NGT Addresses Water Contamination in Rajasthan, M.P., and U.P.

NGT takes cognizance of sewage contamination in drinking water in Rajasthan, MP, UP.

Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of sewage contamination in drinking water in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, based on news reports. The NGT has issued notices to the state governments and other agencies to file affidavits on the matter. The news reports highlight alarming conditions where sewage water has mixed with drinking water pipelines due to corroded infrastructure.

Affected cities include Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Banswara, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Bora in Rajasthan. The NGT noted that the issues raised involve serious environmental and public health concerns and indicate violations of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Key Facts

NGT: Took suo motu cognizance of water contamination

Affected States: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh

Contamination Source: Sewage mixing with drinking water

Relevant Acts: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Water Act, 1974

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology, Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation

GS Paper 2: Governance, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Connection to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)

Visual Insights

NGT Concerns: Water Contamination in Rajasthan, M.P., and U.P.

This map highlights the states and cities mentioned in the news report where sewage contamination of drinking water is a concern, as addressed by the NGT.

Loading interactive map...

📍Rajasthan📍Madhya Pradesh📍Uttar Pradesh

More Information

Background

The issue of water contamination in India has deep historical roots, stemming from rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and inadequate infrastructure development. Historically, traditional water management systems like tanks and stepwells were effective in local water conservation and quality maintenance. However, with the advent of centralized water supply systems during the British colonial era and post-independence industrialization, these traditional systems were often neglected.

The focus shifted to large-scale projects like dams and canals, which, while increasing water availability, also led to environmental degradation and water pollution. The absence of robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms in the early decades after independence further exacerbated the problem, leading to the current situation where many water bodies are heavily polluted with sewage and industrial effluents.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing focus on addressing water contamination through various initiatives. The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024. The Namami Gange program, initiated in 2014, focuses on cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River.

Furthermore, the government has been promoting the use of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes like irrigation and industrial cooling to reduce the burden on freshwater resources. The NITI Aayog's Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) is also playing a crucial role in assessing and improving water management practices across states. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in terms of effective implementation, enforcement of regulations, and addressing the underlying issues of infrastructure deficits and rapid urbanization.

Future outlook involves greater emphasis on decentralized water management, community participation, and technological solutions for water treatment and monitoring.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: 1. The Act established the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). 2. The Act empowers the CPCB to set effluent standards for industries. 3. The Act applies only to surface water sources and excludes groundwater. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Water Act, 1974 established the CPCB and SPCBs and empowers the CPCB to set effluent standards. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Act applies to both surface and groundwater sources.

2. In the context of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which of the following statements is NOT correct?

A.The NGT was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act.
B.The NGT is mandated to dispose of cases within 6 months.
C.The NGT has the power to review all environmental clearances granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
D.The NGT is guided by the principles of natural justice.

Show Answer

Answer: C

The NGT does not have the power to review all environmental clearances. Its jurisdiction is limited to specific environmental laws and disputes.

3. Which of the following initiatives is/are aimed at improving water quality and sanitation in India? 1. Namami Gange Programme 2. Swachh Bharat Mission 3. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three initiatives contribute to improving water quality and sanitation. Namami Gange focuses on the Ganga River, Swachh Bharat Mission on sanitation, and AMRUT on urban infrastructure including water supply and sewerage.