Rivers in the country are polluted mainly due to discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage from cities/towns and industrial effluents in their respective catchments. Non-point sources of pollution like agricultural runoff, open defecation, runoff from solid waste dump sites, etc. also contribute to pollution of rivers. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have compounded the problems.

As per the latest Report on ‘Polluted River Stretches for Restoration of Water Quality’ published by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2022, 603 rivers were monitored and 311 river stretches on 279 rivers were found polluted in 30 States/Union Territories (UTs). Details of the same are available at

:https://cpcb.nic.in/openpdffile.php?id=UmVwb3J0RmlsZXMvMTQ5OF8xNjcyOTg4MDQ1X21lZGlhcGhvdG8xMjk5NS5wZGY=

As per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1974, all industrial units and other establishments generating industrial effluents, are required to comply with the stipulated standards before discharging into rivers and water bodies. CPCB, State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) monitor industries to ensure compliance of the provisions of the said Acts and take necessary action accordingly.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issues orders related to polluted river stretches from time to time. In Original Application No. 673/2018, the NGT directed that all States/UTs should prepare action plans for the rejuvenation of polluted river stretches in the country identified in 2018 by CPCB. As per the direction, the implementation of said action plans are reviewed at all States/UTs and the central level.

In compliance of these orders, the States/UTs have prepared their action plan and got approved from the competent authority. For monitoring of the action plans prepared by the States/UTs, a Central Monitoring Committee (CMC) has been constituted at Central level under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt. of India. So far, 20 CMC meetings have been held.

As per CPCB, there are total of 4,538 industries under Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs). Out of which, 3672 number of industries were operational and 866 industries had closed down on their own. Amongst the operational industries, 3064 industries were reported to be complying with the environmental standards, while show-cause notices issued to 571 industries and closure directions issued to 36 non-complying industries. In addition, penalty have been imposed on 01 industry.

The details of year-wise funds released/disbursed during last five years by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under Namami Gange Programme are as given below:

 

 

The information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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MAM/SMP/NM

(Lok Sabha US Q4799)

 

 

(Release ID: 2159047)