Protecting Our Rivers: A Call to Preserve Our Lifelines

In 2015, the Ministry of the Environment declared that 93% of river pollution is caused by domestic waste, while 7% has an industrial origin. There are currently more than 1,500 industries along the riverside, most of which dump their waste into the river. According to a report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to the National Green Tribunal, 63% of all sewage flowing into rivers in urban areas is untreated. Out of the 62,000 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage generated, only 37% is treated.

In Maharashtra, the plight of its rivers paints a grim picture of environmental degradation and human neglect. Among these, the Mithi River in Mumbai serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action. The 18 km of the Mithi riverbed became an open sewer where wastewater and industrial waste were dumped. Once lifelines to their communities, these rivers now struggle under the weight of urbanization, industrial discharge, and untreated sewage, leaving their waters contaminated and ecosystems devastated.

The repercussions of river pollution extend far beyond their banks, impacting the lives of farmers and everyday citizens alike. Farmers, reliant on river waters for irrigation, face dwindling crop yields and heightened health risks due to the contamination of their produce. As pollutants seep into the soil and water, they find their way into our food, posing a direct threat to public health.

The situation calls for immediate action, not just for the sake of our rivers but for our own well-being. Every drop of polluted water we allow to flow not only harms the aquatic animals but also the entire ecosystems, jeopardizing our food security and health. It’s a stark reality that demands urgent attention and collective action.

At Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV), we prioritize sustainable practices in all aspects of our community. Approximately 200 kilo liters of wastewater from our washrooms undergoes treatment in our nature-based solution soil biotechnology plant, where it is filtered and purified before being used to irrigate our agricultural fields, thus mitigating water pollution. We prioritize locally available resources such as mud, stone, and red clay for construction, reducing the release of pollutants into the environment. We practice sustainable agriculture by using organic fertilizers, prepared through composting food waste, thus minimizing chemical runoff into water bodies. Moreover, we have stopped providing plastic carry bags within GEV, thus encouraging environmentally conscious choices. Through these efforts, we strive to create a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural world, safeguarding our water bodies and resources for future generations.

Additionally, we harvest rainwater at GEV, which not only reduces our reliance on external water sources but also contributes to the restoration of local waterways, fostering resilience and sustainability. We have three rainwater harvesting ponds, with a total capacity of 110 million liters. These efforts have significantly increased vegetation cover, with a 20% rise observed over the last decade through Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calculations on satellite images.

As we observe the International Day of Action for Rivers, let’s heed the lessons of Maharashtra’s polluted waterways. Let’s recognize that protecting our rivers is not just an environmental issue but a matter of public health and food security. It’s imperative for industries and every individual to take charge of their waste and take proactive measures to mitigate pollution.

Let’s prioritize water conservation efforts in our communities, understanding that the preservation of water is essential for our own sake. Together, we can revitalize our rivers, ensuring they continue to flow freely for generations to come. Let’s commit to preserving these vital lifelines, not just for the sake of our ecosystems but for the health and prosperity of all. The time for action is now, for the sake of our rivers, our food, and our future.

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