Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard. (10M, 150 words) (GS-3 Ecology)

Introduction:

Industrial pollution of rivers in India, due to the discharge of untreated or partially treated effluents, is a significant environmental issue, impacting water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and human health.

Mitigation Measures:

1. Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs): Mandatory installation of ETPsin industries to treat wastewater before discharge, ensuring pollutants are within permissible limits.
2. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Promoting ZLD technologieswhere all industrial wastewater is recycled or reused, minimizing waste discharge into rivers.
3. Monitoring and Enforcement: Strengthening regulatory frameworkslike the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, with stricter penalties for non-compliance and increased monitoring by Pollution Control Boards.
4. Green Chemistry and Cleaner Production: Encouraging industries to adopt eco-friendly technologies, reducing the generation of hazardous pollutants.

Government Initiatives:

1. Namami Gange Programme: Launched in 2014, this flagship initiative focuses on river rejuvenation, pollution control, and the establishment of common effluent treatment plants(CETPs) along the Ganga and its tributaries.
2. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): Works towards industrial pollution abatementby ensuring compliance with environmental regulations in industries near the Ganga basin.
3. Pollution Control Laws: The government enforces several environmental laws, such as the Environment Protection Act, 1986, to control river pollution from industrial sources.

Conclusion:

A combination of technological advancements, strict enforcement, and government initiatives like Namami Gange is essential to effectively combat industrial river pollution in India.