"Preserving Water, Protecting Communities: The Urgent Need for Creating Environmental Infrastructure (Effluent Treatment Plants)"

An article titled "Pollution Bleeds A River Red" in the Times of India dated May 31, 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for manufacturing units to establish effluent treatment plants (ETPs) supported by state and central environmental policies. This alarming situation highlights the evasion of the "Polluter Pays" principle, leading to the contamination of rivers and groundwater, ultimately affecting the ecosystem and the well-being of those dependent on these water bodies, including fish populations.

What needs to be done ?

Upholding Responsibility:

The article serves as a wake-up call for industries to fulfill their responsibility in mitigating pollution. The establishment of ETPs is crucial in ensuring that manufacturing units are accountable for their environmental impact. By treating their effluents before disposal, industries actively contribute to preserving the integrity of water resources and safeguarding the health of ecosystems.

Reinforcing the "Polluter Pays" Principle:

The circumvention of the "Polluter Pays" principle has led to severe consequences. Industries that avoid treating their effluents pass on the burden of pollution to communities and the environment. It is imperative that state and central authorities reinforce this principle, holding polluting industries accountable and requiring them to establish ETPs as a mandatory part of their operations.

Safeguarding Water Bodies and Groundwater:

Rivers and groundwater serve as lifelines for countless communities, providing drinking water, supporting agriculture, and sustaining aquatic life. The contamination caused by untreated effluents jeopardizes these vital resources, threatening public health and ecological balance. The urgent establishment of ETPs can effectively mitigate the contamination and safeguard these water bodies, ensuring their sustainability for present and future generations.

Collaboration between Government and Industries:

Addressing this environmental crisis requires collaboration between government bodies and industries. The state and central authorities must actively support manufacturing units in setting up ETPs, providing necessary incentives, guidance, and regulatory frameworks. By working together, we can establish a sustainable approach to waste management and protect our precious water resources. The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has been implementing its flagship scheme to support Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in both Greenfield and Brownfield projects. The State Governments of Gujarat and Rajasthan have also formulated policies to support CETPs for effluent treatment. It is essential for industries to collaborate and seize the opportunity presented by these initiatives, promoting water recycling and conservation

Summing Up

The article's depiction of a river bleeding red serves as a poignant reminder of the immediate need to establish effluent treatment plants. It is crucial that manufacturing units adhere to their responsibility and the "Polluter Pays" principle. State and central authorities must enforce regulations, promote collaborative efforts, and incentivize industries to establish ETPs. Through these collective actions, we can reverse the contamination of water bodies, protect ecosystems, and secure the well-being of communities that rely on clean water. It is our shared responsibility to act swiftly and decisively to establish a sustainable future for all.