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December 15 – GS3/Environment and Ecology: 2025 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q: A river’s purity is the first casualty of unchecked progress."Discuss the challenges in implementing effective wastewater treatment to curb river pollution in India. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
India’s rivers, vital for ecological and cultural sustenance, face severe pollution due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and inadequate wastewater management. The quote, "A river’s purity is the first casualty of unchecked progress," highlights how development often compromises water quality. Effective wastewater treatment is crucial to restore rivers, but India grapples with significant challenges in implementation.

Body

Inadequate Infrastructure

  • Limited Treatment Capacity: India generates over 72,000 million liters of sewage daily, but only 30% is treated due to insufficient treatment plants.
  • Outdated Technology: Many existing facilities use obsolete systems, failing to remove complex pollutants like heavy metals or pharmaceuticals.

Financial Constraints

  • High Costs: Establishing and maintaining modern treatment plants requires substantial investment, often beyond municipal budgets.
  • Low Private Participation: Limited public-private partnerships hinder funding and technological advancements for wastewater management.

Regulatory and Enforcement Gaps

  • Weak Compliance: Industries often bypass regulations, discharging untreated effluents into rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.
  • Fragmented Governance: Lack of coordination among central, state, and local authorities delays policy implementation.

Social and Behavioral Challenges

  • Public Awareness: Low awareness about proper waste disposal leads to direct dumping into rivers.
  • Population Pressure: Rapid urbanization increases sewage volume, overwhelming existing systems.

Suggested Diagram

A flowchart depicting the wastewater treatment process (collection, primary/secondary treatment, discharge) with bottlenecks like funding, enforcement, and infrastructure highlighted.

Conclusion
Addressing river pollution in India requires overcoming infrastructural deficits, financial limitations, regulatory gaps, and social challenges. Coordinated efforts, innovative technologies, and public engagement are essential to ensure sustainable wastewater treatment and restore river purity.

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FAQs on December 15 – GS3/Environment and Ecology: 2025 - UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice

1. What are the primary environmental challenges facing the world today?
Ans. The primary environmental challenges include climate change, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, pollution (air, water, and soil), and the depletion of natural resources. Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, leads to extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Deforestation contributes to habitat loss and increased carbon emissions. Loss of biodiversity affects ecosystem stability, while pollution poses health risks and degrades habitats. Resource depletion threatens sustainability and the ability to meet future needs.
2. How does climate change impact ecosystems and biodiversity?
Ans. Climate change impacts ecosystems and biodiversity by altering habitats, affecting species distribution, and disrupting food chains. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can lead to habitat loss and the extinction of vulnerable species. For instance, coral reefs are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, leading to bleaching. Additionally, climate change can shift migration patterns and breeding seasons, which can further threaten species survival and ecosystem health.
3. What role do policies and regulations play in environmental conservation?
Ans. Policies and regulations are crucial in promoting environmental conservation by establishing guidelines for sustainable practices and protecting natural resources. They can regulate emissions, protect endangered species, and manage land use. For example, international agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming by encouraging nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Effective enforcement of environmental laws is essential to ensure compliance and achieve conservation goals.
4. Why is biodiversity important for ecosystem services?
Ans. Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem services because it enhances resilience, productivity, and stability of ecosystems. Diverse ecosystems provide essential services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and water purification. They also offer resources like food, medicine, and raw materials. A rich variety of species ensures that ecosystems can adapt to changes and recover from disturbances, which is crucial for maintaining the balance of nature.
5. What are some effective strategies for promoting sustainable development?
Ans. Effective strategies for promoting sustainable development include adopting renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing waste management systems, and encouraging conservation efforts. Education and awareness campaigns can foster a culture of sustainability among individuals and communities. Additionally, integrating sustainability into economic policies and urban planning can help ensure that development meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own.
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