Question

Describe the main cause of water pollution.

Answer 1

Step 1: Concept
Water pollution occurs when harmful substances enter bodies of water, degrading their quality and making them toxic to humans and the environment.

Step 2: Meaning
The primary driver of this contamination is human activity that introduces pathogens and chemicals into the water supply.

Step 3: Analysis

• Water pollution is primarily caused by the discharge of untreated industrial effluents and toxic chemicals into rivers.
• Domestic sewage and solid waste generated by densely populated regions, such as the areas along the Ganga, are directly dumped into rivers.
• Agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides also washes into nearby water sources, leading to severe contamination.

Step 4: Conclusion
The main cause is the indiscriminate discharge of untreated domestic sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural chemicals into natural water bodies. Final Answer: The discharge of untreated industrial waste, domestic sewage, and agricultural runoff into natural water bodies is the main cause of water pollution.

Answer 2

Step 1: Concept
The Namami Gange Programme is an integrated conservation mission initiated by the Government of India.

Step 2: Meaning
It was launched as a flagship program to address the severe pollution concerns facing the river Ganga.

Step 3: Analysis

• One central feature of the program is the effective abatement of pollution to prevent further degradation of the river's water quality.
• Another core feature is the comprehensive conservation and rejuvenation of the National River Ganga to restore its ecological balance.
• It integrates various efforts like sewage treatment infrastructure, river-front development, and river surface cleaning.

Step 4: Conclusion
Therefore, pollution abatement and river rejuvenation are its defining features. Final Answer: 1. Effective abatement of pollution in the river Ganga. 2. Comprehensive conservation and rejuvenation of the National River.

Answer 3

Step 1: Concept
Water acts as a crucial carrier for various pathogens and toxic chemicals when it becomes polluted.

Step 2: Meaning
When human beings consume or come into contact with contaminated water, it leads directly to severe health crises and disease outbreaks.

Step 3: Analysis

• Contaminated water is the primary source of various water-borne diseases.
• People utilizing this water frequently suffer from illnesses such as diarrhoea, intestinal worms, and hepatitis.
• The public health impact is massive; data from the World Health Organization shows that approximately one-fourth of all communicable diseases in India are water-borne.

Step 4: Conclusion
Water pollution drastically negatively impacts health by causing widespread, potentially fatal communicable diseases. Final Answer: Water pollution severely impacts human health by causing various water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, intestinal worms, and hepatitis. In India, it is responsible for about one-fourth of all communicable diseases.