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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded eight polluted river stretches, as per the latest government data presented in the Lok Sabha, with one grossly polluting industry flagged in the region. This information emerged in response to a starred question raised by Sanjna Jatav, focusing on the scale of river pollution across the country and the steps being taken to address it. The findings spotlight the environmental strain on India’s rivers, particularly those situated near cities and industrial zones.
When Jhelum, Kashmir’s main river swells up, it looks like this. The photograph was taken on June 22, 2022, after three days of raining and minor snowfall over upper reaches in South Kashmir. The river was flowing above the danger mark. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, industrial effluents, untreated or partially treated sewage, and poor solid waste management have been identified as key contributors to river pollution. Across India, 3,519 grossly polluting industries (GPIs) were reported to be discharging harmful effluents, defined as those generating a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) load of 100 kg or more per day or handling hazardous substances. Uttar Pradesh leads the list with over 1,200 operational GPIs, while several states like Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Manipur reported no such industries.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 311 polluted river stretches spanning 279 rivers across the country. Maharashtra recorded the highest number of polluted stretches at 55, followed by Madhya Pradesh (19), Bihar and Kerala (18 each), and Karnataka (17). These stretches, marked by severe contamination, highlight the worsening condition of many of India’s rivers, which serve as lifelines for drinking water, irrigation, and biodiversity.
The government has undertaken multiple initiatives to tackle this crisis. Action plans for river rejuvenation, overseen by River Rejuvenation Committees (RRCs), focus on managing municipal and industrial waste, protecting floodplains, and implementing ecological flow measures to restore rivers to bathing standards. Sewage treatment remains a critical focus area, with 203 infrastructure projects sanctioned under the Namami Gange programme, aimed at cleaning the Ganga and its tributaries.
Despite progress, challenges persist. Monitoring data reveals that untreated sewage remains a major issue in urban centres, as many sewage treatment plants (STPs) face operation and maintenance problems. Industrial effluent discharge continues to strain river systems, prompting efforts like the installation of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and online monitoring systems. The CPCB’s inspections of grossly polluting industries have resulted in notices being issued to violators, though compliance gaps remain.
A broader effort is underway to conserve river ecosystems. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the rejuvenation of 13 major rivers, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Yamuna, and Cauvery, have been prepared, focusing on afforestation and ecological restoration. Conservation measures such as biodiversity parks, wetland protection, and aquatic species rescue programmes have also shown some positive results. For instance, sightings of river dolphins, otters, and turtles in the Ganga basin have increased due to targeted restoration initiatives.
The financial commitment to tackling river pollution remains substantial. Between 2021 and 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change sanctioned over Rs 48 crore for water quality monitoring, while under Namami Gange, Rs 7,921 crore has been released for sewage infrastructure and other interventions. However, the scale of the problem remains immense, with a pressing need for sustained efforts and robust enforcement to restore India’s rivers to a healthier state.
India’s rivers, vital for millions of people and countless ecosystems, are under unprecedented stress. The latest figures underscore the urgency of addressing river pollution, both in terms of policy implementation and grassroots participation, to ensure these water bodies remain sources of life rather than channels of contamination.
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