The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a report highlighting the complex challenges associated with river rejuvenation projects in India. This report was published on June 26, 2024.
Problems Affecting River Health
Sewage and Industrial Waste: Untreated sewage and industrial effluents are major sources of river pollution.
Outdated Infrastructure: Inadequate sewage treatment capacity and inefficient industrial wastewater management systems further exacerbate the problem.
Flow Disruption: Dams and infrastructure projects can disrupt natural river flow patterns, impacting the ecosystem.
Focus on Short-Term Solutions: Treating wastewater to meet minimum bathing water standards is insufficient for true river rejuvenation.
Moving Beyond Traditional Approaches
The report emphasizes the need for a more holistic approach that considers the entire river ecosystem, from source to mouth. Maintaining natural flow regimes and restoring riparian zones (riverbank vegetation) are crucial for a healthy river. Treating wastewater for reuse in agriculture or industry can reduce pressure on freshwater resources.
Specific Actions Recommended
- Industrial Pollution Control:
- Implement water recycling and pollution prevention charters for Textile, Sugar, Pulp & Paper, Distillery and Tannery units.
- Identify and close unauthorized or unregistered polluting units such as water-polluting small and medium-scale industries, including board mills, dyeing/ bleaching/ printing/ textile processing, paint, recycling/ processing units for metal, battery including lead-acid, e-waste, and other hazardous waste
- Encourage small and medium industries to adopt advanced wastewater treatment systems or connect to centralized treatment plants.
- Addressing Pollution Hotspots:
- Identify and prioritize areas with severe pollution caused by industrial discharges.
- Develop action plans to improve water quality in these hotspots, involving both industries and technical experts.
- Establish collective accountability for industries located along polluted stretches.
Bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application is essential for effective river rejuvenation. Rejuvenation efforts should aim to restore a river’s natural self-purification abilities, making it sustainable in the long run.
The report acknowledges the limitations of restoring rivers to their pristine pre-development state. Instead, it advocates for a practical approach that balances human needs with ecological restoration.
