Are Madhya Pradesh Rivers Doomed to Drown in Pollution While Election Discourses Ignore Their Revival?

Bhopal- Pollution is on the rise in numerous major rivers across Madhya Pradesh, presenting a grave concern for the state's environmental health. Despite grand promises made by political parties during elections regarding river cleanliness, little to no effective action has been taken after coming into power. The issue of environmental protection often finds a place in election manifestos, but it tends to remain a neglected topic once elections are over.

The cleanliness of key rivers like Narmada, Kshipra, and Betwa has been a recurring issue in Lok Sabha, Assembly, and urban body elections over the past 15 years. From Chief Ministers to Mayors, and from Members of Parliament to Members of Legislative Assembly, assurances have been made to prevent the entry of polluted city water into these rivers. However, post-elections, little progress has been made in this regard. Although sewage treatment plants have been installed in some areas, they have failed to effectively prevent the flow of contaminated water into the rivers.

Despite the implementation of various schemes such as the Namami Gange Mission and National River Conservation, pollution levels continue to rise due to a lack of interest and commitment from regional public representatives and responsible officials. The condition of the Narmada River, considered the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh, is particularly dire in terms of pollution.

In addition to the Narmada, other significant rivers like Mahi, Tapti, Kali Sindh, Chambal, Parbati, Dhasan, Ken, Sindh, Kuno, Shipra, Betwa, and the Son River - the largest tributary joining the Ganga from the south - are also experiencing increasing pollution levels. Despite being a priority area for various conservation efforts, pollution in these rivers continues to escalate, posing a severe threat to the region's ecological balance and public health.

Narmada River Pollution Crisis: Dirty Water Threatening Sacred Waters

In the holy city of Omkareshwar, located in Khandwa district, the Narmada River is facing a dire threat as untreated sewage from drains flows directly into its waters. Despite the installation of sewage treatment plants in the area, technical issues and negligence have rendered them ineffective, allowing pollution to persist.

Similarly, in Jabalpur, drainage channels and other contaminated water sources merge into a large drain before emptying into the Narmada River beyond Gauri Ghat. Although three sewage treatment plants are under construction, their completion remains pending.

In Maheshwar and Mandleshwar of Khargone district, sewerage water continues to pollute the Narmada River. Polluted water is entering the river near prominent landmarks such as the Narmada Temple, Badghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Narsingh Temple in Maheshwar. Despite ongoing sewage treatment efforts spanning six years, only 40 percent of the work has been completed. Additionally, contaminated water from three locations in Mandleshwar is also making its way into the Narmada.

Industrial wastewater, along with sewage from urban and rural areas in Dhar district, is another significant contributor to Narmada's pollution. Tributaries like Maan, Uri, and Baghni carry polluted water from cities like Kukshi, Manawar, Nisarpur, and Dhamnod directly into the Narmada River. Despite the evident threat to the river's health, concrete measures to mitigate pollution remain lacking.

In response to the worsening pollution, the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board has filed a complaint in the local court, seeking environmental compensation of Rs 42.50 crore against Omkareshwar and six city councils situated along the banks of the Narmada, including Sanawad, Barwah, Mandleshwar, Maheshwar, and Barwani.

Kshipra River: A Lifeline in Peril

The Kshipra River, often hailed as the Ganga of Madhya Pradesh, faces an existential crisis as it struggles to maintain its flow and purity. Originating from Mundla Dostdar village in Indore district, this 195 km-long river eventually meets the Chambal River at Shipavara in Ratlam district. However, during the summer season, the river runs dry from its source to its confluence in Ujjain, flowing only during the monsoon months.

While some parts of the river may still hold water, it is heavily contaminated, posing a grave threat to both the environment and public health. Near Mundla Dostdar, efforts have been made to channel Narmada water into a concrete canal to supplement the Kshipra's flow. However, even this water source has succumbed to pollution, further exacerbating the river's plight.

Kanh River Continues to Deteriorate

Despite substantial financial allocations totaling Rs 1,157 crore over the past 15 years, the condition of the Kanh River in Indore remains dire. The river's water, much like the Kshipra River, is cloudy and emits a foul odor, indicative of severe pollution. Recent efforts under the Namami Gange scheme, involving an additional allocation of Rs 598 crore, aim to address the situation by diverting the Kanh River, constructing stopdams, and installing water treatment plants.

However, despite these investments, the Kanh River still resembles a vast drainage channel rather than a natural watercourse. Pollution from nearby sources, coupled with untreated sewage from the city, has transformed the once-flowing river into a stagnant pool of blackened water. The persistent degradation of the Kanh River highlights the urgent need for more effective and sustainable measures to combat pollution and restore its ecological health.

From Lifeline to Drain: The Tragic Transformation of Gwalior's Swarn Rekha River

Once revered as the lifeline of Gwalior city, the Swarn Rekha River, spanning approximately 29 kilometers, held historical significance, serving as the final resting place of Veerangana Lakshmibai. However, neglect and mismanagement have led to its demise, reducing it to a mere drain.

The river's decline began with the decision to concretize its banks, causing a rapid decline in the city's groundwater levels. Consequently, hand pumps have dried up, and borewells are failing, exacerbating the water crisis. Despite promises of rejuvenation and recreational activities like boating, the reality is starkly different. Instead of flowing with clean water, the Swarn Rekha River now receives sewage from various parts of the city, transforming it into a murky drain.

Chambal River: From Clean Waters to Contamination

Once renowned for its pristine waters, the Chambal River, flowing through the Gwalior-Morena region of Madhya Pradesh, has succumbed to pollution over the past three decades. In 1990, an outbreak of cholera linked to the Chambal water led to its designation as a contaminated river. Since then, pollution levels in the Chambal have continued to rise steadily.

Despite its abundant flow throughout the year, the Chambal River has become little more than a sightseeing spot for city residents, its waters rendered unfit for most practical purposes. The root cause of this deterioration lies in the contamination of the river by sewage water, exacerbating its pollution levels and diminishing its ecological health.

Betwa River Under Threat: Sewage Pollution Threatens Vital Water Source

The Betwa River, originating from the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, faces a grave threat as pollution levels continue to rise unabated. Once a lifeline for surrounding communities, the Betwa now resembles a murky green field, signaling the dire consequences of unchecked contamination. Without prompt intervention, this cherished river risks losing its very existence as sewage from nearby cities seeps into its waters.

The pollution plaguing the rivers of Madhya Pradesh extends beyond mere environmental degradation; it poses a significant threat to aquatic life and biodiversity. The once vibrant ecosystems supported by these rivers now face imminent collapse, with fish and other species disappearing at an alarming rate due to deteriorating water quality.

Dr. Subhash C Pandey, an environmentalist, voiced concerns over the lack of government action to address river pollution and environmental degradation. He highlighted the adverse impacts of urbanization, deforestation, and unchecked sewage discharge on river ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for holistic conservation efforts.

In response to these pressing environmental challenges, Ravi Verma Rahul, spokesperson for the Congress party in the state, underscored the party's commitment to environmental protection.

He lamented the rapid deforestation under the current BJP government and reiterated Congress's dedication to addressing environmental issues through policy initiatives and practical measures.

As pollution continues to threaten the Betwa River and other vital water sources in Madhya Pradesh, concerted action and policy interventions are imperative to safeguard the ecological integrity of these lifelines and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

-Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai