Question #20
Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?
edited by Sanjana
The National Water Policy of India was formulated in 2012 with the aim of considering water as a common pool resource and promoting integrated water resources management. The policy focuses on sustainable development and equitable distribution of water resources, water conservation, efficient use of water, and pollution control.
Some of the key strategies that can be adopted for river water pollution control and management, using the river Ganges as an example, are:
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Treatment of Sewage: Developing and upgrading sewage treatment infrastructure in cities and towns along the Ganges. This includes constructing sewage treatment plants and promoting the use of decentralized sewage treatment systems.
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Industrial Effluent Treatment: Ensuring industries set up effluent treatment plants and comply with standards for effluent quality. Regular monitoring and strict enforcement of pollution control laws should be carried out.
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Solid Waste Management: Implementing proper solid waste management practices in towns and cities along the river. This includes segregation of waste, setting up waste treatment and disposal facilities, and promoting recycling and reuse.
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Awareness and Capacity-Building: Conducting awareness campaigns and education programs to educate the public about the importance of keeping the Ganges clean. Additionally, building the capacity of local authorities for effective pollution control and management.
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Riverfront Development: Integrating pollution control measures with riverfront development projects. This includes ensuring that any infrastructure or activities along the riverbanks are environmentally sustainable and do not contribute to pollution.
Regarding the legal provisions for management and handling of hazardous wastes in India, the key legislation is the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. Some of the provisions under this law are:
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Authorization: Any entity involved in the generation, collection, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste must obtain the required authorization from the State Pollution Control Board.
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Waste Handling and Storage: The rules lay down guidelines for the proper handling, storage, and packaging of hazardous waste to prevent spillage or leakage that could cause pollution.
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Transportation: The rules prescribe specific requirements for the transportation of hazardous waste, including the use of appropriate vehicles, labeling, and necessary precautions to prevent any accidents or spillages during transit.
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Treatment and Disposal: Hazardous wastes must be treated and disposed of in specified facilities that meet environmental standards. The rules provide guidelines for the selection and operation of such facilities.
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Record-Keeping and Reporting: Entities handling hazardous waste must maintain records of their activities and submit periodic reports to the regulatory authorities.
Non-compliance with these provisions can result in penalties and legal action, including closure of the facility and imprisonment.
edited by Jasmeet
National Water Policy of India
The National Water Policy of India, last revised in 2012, lays down a comprehensive framework for water resource management in the country. Here are the key principles:
1. Water as a National Resource: Emphasizes that water is a national resource and its development and management should be planned and implemented in a holistic manner.
2. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): Promotes a participatory approach to water management, involving all stakeholders in decision-making.
3. Equitable Distribution: Stresses the need for equitable distribution of water among different sectors and regions, with priority given to drinking water and sanitation.
4. Water Conservation and Reuse: Encourages efficient water use, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment and reuse.
5. Water Quality Management: Aims to prevent and control water pollution, protect water bodies from degradation, and ensure the safety of drinking water.
6. River Basin Management: Adopts a basin-level approach to water management, recognizing that rivers are interconnected and require integrated planning.
7. Groundwater Management: Focuses on sustainable groundwater extraction and recharge, to prevent over-exploitation and depletion.
8. Inter-State Water Disputes: Provides a framework for resolving disputes between states over water resources.
9. Water Pricing: Promotes the use of economic instruments to encourage efficient water use and management.
10. Public Participation: Recognizes the importance of public participation in water management decision-making.
River Ganga: Pollution Control and Management
The River Ganga, a lifeline for millions in India, faces severe pollution from industrial discharge, sewage, and agricultural runoff. Here are some strategies for pollution control and management:
1. Wastewater Treatment:
- Expand sewage treatment plants: Increase the capacity and efficiency of existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) and build new ones.
- Treat industrial effluent: Stricter regulations and enforcement on industrial discharge, ensuring pre-treatment before release into rivers.
- Promote decentralized treatment: Encourage small-scale industries and households to adopt individual wastewater treatment systems.
2. Riverbank Rehabilitation:
- Afforestation and reforestation: Plant trees along the riverbanks to stabilize soil, filter pollutants, and restore natural habitats.
- Revive traditional water bodies: Restore ponds, wetlands, and floodplains to act as natural filters and enhance water retention.
- Control illegal sand mining: Prevent sand mining, which erodes riverbanks and contributes to pollution.
3. Public Awareness and Participation:
- Education and awareness campaigns: Raise awareness about the importance of clean water and the consequences of pollution.
- Community involvement: Involve local communities in river cleaning initiatives and monitoring water quality.
- Sustainable practices: Promote eco-friendly agricultural practices, such as organic farming, to reduce pesticide runoff.
4. Policy and Regulations:
- Strict enforcement: Stringent implementation of existing environmental laws and regulations to penalize polluters.
- Financial incentives: Provide incentives to industries and households for adopting sustainable water management practices.
- Water quality monitoring: Regular monitoring of water quality to track pollution levels and identify sources.
5. River Basin Management:
- Integrated planning: Develop a comprehensive Ganga River Basin Management Plan, incorporating all aspects of water management.
- Inter-state cooperation: Promote cooperation between states sharing the river basin to address transboundary pollution issues.
Legal Provisions for Hazardous Waste Management in India
India has a robust legal framework for managing hazardous waste. Key legal provisions include:
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Provides the overarching framework for environmental protection, including the management of hazardous waste.
- The Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989: Specifies procedures for handling, transport, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.
- The Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000: Deals with the management of municipal solid waste, including hazardous components.
- The Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998: Regulates the handling and disposal of biomedical waste generated from hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories.
- The Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001: Mandates the responsible management of batteries, a major source of hazardous waste.
- The Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011: Aims to prevent and manage plastic waste, including hazardous plastic types.
These rules stipulate requirements for hazardous waste generators, transporters, and treatment and disposal facilities. They cover aspects like registration, manifest system, proper labeling, packaging, and transportation.
Key features of the legal framework include:
- Polluter Pays Principle: Hold generators liable for the cost of managing their hazardous waste.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Makes producers responsible for the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle.
- Authorizations and permits: Requires permits and authorizations for handling and disposal of hazardous waste.
- Monitoring and enforcement: Regular monitoring and enforcement by regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with rules.
Challenges:
Despite these legal provisions, challenges remain in implementing them effectively. These include:
- Lack of awareness: Limited awareness about the risks associated with hazardous waste and the legal requirements for its management.
- Limited infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure for the safe and environmentally sound disposal of hazardous waste.
- Enforcement gaps: Challenges in effectively enforcing the regulations due to resource constraints and corruption.
Way forward:
- Strengthening enforcement mechanisms
- Increasing awareness and capacity building
- Investing in infrastructure for hazardous waste management
- Promoting technological innovations for safer and cleaner disposal methods
- Fostering public-private partnerships for sustainable waste management
By effectively implementing these strategies, India can achieve its goal of clean rivers and a healthy environment for future generations.
edited by Prachi
Here are the answers to your questions:
National Water Policy of India (2012)
The National Water Policy of India (2012) aims to ensure water security, sustainability, and efficiency in water use. The policy envisions:
- Ensuring water for all citizens, including the marginalized and disadvantaged.
- Promoting efficient use of water through measures such as water harvesting, recycling, and reuse.
- Encouraging community participation in water management and decision-making.
- Protecting water sources from pollution and degradation.
- Promoting water conservation and efficient use in agriculture, industry, and urban areas.
- Enhancing water storage capacity and improving water infrastructure.
- Strengthening institutions and capacities for water management.
- Encouraging research and development in water sector.
Strategies for River Water Pollution Control and Management: Ganges River Example
The Ganges River, considered sacred in Hindu mythology, is one of the most polluted rivers in India. To control and manage river water pollution, the following strategies may be adopted:
- Industrial Effluent Treatment: Ensure that industrial units treating wastewater meet the prescribed standards before discharge into the river.
- Domestic Sewage Treatment: Implement proper sewage treatment infrastructure in urban areas to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the river.
- Agricultural Runoff Management: Promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and minimum use of pesticides and fertilizers, to reduce agricultural runoff.
- Waste Management: Implement effective waste management systems, including door-to-door garbage collection, segregation, and disposal through sanitary landfills or recycling.
- River Rehabilitation: Restore the natural flow and biodiversity of the river by creating artificial wetlands, restoring floodplains, and promoting ecological conservation.
- Community Engagement: Raise awareness among the public, industries, and farmers about the importance of river conservation and involve them in pollution control efforts.
- Monitoring and Enforcement: Regularly monitor water quality and enforce pollution control regulations to ensure compliance.
Legal Provisions for Management and Handling of Hazardous Wastes in India
The management and handling of hazardous wastes in India are regulated by the following laws and regulations:
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Provides a framework for the protection and improvement of the environment, including the regulation of hazardous substances.
- The Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016: Regulate the generation, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes.
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: Regulates water pollution and sets standards for wastewater discharge.
- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: Regulates air pollution and sets standards for emissions.
- The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991: Provides for insurance coverage for damages caused by hazardous substances.
These laws and regulations mandate industries and organizations handling hazardous substances to:
- Obtain authorization for handling hazardous substances
- Implement safety measures and emergency response plans
- Store and transport hazardous substances safely
- Treat and dispose of hazardous wastes in designated facilities
- Report hazardous substance releases and accidents to regulatory authorities
Non-compliance with these regulations can result in penalties, fines, and even criminal prosecution.