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Read, Debate: Engage.
| topic: | Conservation |
|---|---|
| located: | India |
| editor: | Bindu Gopal Rao |
Today, 9 September, is International River Day. India's life is centred on its eight major river systems and over 400 rivers that are becoming more vulnerable. The primary causes of India's river pollution are sewage from households, waste from industries, acid rain, and refuse from religious practices. This pollution affects marine life and humans, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
The Central Government protects the river systems under the Environment Protection Act 1986, the Environment Protection Rules 1986, the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and the National Water Mission 2011. In 2018, The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change announced a new river conservation strategy covering the entire river basin.
Conservation efforts are centred mainly around the Ganga, a river with immense spiritual connotations for Indian Hindus. The ambitious Namami Gange program has allocated up to $4 billion to clean the 2500-kilometre river and prevent sewage and industrial effluents.
Another initiative, the Inland Waterways project, which intends to use 106 rivers and creeks for moving cargo, has been criticised for being counterproductive to the Ganga River conservation project. The project is a concern because it may decrease water flow, pollute rivers, strip their catchment areas, and put their biodiversity in danger.
The conservation of India's rivers is a must, and progress has been recorded. After a successful conservation effort, the number of crocodiles in Bihar's Gandak River increased from 30 in 2014 to 217 in 2023.
On India's 75th Independence Day last year, the Central Government also launched Mission Amrit Sarovar to help develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each country district. In his monthly radio address, Mann ki Baat, in June 2023, PM Modi confirmed that over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars (water bodies) have already been built, with an additional 50,000 plus in the works.
There has also been a conscious effort by the Governments at the central and state levels to partner with corporations and NGOs to work on river conservation projects.
While several initiatives are running, the sheer volume of India's population is a crucial challenge regarding the actual implementation and sustenance of these projects. Public cooperation can help. However, taking the vision from theory to reality requires more concerted effort. International River Day highlights the importance of river conservation, but year-round efforts are needed for lasting impact.
Photo by Rae Wallis.
