Explain how industries are the major contributor of water pollution in India.
Explain how industries are the major contributor of water pollution in India.
Industries are a major contributor to water pollution because they discharge untreated waste directly into rivers and lakes.
How this happens
- Industries release industrial wastes, polluted waste water, chemical residues and heavy metals as by-products.
- Most of this waste is disposed of directly into running water or lakes without adequate treatment.
- The poisonous elements then reach reservoirs, rivers and other water bodies, destroying the aquatic bio-system.
- Leather, pulp and paper, textile, and chemical industries are the chief culprits.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark for explaining that industries dispose of untreated wastes/chemicals/heavy metals into rivers and lakes, destroying the aquatic bio-system, with reference to industries like leather, pulp and paper, textiles and chemicals.
Hint
Recall that untreated industrial waste and chemical effluents are dumped directly into rivers, destroying aquatic life.
Quick Oral Answer
Industries dump untreated wastewater, chemicals and heavy metals into rivers and lakes; leather, pulp and paper, textile and chemical industries are the worst offenders, destroying aquatic ecosystems.
Analysis & Explanation
This is a passage-based comprehension question requiring the candidate to summarise the mechanism of industrial water pollution described in the text.
Key mechanism
- Industrial processes generate toxic by-products (chemical residuals, heavy metals, poisonous gases, dust).
- These are disposed of, largely untreated, into rivers and lakes.
- The resulting contamination destroys the bio-system (aquatic life and ecological balance) of these water bodies.
Specific industries named in the passage: leather, pulp and paper, textiles, and chemicals — each known for discharging heavy metals, dyes and toxic effluents.
Exam tip: For passage-based answers, use the exact terms and examples given in the passage (e.g., name the specific industries) rather than generic statements, as markers check for textual grounding.
Common Mistakes
- 1Giving a generic answer about pollution without referencing the specific industries named in the passage.
- 2Confusing water pollution causes with air pollution causes (e.g., focusing only on smoke and gases).
- 3Not mentioning the destructive effect on the aquatic bio-system, which is a key point in the passage.
Interesting Facts
The leather (tanning) industry is one of the most water-intensive and polluting industries, discharging chromium and other heavy metals into rivers.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies industries by pollution potential, with tanneries, pulp and paper, and textile dyeing units rated among the most hazardous for water bodies.
Untreated industrial effluents can raise the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of rivers so high that fish and other aquatic organisms die from oxygen depletion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries pollute water the most in India according to the passage?
Leather, pulp and paper, textiles, and chemical industries are named as the major water-polluting industries.
What exactly do industries release that pollutes water?
Industrial wastes, polluted waste water, poisonous gases, chemical residuals, heavy metals, dust and smoke, most of which end up being disposed of in rivers and lakes.