Apart from rejuvenating rivers passing through cities, the new Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Ministry must contain the loss of wetlands, especially in the urban areas
The Modi Government has displayed much-needed sensitivity towards the environment on a variety of forums since assuming power. But probably the most talked about and much-appreciated step has been the creation of a separate ministry for river development and Ganga rejuvenation. Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Uma Bharti has made an earnest beginning by making Varanasi the focal point of the Ganga clean-up project. The city lies in the centre of the Ganga river system and is symbolic of the extent of pollution that the holy river suffers from.
The Government has done well to recognise the significance of evolving traditional environmental laws that help to protect water resources and regulate the impact of erratic development on the major rivers and water bodies. The much anticipated new set of laws, assisted by a soon-to-be-set-up Institute of River Sciences, will help in cleaning and developing the Ganga, thereby, restoring its status as a water resource and help ensure its uninterrupted flow.
As 138 drains from various cities and towns en route pour a staggering 6,087 million litres a day of sewage into the Ganga, the fecal coliform levels in the river remain above acceptable limits. Given this scenario, the Government’s determination to translate concern for rivers into meaningful action is appreciable, but it is also important that the newly carved ministry focuses on conservation and rejuvenation of urban wetlands as well.
Urban wetlands, in the form of lakes, swamps, marshes and mangroves, are lifelines that ensure water security to the cities by constantly replenishing the groundwater. They act as natural reservoirs for water harvested as well. Additionally, urban wetlands are rich natural habitats, and also protect against natural hazards by slowing floodwaters, reducing the risk of fire and protecting against erosion of river banks and coastlines. Wetlands and associated vegetation can provide a cooling effect to the surrounding areas in summer and also moderate strong winds.
Wetlands contribute to the well being of the community by acting as urban green spaces that provide aesthetic appeal, landscape diversity and recreational opportunities. Many Indian cities have a variety of wetlands, but their present condition is deplorable due to incessant pollution and encroachment, resulting in habitat loss and ecosystem failure. In many cases the introduction of exotic species in the form of weeds and pests has irredeemably damaged the wetlands. Protecting and enhancing our urban wetlands is going to be a challenge for both planners and the community, unless the Government deploys adequate measures to conserve and protect the wetlands. The new ministry must facilitate the survey and recording of all wetlands in municipal limits across the country so that these natural water assets can be brought under municipal land laws for protection. The municipal records must also include an updated and comprehensive list of water bodies and their catchment and any change of this land use should not be permitted.
In many parts of the country the potential of local water resources has not been fully utilised. Instead of ensuring the same, cities keep applying for Central funds to access water supply from distant areas during the summer months. This needs to be checked by the Government, which must ensure that the cities take adequate steps to protect their wetlands and water sources, as the eligibility criteria before expecting Government assistance.
The Government must also ensure that water bodies, such as rivers and wetlands, have their own ‘right to exist’. It must contain other factors such as the rapid and irresponsible real estate development that pose a serious threat in the form of encroachment and construction. The recent building collapse in Chennai is a sad example of callousness of the municipal authorities and the endless greed of real estate developers. The ill-fated structure was built on the Porur lake land. In order to avoid such eventualities, the Government must suitably empower local authorities. For this, the Wetlands Conservation and Management Rules need to be modified, as they are inadequate and weak.
The real estate sector must be sensitised regarding the costs of wetland loss and degradation. Infrastructure and other construction projects should be encouraged to include wetlands as natural infrastructure for nature conservation, landscape planning and water management. The Government must also educate the community to appreciate the value of local wetlands.
The prevention of degradation and loss of wetlands and the rejuvenation of rivers passing through the cities can vastly improve urban water security, besides achieving sustainable urban communities.