayor.

Course of action to choose

Given the complex and sensitive nature of the situation, Sreekanth should opt for a combination of options. He should initiate a thorough investigation to verify the claims of illegal constructions. Simultaneously, he should work towards facilitating a dialogue between the different communities involved, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and adherence to the rule of law.

Ethical issues in the above case

• Fairness and Justice:  Sreekanth must ensure that any decision made is fair and just, taking into account the rights and interests of all communities involved.
• Impartiality:  Sreekanth must remain impartial and not be swayed by political pressures or personal biases.
• Rule of Law:  Sreekanth must uphold the rule of law, ensuring that any actions taken are in accordance with legal procedures and regulations.
• Community Relations:  Sreekanth must consider the potential impact of his decisions on community relations and work towards fostering understanding and trust among different groups.
• Transparency:  Sreekanth should communicate openly and transparently about the decisions made and the rationale behind them to build trust among the communities.

Ultimately, Sreekanth’s approach seeks not only to address the immediate concerns but also to pave the way for long-term reconciliation and unity among the communities of La La Land. This case serves as a powerful reminder that in the face of communal challenges, principled leadership and a dedication to inclusivity can lead to the restoration of trust, the preservation of harmony, and the flourishing of a more cohesive society.

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