Ganga river cleaning a matter of concern
Ganga river cleaning a matter of concern – According to a recent study, the quality of water in the lower reaches of river Ganga has been found to be of concern.
- According to the study conducted by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, near a metropolis like Kolkata, especially the lower reaches of the river Ganges are highly affected due to anthropogenic factors (mainly intense population pressure on both the banks of the river).
- High amount of coliform found in feces have been recorded in the lower reaches of the Ganges.
- As a result of intense anthropogenic pressure and activities, untreated municipal waste and industrial waste along with other types of pollutants are discharged into the river Ganges.
- Monsoon rainfall has a distinct effect on key environmental parameters such as dissolved oxygen, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and other biological components.
- The study was based on the Water Quality Index (WQI).
- It is or is evaluated on four parameters: dissolved oxygen (DO), pH value, electrical conductivity and dissolved nitrate.
- The WQI provides holistic measures for the health of river systems.
- WQI helps in comprehensive river valley management plans based on quality standards.
Efforts made by the government to clean the river Ganga:
- Namami Gange Mission: Integrated conservation mission for river Ganga.
- 5 Tier Structure Under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- National Ganga Council,
- Empowered Task Force (ETF),
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG),
- State Ganga Committees, and District Ganga Committees etc.
Source – The Hindu
