River Pollution in Jharkhand: Damodar and Subarnarekha

River pollution in Jharkhand, particularly in the Damodar and Subarnarekha rivers, poses significant ecological and health challenges. The **Damodar River, once known as the 'sorrow of Bengal' due to its flooding, is now a victim of severe pollution, primarily attributed to industrial discharge and urban waste. Similarly, the Subarnarekha River** has seen a drastic increase in industrial effluents, leading to deteriorating water quality. This necessitates robust policy interventions and community engagement for effective management.

Institutional and Legal Framework

• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: Sections 16, 17, and 21 empower the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) to regulate and monitor water quality.
• Environment Protection Act, 1986: Section 3 mandates the protection and improvement of the environment, while Section 5 allows for the establishment of standards for emissions and discharges.
• National Green Tribunal Act, 2010: Section 14 provides for the establishment of the National Green Tribunal to address environmental disputes.
• Article 48A of the Constitution: Mandates the state to protect and improve the environment.
• Article 51A(g): Enumerates the fundamental duties of citizens to protect the environment.

Key Challenges

• Industrial Pollution: The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) reported a 30% decline in fish populations due to industrial pollution, impacting local fisheries that contribute approximately ₹200 crores annually to the local economy.
• Water Quality: According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report 2022, the Damodar River is classified as 'severely polluted' with a Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level of 12 mg/L.
• Heavy Metals Contamination: A study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur found that 70% of the water samples from the Damodar River exceeded permissible limits for heavy metals.
• Subarnarekha River Pollution: The JSPCB reported a 40% increase in industrial effluents in the Subarnarekha over the last decade.
• Declining Fish Catch: Fish catch in the Damodar River has dropped from 1,500 tons in 2010 to 600 tons in 2022, as per the Fisheries Department of Jharkhand.

Comparative Analysis of River Pollution

Critical Evaluation

The current approach to managing river pollution in Jharkhand reveals significant gaps, particularly in integrated watershed management. The lack of a cohesive strategy that combines pollution control with community engagement and sustainable development undermines efforts to restore the health of these rivers.

• Policy Design: Existing policies lack the necessary integration of local community needs and environmental sustainability.
• Governance Capacity: The JSPCB struggles with limited resources, reflected in its ₹50 crore budget allocation for pollution control in 2023-24.
• Structural Factors: Industrial growth has outpaced environmental regulations, leading to increased pollution without adequate remediation measures.