River Pollution Challenges in India The Vital Role of India Water Portal in Combatting Contamination

1. RIVER POLLUTION River Pollution Challenges

2. Understanding River Pollution River Pollution Challenges the contamination of water bodies through various harmful substances. This can include chemical, physical, and biological pollutants. In India, common pollutants range from industrial waste and agricultural runoff to domestic sewage and religious offerings.

3. Major Rivers Affected by Pollution The Ganges The Ganges, revered as a holy river, is heavily polluted with industrial effluents, sewage, and religious waste. Efforts to clean it have been ongoing for decades. Yamuna The Yamuna, particularly in Delhi, suffers from severe pollution due to industrial discharge and untreated sewage. Godavari Godavari faces contamination from industrial activities and urban runoff, affecting its ecosystem and surrounding communities.

4. Sources of River Pollution in India Industrial Waste Agricultural Runoff Factories discharge untreated waste directly into rivers, introducing hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. Pesticides and fertilizers used in farming wash into rivers, causing nutrient pollution and harming aquatic life.

5. Impact of River Pollution Domestic Sewage Untreated sewage from households adds to the pollution load, introducing pathogens and organic waste into rivers. Religious and Cultural Practices Offerings and cremation rituals along riverbanks contribute to the pollution, adding organic and inorganic materials to the water.

6. Impact of River Pollution Health Risks Environmental Degradation Contaminated river water poses serious health risks, including waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. Pollution disrupts aquatic ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and degrading water quality.

7. Impact of River Pollution Social Implications Economic Consequences Polluted rivers affect the quality of life for communities, especially those relying on river water for daily activities. The economic impact includes loss of fisheries, tourism, and increased healthcare costs due to pollution-related illnesses.

8. Government Efforts to Combat River Pollution National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Launched to clean the Ganges, GAP focuses on sewage treatment and reducing industrial pollution. NRCP aims to improve the water quality of rivers through various conservation projects.

9. Namami Gange Programme • This ambitious project seeks to rejuvenate the Ganges with a multi-faceted approach involving sewage treatment, river surface cleaning, and rural sanitation.

10. Thank you