MCQ
Q.
Which of the following is the largest source of water pollution in major rivers of India?
Correct Answer: A
Water Pollution:
- Water pollution occurs when harmful substances often chemicals or microorganisms contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.
- Water pollution is a major environmental issue in India.
- The largest source of water pollution in India is untreated sewage.
- Other sources of pollution include agricultural runoff and unregulated small-scale industry.
- Most rivers, lakes, and surface water in India are polluted due to industries, untreated sewage, and solid wastes.
Hence, option 1 is the correct answer.
Untreated Sewage
- A 2007 study found that the discharge of untreated sewage is the single most important source of pollution of surface and groundwater in India.
- There is a large gap between the generation and treatment of domestic wastewater in India.
- The problem is not only that India lacks sufficient treatment capacity but also that the sewage treatment plants that exist do not operate and are not maintained.
- Agriculture run-off: Farms discharge large quantities of agrochemicals, organic matter, drug residues, sediments, and saline drainage into water bodies. Nevertheless, agricultural pollution, aggravated by increased sediment runoff and groundwater salinization, is also becoming an issue.
- Unregulated small-scale industries and religious practices comparatively have less contribution to water pollution in major rivers of India.
