MEV 017: Unit 12 – Conservation of Water Bodies

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 UNIT 12: CONSERVATION OF WATER BODIES

12.1 Introduction

Water bodies such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal zones are vital for sustaining life, ecosystems, agriculture, industries, and livelihoods. India’s civilization and cultural identity are deeply intertwined with water — especially sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.

However, rapid urbanization, industrialization, untreated sewage discharge, agricultural runoff, and encroachments have severely polluted and degraded water bodies. To address this, the Government of India has launched several policies and programmes — from river and lake cleaning missions to wetland and coastal protection rules — with the goal of preserving, restoring, and sustainably managing water resources.

12.2 Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand the need for conservation of water bodies.
  • Explain key government initiatives for river and lake conservation.
  • Describe legal and institutional frameworks for wetland and coastal protection.
  • Assess the effectiveness of programmes like GAP and NamamiGange.
  • Appreciate community involvement in water conservation efforts.

12.3 National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

The NRCP was launched in 1995 as a centrally sponsored scheme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to reduce pollution in important Indian rivers.

Key Features:

  • Focuses on controlling point-source pollution from sewage and industrial discharges.
  • Covers over 40 rivers in more than 20 states.
  • Supports activities such as sewage treatment plants (STPs), low-cost sanitation, riverfront development, public awareness, and capacity building.
  • Encourages participation of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and state governments.

NRCP consolidated earlier efforts, including the Ganga and Yamuna Action Plans, into a unified mission for national river rejuvenation.

12.4 Ganga Action Plan Phase-I (GAP-I)

Launched in 1985, the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was India’s first major river-cleaning initiative. It aimed to clean and protect the Ganga River from industrial and domestic pollution.

Objectives:

  • To improve the water quality of the Ganga to acceptable standards.
  • To prevent pollution by treating sewage and waste.
  • To restore the biological health of the river.

Activities under GAP-I:

  • Construction of STPs
  • Diversion and interception of sewage
  • Riverfront development
  • Public awareness campaigns

Despite significant investment, GAP-I had limited success due to poor implementation, lack of coordination, and growing population pressures.

12.5 Ganga Action Plan Phase-II (GAP-II)

GAP-II was launched in 1991, expanding the scope of GAP to include tributaries of Ganga (like Yamuna, Gomti, and Damodar) and to strengthen efforts in GAP-I towns.

Improvements Over Phase I:

  • Focus on both quality and quantity of water.
  • Greater involvement of state governments and pollution control boards.
  • Emphasis on industrial pollution control and institutional capacity building.

While GAP-II achieved some technical milestones, many challenges remained — especially in terms of public participation and continuous discharge of untreated waste.

12.6 National Mission for Clean Ganga (NamamiGange)

Launched in 2014, NamamiGange is an integrated flagship programme with a budget exceeding ₹20,000 crore, aiming to rejuvenate the Ganga River basin in a time-bound manner.

Objectives:

  1. Ensure effective abatement of pollution.
  2. Conservation and rejuvenation of the river ecosystem.
  3. Sustainable development of the river basin.

Key Features:

  • Sewage infrastructure creation (STPs, sewer networks).
  • River surface cleaning and ghat beautification.
  • Biodiversity conservation (dolphins, turtles, fish).
  • AviralDhara (uninterrupted flow) and NirmalDhara (clean flow).
  • Promotion of organic farming, afforestation, and awareness campaigns.

Institutional Mechanism:

  • National Ganga Council under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
  • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) as implementation arm.
  • State-level Ganga Committees for coordination.

NamamiGange is considered more holistic and science-based than earlier plans, involving technology, research, and community engagement.

12.7 Ganga Knowledge Centre

The Ganga Knowledge Centre (GKC) is a research and resource institution under NMCG that provides data, expertise, and guidance on Ganga rejuvenation.

Roles and Functions:

  • Data collection and dissemination on river water quality, biodiversity, and pollution.
  • Research and innovation for river management.
  • Knowledge-sharing through publications, training, and conferences.
  • Stakeholder engagement including academic institutions, NGOs, and local governments.

GKC bridges the gap between scientific research and field implementation.

12.8 National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP)

Launched in 2001, NLCP aims to restore and conserve degraded lakes in urban and semi-urban areas.

Objectives:

  • Improve lake water quality.
  • Conserve aquatic biodiversity and habitats.
  • Promote eco-tourism and local livelihoods.
  • Ensure community participation.

Activities under NLCP:

  • Desilting and weed control
  • Shoreline development
  • Bioremediation and aeration
  • Environmental education and awareness

NLCP has supported the restoration of over 60 lakes across states like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

12.9 The Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010

Wetlands are vital ecosystems that act as natural water filters, flood controllers, and carbon sinks. The Wetland Rules, 2010, later revised in 2017, provide a legal framework for their conservation.

Key Provisions:

  • Creation of a National Wetland Authority and State Wetland Authorities.
  • Prohibits activities like reclamation, dumping of waste, and construction in notified wetlands.
  • Requires Integrated Management Plans for conservation and wise use.
  • Encourages biodiversity protection, tourism regulation, and pollution control.

Wetlands like Chilika Lake, Loktak Lake, and Wular Lake are recognized as Ramsar Sites, indicating their international ecological significance.

12.10 National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)

Initiated in 1985, NWCP was India’s first coordinated effort for wetland conservation. It later merged with NLCP under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA).

Key Features:

  • Survey and identification of priority wetlands.
  • Preparation of management action plans.
  • Support for community-based conservation.
  • Monitoring and research activities.

12.11 Coastal Zone Regulation (CZR)

The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, first issued in 1991 and updated in 2011 and 2019, regulates activities along India’s 7,500 km coastline.

Objectives:

  • Protect coastal ecosystems like mangroves, estuaries, and coral reefs.
  • Restrict unplanned construction and pollution near the coast.
  • Allow sustainable livelihood practices like fishing and eco-tourism.

Key Highlights of CZR, 2019:

  • No Development Zone (NDZ) reduced in rural areas to 50 m to support fishing communities.
  • Boosts coastal infrastructure with eco-friendly guidelines.
  • Emphasizes on climate-resilient development in vulnerable coastal areas.

12.12 Let Us Sum Up

Conservation of water bodies is essential for ecological balance, climate resilience, and public health. India’s initiatives — from GAP and NRCP to NamamiGange and wetland rules — reflect an evolving understanding of integrated water management.

While institutional and legal frameworks have matured, success ultimately depends on inter-agency coordination, scientific innovation, and active public participation.

Preserving rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal zones not only supports ecosystems but also safeguards the water security and future well-being of the nation.

 

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