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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: India’s rivers which are the lifeblood of millions are facing an unprecedented pollution crisis. The Sutlej in Ludhiana, Ganga in Haridwar, and Yamuna in Delhi are facing a crisis over polluted water. These rivers are crucial for both human consumption and agriculture and are now dangerously polluted which is threatening public health and the environment.
According to the 2018 data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 279 rivers across 30 states and Union Territories in India are polluted. This accounts for approximately 46% of the country’s rivers. The pollution is primarily measured by the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels with many rivers exceeding the permissible limits.
Sutlej River Pollution
The Sutlej River flows through Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan and has been heavily contaminated by untreated municipal waste and industrial effluents. The Jamsher and Kala Sangya drains in Jalandhar were originally intended for rainwater but now discharge toxic waste into the river. Additionally, the Harike Pattan barrage which is located at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers is also a significant pollution point. The Rajasthan feeder canal begins at this confluence and carries polluted water through Haryana into Rajasthan.
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The situation is terrible in Ludhiana where the Buddha Nullah discharges large quantities of industrial effluents which severely degrade the river’s water quality. Around 2,000 kilolitres of sewage are released into the Sutlej from Punjab every single day which transforms the water from Class B (unfit for irrigation or human consumption) to Class E (heavily polluted and hazardous). With rising cases of kidney ailments, hepatitis, and cancer, more than one crore people in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab are at risk. Highlighting the urgent need for government intervention, several Protests have erupted in cities like Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh.
Ganga River Pollution in Haridwar
The Ganga River which is revered as sacred in India is also grappling with severe pollution, particularly in Haridwar. The influx of untreated sewage and industrial waste has turned this holy river into a toxic stream. The pollution levels spike especially during festivals when thousands of devotees take ritual baths in the holy Ganga which inadvertently contributes to the contamination. Efforts to clean the Ganga under various government initiatives have yet to show significant results. The pollution threatens not only the ecosystem but also the millions who rely on the Ganga for drinking water and agriculture.
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Yamuna River Toxication in Delhi
Yamuna is a critical water source for Delhi and now presents another alarming case of river pollution. Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and domestic waste have rendered the Yamuna severely polluted especially in the national capital city Delhi. The river’s water is so toxic that it poses a severe health hazard to the residents of Delhi. Despite several cleaning projects and interventions, the Yamuna continues to suffer from high levels of toxins which makes it one of the most polluted rivers in the country.
India is home to an extensive network of rivers with around 400 major and minor rivers flowing across the country. The pollution of the Sutlej, Ganga, and Yamuna rivers underscores a pressing environmental and public health crisis. It is imperative for the government to enforce stricter pollution control measures and for the community to engage in sustainable practices. With coordinated efforts and robust policies, there is hope to restore these rivers to their pristine state, ensuring a healthier future for millions.
