Answer

River Pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies due to industrial discharge, sewage, and agricultural runoff, threatening aquatic life and public health. CPCB has identified 311 polluted river stretches on 279 rivers in 30 States/ UTs in the country based on indicator of organic pollution i.e. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).Despite stringent environmental laws, enforcement gaps exacerbate the crisis.

Effectiveness of Existing Legal Frameworks in Controlling River Pollution in India

Reasons for Persistent River Pollution

• Weak enforcement of laws: Despite stringent laws, lack of manpower and inadequate monitoring hinder enforcement.
  For example: Industries along the Yamuna continue discharging untreated effluents due to poor regulatory oversight.
• Fragmented governance and poor coordination: Multiple agencies handle water pollution, leading to overlapping responsibilities and inefficiency.
  For example: The SPCBs often lack coordination with municipal bodies, delaying action against illegal waste discharge.
• Inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure: Over 60% of sewage in India remains untreated, directly polluting rivers.
  For example: The Namami Gange programme has improved treatment capacity, but untreated sewage inflow still surpasses treatment availability.
• Industrial non-compliance and political interference: Many industries continue polluting due to weak penalties and political protection.
  For example: Tanneries in Kanpur continue to release toxins into the Ganga, despite multiple Supreme Court orders.
• Unregulated agricultural runoff: Pesticides and fertilizers increase river toxicity and cause eutrophication.
  For example: The Yamuna faces high nitrate pollution from excessive fertilizer use in Haryana and Punjab.

Changes Needed for Better Enforcement

• Strengthening Pollution Control Boards: Increase funding, autonomy, and accountability of SPCBs and CPCB.
  For example: SPCBs often lack sufficient personnel to monitor polluting industries effectively.
• Advanced real-time monitoring: Use AI-driven sensors and satellite tracking for continuous water quality assessment.
  For example: China uses AI-based monitoring for its rivers, leading to swift action on pollution hotspots.
• Sand mining and encroachment control: Implement higher fines and criminal prosecution for miners.
  For example: Kerala has local monitoring committees for regulation.
• Public participation and awareness: Involve local communities in reporting pollution and cleaning initiatives.
  For example: Citizen-led Ganga cleaning drives in Varanasi have improved local water quality.
• Integrated river basin management: Unify industrial regulation, waste management, and agricultural policies under a single authority.
  For example: The EU Water Framework Directive follows a basin-wide approach, improving river health across member nations.
• Legal Recognition of Rivers as Entities: The Uttarakhand High Court declared Ganga and Yamuna as living entities, strengthening their legal protection.
  For example: This ruling empowered authorities to take legal action against encroachers damaging the rivers.

Strengthening community participation, integrating real-time monitoring technology, and ensuring stringent punitive actions can transform enforcement from reactive to preventive. A river rejuvenation fund, backed by polluter-pays principles, along with decentralized governance, can foster accountability. Moving towards a sustainable blue economy with river conservation at its core will ensure lifelines, not drain lines, for future generations.

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