Tainting our Rivers! Just 38% of Urban Sewage Receives Treatment Before it Flows into Our Rivers

According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2015, 61,948 million liters of urban sewage are produced every day in India. What’s concerning is that the sewage treatment capacity in our cities is only able to handle 38 percent of this amount! As a consequence, over 38,000 million liters of wastewater find their way into our major rivers, and water bodies, and even seep into the ground on a daily basis.

Undoubtedly, this statistic should alarm your concern! The state of our rivers has been in critical jeopardy for several decades now. Our precious rivers, which are vital to our ecosystems and provide essential resources, have been facing significant threats for an extended period of time. It’s surprising to learn that these polluted rivers are already heavily contaminated with harmful and toxic “forever chemicals” that are suspected to increase the risks of cancer, cause liver damage, and lead to kidney problems. Additionally, untreated human sewage contains various infectious diseases like salmonella, hepatitis, dysentery, and cryptosporidium. Even when the sewage odor dissipates, these germs can persist. Sometimes, we may not even realize that a sip from the river could result in a cough or diarrhea. This is particularly concerning for young children, grandparents, and individuals who are already dealing with illnesses, as they are more susceptible to serious health issues, and sadly, in some cases, even death.

Experts have indicated that a staggering 80% of India’s surface water is unfit for consumption due to contamination. Furthermore, this contaminated water seeps into the groundwater, leading to reduced crop yields due to the presence of infectious bacteria and diseases. In the absence of proper sewage control, a staggering 38 million Indians suffer from waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis each year. Unfortunately, the frequency of these illnesses has remained consistent over the past decade.

The main sources of pollution in our rivers usually vary depending on the specific location and context, but here are some common contributors:

1. Industries often release untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater into rivers, which contain a variety of pollutants like heavy metals, chemicals, and toxins. Improper waste disposal, including the dumping of hazardous materials, trash, and litter, can also find their way into rivers through illegal activities or inadequate waste management practices. These actions have a detrimental impact on the water quality and the habitats of the river ecosystems. Additionally, plastic pollution, often coated with chemicals that can harm aquatic life, is causing blockages in drains and sewage systems, leading to the formation of “wet wipe reefs” within rivers. It is crucial that we encourage responsible practices among industries and waste management systems.

2. Agricultural runoff water also poses a significant concern as the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in farming can wash harmful chemicals and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus into rivers. Additionally, the runoff water of farm slurry and fertilizers also contributes to the growth of damaging algal blooms, affecting the health of our rivers. Effective solutions like implementing precision farming techniques and buffer zones along water bodies, can help minimize the impact of harmful chemicals on water quality and preserve the well-being of aquatic organisms.

3. When urban sewage remains untreated, it introduces harmful pathogens, nutrients, and organic matter into rivers, creating risks for both human health and the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. It’s crucial to address this issue and ensure that urban sewage receives proper treatment to prevent the contamination of our precious rivers.