Suggest the way for minimising water pollution.
Suggest the way for minimising water pollution.
Water pollution can be minimised mainly by treating industrial effluents before they are released into water bodies.
Measures
- Setting up effluent treatment plants (ETPs) in every industrial unit before discharge.
- Strict enforcement of pollution-control laws (e.g., the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974).
- Recycling and reusing treated industrial water instead of dumping it into rivers/lakes.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark for suggesting a valid, specific measure such as treating industrial effluents before discharge, enforcing pollution-control laws, or recycling industrial waste water.
Hint
Think of what should happen to industrial waste water before it reaches a river — treatment, not direct disposal.
Quick Oral Answer
Water pollution can be minimised by treating industrial effluents in treatment plants before releasing water into rivers, along with strict enforcement of pollution-control laws.
Analysis & Explanation
This question asks for a practical remedy to the industrial water pollution problem described in the passage.
Best single measure
- Compulsory treatment of industrial waste water (through effluent treatment plants) before it is let into rivers or lakes is the most direct and widely prescribed solution.
Supporting measures
- Strict monitoring and enforcement of environmental laws by pollution control boards.
- Encouraging cleaner production technologies and recycling of industrial water to reduce the volume of waste generated in the first place.
Exam tip: A one-mark 'suggest a way' answer should give one clear, specific measure rather than a vague statement like 'stop pollution'; naming effluent treatment shows precise understanding.
Common Mistakes
- 1Giving a vague answer like 'stop industries from polluting' without specifying how.
- 2Suggesting unrelated measures (e.g., planting trees) that address air pollution rather than water pollution from industries.
- 3Not mentioning treatment of effluents, which is the most direct and expected answer.
Interesting Facts
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was passed in India in 1974, one of the earliest environmental laws in the country.
The Ganga Action Plan (1985) was launched specifically to reduce pollution load, largely from industrial and municipal effluents, in the Ganga river.
Many industries in India now practice 'zero liquid discharge' (ZLD), where all waste water is treated and reused rather than released into rivers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most effective way to reduce industrial water pollution?
Treating industrial effluents in effluent treatment plants (ETPs) before discharge into rivers or lakes is the most direct and effective measure.
Is there a law in India to control water pollution?
Yes, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, empowers pollution control boards to regulate and penalise industries that discharge untreated effluents.