Why in the News?
The Supreme Court (SC) has closed its 2021 suo motu proceedings on polluted rivers and transferred primary monitoring responsibility to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Key Observations of the Court
- Specialized tribunals like NGT are better equipped to monitor these situations continuously.
- It reaffirmed that the right to live in hygienic conditions with human dignity and a clean environment is part of Article 21 of the Constitution.
- In M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India, 1987 Supreme Court treated the right to live in pollution free environment as a part of fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Under the case, SC also restrained industries from releasing polluting effluents into the Ganga river until they establish treatment plants.
Status of river pollution in India
- 'Polluted River Stretches for Restoration of Water Quality – 2025': By Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)-
- 43% rivers polluted: 296 polluted stretches identified on 271 Rivers based on analysis of water quality data of 623 rivers.
- Only 62% locations complied BOD criteria: Out of 2116 locations monitored during 2022 & 2023, 1312 locations complied with Bio-Chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) criteria (less than 3.0 mg/L), notified for Outdoor bathing.
- Status of Trace and Toxic Metals in Rivers of India, 2024: By Central Water Commission-
- At 112 stations (out of 434 studied), at least 1 metal (out of 9 trace & toxic metals studied) was found to be beyond limit.
Issues in Regulating River Pollution in India
- Ineffective Legal Execution: Even with strict environmental laws in place, a shortage of staff and poor monitoring prevent effective action.
- E.g., Factories along the Yamuna River routinely dump uncleaned waste due to a lack of strict regulatory oversight.
- Fragmented governance: River management involves too many different agencies, causing overlapping duties and administrative inefficiencies.
- E.g., State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) frequently fail to coordinate with local municipal authorities which slows down the response to illegal dumping.
- Under performance of Schemes: Delays in the approval of detailed project reports, slow pace of implementation, and low fund utilisation have been observed.
- E.g., only 69% of funds allocated to the Namami Gange Programme were utilised up to 2024-25
- Deficient Sewage Infrastructure: More than 60% of India's sewage flows directly into rivers without undergoing purification.
- Lack of Political Will: Weak fines and political backing allow many industries to continue polluting without consequence.
- E.g., Despite numerous Supreme Court directives, leather tanneries in Kanpur persistently discharge toxic chemicals into the Ganga River.
Existing Legal Frameworks in Controlling River Pollution in India:
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Way Forward
- Strengthening Pollution Control Boards: Increase funding, autonomy, and accountability of SPCBs and CPCB.
- Source control: Identification and management of polluting sources, quantification and characterization of solid waste and sewage generated in catchment area of polluted river stretch.
- Upgrading to Real-Time Tracking: Utilize modern technology like artificial intelligence (AI) sensors and satellites to constantly monitor the health of river water.
- Upgrade existing treatment facilities: Adopt advanced treatment technologies and implement stringent monitoring protocols.
- Integrated river basin management: Unify industrial regulation, waste management, and agricultural policies under a single authority.
- E.g., the EU Water Framework Directive follows a basin-wide approach, improving river health across member nations.
- Encouraging Public Involvement: Bring local citizens into the loop by having them report pollution and participate in community clean-up efforts.
- E.g., cleaning drives led by everyday citizens in Varanasi have successfully helped improve the water quality in their local area.
Conclusion
River pollution in India persists due to weak enforcement, poor coordination, and inadequate infrastructure, despite strong legal provisions. Addressing this crisis requires stricter implementation, better governance, technological monitoring, and public participation to ensure clean and sustainable rivers.
