~Silent waters. Tranquil and deep.
A soothing lullaby. Secrets to keep.
In the rivers flow. Worries retreat.
Peace’s gentle rhythm. Life’s heartbeat.
Rivers are a lifeline for humanity and the planet, connecting people, places, and ecosystems. They are a source of inspiration, as they inspire and sustain diverse cultural beliefs, values, and ways of life. The concept of environmental flows is a crucial framework for improving our understanding of the complex interplay between river flows and people. It provides a way to support mutually beneficial outcomes by ensuring that the water needs of both people and the environment are met. By prioritizing environmental flows, we can ensure that rivers continue to provide the many benefits they do for generations.
Rivers sustain human life, but we fail to protect their ecological sensitivity. India has 45 critically polluted river stretches and 300+ polluted stretches. Wetlands have decreased by a third in the past four decades. The Ganga and Yamuna are choked with sewage and waste, making their water unfit for consumption. Excessive damming and diversion of rivers cause ecological damage and affect downstream communities. The idea that "any drop of water flowing into the sea is a waste" harms fragile ecologies: recent incidents in the western Himalayas show the negative effects of large hydropower and development projects. Rivers sustain human life, but we need to protect their ecological sensitivity. India has 45 critically polluted river stretches and 300+ polluted stretches. Wetlands have decreased by a third in the past four decades. The Ganga and Yamuna are choked with sewage and waste, making their water unfit for consumption. Excessive damming and diversion of rivers cause ecological damage and affect downstream communities. The idea that "any drop of water flowing into the sea is a waste" harms fragile ecologies: recent incidents in the western Himalayas show the negative effects of large hydropower and development projects.
This year’s International Day of Action for Rivers observed on 14 March with its theme ‘River for All’ aims to address the aforementioned issues and to acknowledge the role of rivers in our lives.
ROLE OF RIVERS
● Rivers are essential sources of fresh drinking water, as saltwater comprises 96% of the world's water bodies. Without rivers, access to drinking water would be severely limited, and life on Earth would be threatened.
● Early civilizations formed near rivers like the Nile, Indus, and Yellow River valleys due to their fertile soil and transportation benefits. Many modern-day settlements are still located near rivers.
● Rivers are crucial not only for humans but also for animals and trees. Many aquatic animals breed in rivers, and several plant species grow in and around them. These organisms form an essential part of the ecosystem, which plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of the food chain.
● Rivers are not just a source of water, but also a source of energy. They can be used to create electricity. In hilly areas, rivers have a strong current that can be harnessed through various machines and converted into electricity. Hydroelectric power plants are built in rivers for this purpose. Additionally, dams are created to harness the energy of the river, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam.
● Rivers play a vital role in improving a country's economy. They provide a means of transportation for goods from one place to another, which in turn helps in the import and export of goods, ultimately boosting the country's economy. Additionally, they aid in irrigation, urban development, navigation, and energy.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN INDIA
In addition to the Environment Protection Act 1986, the Environment Protection Rules 1986, and the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, the Central Government protects river systems under the National Water Mission 2011.
It was announced in 2018 that a new river conservation strategy would be implemented for the entire river basin by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. In India, conservation efforts are primarily focused on the Ganga, its spiritual significance is immense.
Up to $4 billion has been allocated to Namami Gange to clean the 2500-kilometer river and prevent sewage and industrial effluents from flowing into it.
The conservation of India's rivers is crucial, and significant progress has been made. Following a successful conservation effort, the number of crocodiles in Bihar's Gandak River increased from 30 in 2014 to 217 in 2023.
On the occasion of India's 75th Independence Day, the Central Government launched Mission Amrit Sarovar intending to develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district of the country.
A policy document from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) suggests that cities located on river banks should incorporate river conservation plans into their Master Plans. The Master Plan aims to provide a conducive environment for utilizing cutting-edge technologies in river management. These technologies include satellite-based water quality monitoring, artificial intelligence for mapping riverine biodiversity, big data and citizen science for monitoring river health, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for mapping floodplains. As technology continues to evolve and improve in the coming years, cities will be well-prepared to seamlessly integrate these advancements.
Rivers are a lifeline for humanity and the planet, connecting people, places, and ecosystems. They inspire and sustain diverse cultural beliefs, values, and ways of life. They provide fresh water, fertile soil, transportation benefits, and energy. Rivers are home to many aquatic animals and plant species, forming an essential part of the ecosystem that maintains the balance of the food chain. Rivers play a vital role in improving a country's economy, aiding in irrigation, urban development, navigation, and energy. It is crucial to protect and restore rivers' ecological sensitivity, ensuring they continue to provide their many benefits for generations to come. The International Day of Action for Rivers reminds us of the importance of rivers and encourages us to take responsibility for their conservation. By prioritizing environmental flows and adopting sustainable practices, we can protect our rivers and preserve them as a source of life and inspiration for all.
Written by-
Ekanshi Ojha
BA Hons. Political Science
First Year
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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