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Pollutants and Water Management
Pollutants and Water Management
Edited by
Pardeep Singh
PGDAV College, University of Delhi
New Delhi
India
Rishikesh Singh
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
India
Rahul Bhadouria
University of Delhi
New Delhi
India
This edition first published 2021
© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
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except as permitted by law. Advice on how to obtain permission to reuse material from this title is available
at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
The right of Pardeep Singh, Rishikesh Singh, Vipin Kumar Singh, and Rahul Bhadouria to be identified as
the authors of the editorial material in this work has been asserted in accordance with law.
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10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
v
Contents
Index 416
vii
List of Contributors
Part I
1.1 Introduction
Pollutants and Water Management: Resources, Strategies and Scarcity, First Edition. Edited by Pardeep Singh,
Rishikesh Singh, Vipin Kumar Singh, and Rahul Bhadouria.
© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Published 2021 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
4 Part I Water Pollution and Its Security
findings of the 2011 census revealed that 138 million rural households had access to safe
drinking water, whereas 685–690 million people lacked access to safe drinking water. An ironic
fact is that more than 41% of the rural population (out of 833 million people) of India own
mobile phones but have no access to potable water which is a basic need. Only 18% of the
rural population have access to treated water (Unitus Seed Fund 2014; Forbes India, 2015).
The NITI Aayog report (2018) also said that India is facing its worst water crisis in
history, which is only expected to become worse as the country’s water demand is projected
to be twice the available supply by 2030. The report said that 600 million currently face high
to extreme water shortage, with around two lakh people dying every year due to inadequate
access to potable water. The increasing water shortage will also affect the gross domestic
product (GDP) of the nation, with the country suffering a loss of up to 6% of GDP in 2030
(NITI Aayog 2018).
The quality of both river and groundwater is deteriorating at a rapid pace, making water
scarcity more severe. Even toxic heavy metals like uranium, lead, cadmium, selenium, and
so on are also reported in groundwater samples from various states (Chowdhury et al. 2016;
Kumar et al. 2018, 2020; Sharma et al. 2020). This may lead to severe consequences for
water resources. According to the IDSA report (2010), it has been reported that India is
expected to become “water-stressed” by 2025 and “water-scarce” by 2050.
Further, climate change is also affecting the water security of India as rising temperature
affects the Himalayan glaciers as well as altering the monsoon pattern. The combination of
these two factors affects the level of river water due to the melting of glaciers and intense
rainfall. Further, groundwater resources are also affected directly and indirectly by the
alteration of these factors. High water temperature, changes in timing, intensity, and dura-
tion of precipitation are the significant consequences of climate change which can further
affect the water quality. The alternate pattern of precipitation leads to floods and droughts,
which play an important role in the degradation of water quality by adding a quantum of
concentrated pollutants. As per the World Bank report (2018), climate change can affect 6%
GDP of some regions due to water security, resulting in migration and conflict. As per the
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), by 2030, due to climate
change impacts on water scarcity, 24–700 million people may be displaced from some arid
and semi-arid places.
The achievement of water security in the future will be a very challenging task. This
chapter describes in detail the current situation and future challenges regarding water
security along with prospective health changes. Further, the impact of climate change on
water security and health has been analyzed. The available opportunities are also discussed
to manage future challenges related to water security.
water and 433 BCM of groundwater (Central Water Commission 2014). The National
Commission on Integrated Water Resources Development (NCIWRD) projected that total
water demand to expect 973 (low demand scenario) to 1180 BCM (high demand scenario).
The water used for agriculture is the highest projected demand (70%), followed by house-
holds (23%) and industries (7%) (NCIWRD 1999). The per capita average water availability
in India in the year 2001 was 1816 m3, and it is expected to reduce to 1140 m3 in 2050
(MoWR 2015). The people of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh have the highest access to
safe treated water, i.e., 36%, and it is lowest for Bihar (2%) (Forbes India 2015). The annual
surface water availability of India has decreased since the year 1950 (Table 1.1).
Rivers are the primary sources of surface water in India and are considered as the lifeline
of Indian cities. There are 15 large, 45 medium, and 120 minor rivers in India (Raj 2010).
The rivers are either rainfed and/or based on the Himalayan glacier. The annual water
potential in the major river basins of India is 1869.35 BCM, but the utilizable potential is
690 BCM. The Ganga basin has the highest utilizable potential, i.e., 250 BCM. The detailed
account of surface water potential of Indian rivers is depicted in Table 1.2.
1 1951 5177
2 1991 2209
3 2001 1820
4 2025 1341
5 2050 1140
(Continued)
6 Part I Water Pollution and Its Security
India is the largest and fastest consumer of groundwater, which fulfills the demands
of nearly 80 and 50% of the rural and urban population, respectively (Shankar
et al. 2011). The groundwater resources of the country are estimated to be 433 BCM,
which is 39% of the total water resources of India (CGWB 2017). The net groundwater
availability is 396 BCM, while the available for potential use is 245 BCM. The stage of
groundwater development is 61% (CGWB 2017). The Indian state Uttar Pradesh has the
highest net annual groundwater availability (~72 BCM) and Delhi has the least (0.29
BCM) (CGWB 2014). Around 85% of the rural population uses groundwater for drink-
ing purposes. The volume of groundwater is inadequate to fulfill the demand of the
large population, agricultural practices, rampant industrialization, and urbanization.
The overall account of groundwater resources assessment 2004–2017 is presented in
Table 1.3.
The per capita average water availability in India is continuously decreasing. India has a
huge potential in river and precipitation water (rainfall+snowfall), but currently, not even
1 Water Security and Human Health 7
50% of the potential is being used. Due to the lack of use of the water potential of river and
precipitation, groundwater resources are under tremendous pressure and the water table is
continuously increasing in most parts of the country over time.
Water quality of both available surface and groundwater resources does not satisfy the crite-
ria for potable water in most parts of the country. The Ministry of Jal Shakti report revealed
that 70% of water resources in India are polluted by untreated sewage and industrial efflu-
ents. The monitoring report of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB 2011), based on
biological oxygen demand (BOD) and coliform bacteria count, indicated that organic pollu-
tion is predominant in aquatic bodies. The groundwater of around 600 districts (i.e. almost
one-third of India) is nonpotable. On the other hand, the Central Groundwater Water Board
(CGWB) has reported the presence of contaminants like fluoride, nitrate, arsenic, iron, and
other heavy metals in the groundwater of many regions (Table 1.4). As and F− contamina-
tion of groundwater is a significant public health risk concern for Indian people. As and F−
contamination of groundwater is a health threat for approximately 100 and 66 million
Indian people, respectively (Bindal and Singh 2019; Kadam et al. 2020). Other major ground-
water contaminants like U, NO3−, Fe, HCO3−, etc. have also been reported in several parts of
India. High nitrate content in water is another grave concern in many states (Ministry of
Water Resources 2014; Kaur et al. 2019). Apart from governmental organizations, various
studies/reports on groundwater and surface water quality have confirmed the presence of
other contaminants like uranium, cadmium, lead, copper, sulfate, pesticides, and organic
pollutant in the water resources of India (Bacquart et al. 2012; Mittal et al. 2014; Chowdhury
et al. 2016; Kumar et al. 2016; Bajwa et al. 2017).
Both the groundwater and surface water quality are not qualifying criteria for potable water
in most parts of the country. Surface water is continuously facing quality issues due to the
discharge of sewage and industrial and agricultural wastes. Groundwater in India is affected
by heavy metals (As, Fe, Pb, U) and anions (F−, NO3−, SO42−) in different parts of the country.
8 Part I Water Pollution and Its Security
Table 1.4 Number of states and districts affected by geogenic contamination in groundwater.
Arsenic (As) 10 68
Fluoride (F−) 20 276
Nitrate (NO3−) 21 387
Iron (Fe) 24 297
Climate change affects water resources through warming of the atmosphere, alterations in
the hydrologic cycle, glacier melting, rising sea levels, and changes in precipitation patterns
(amount, timing, and intensity). In the Indian scenario, due to the alteration of monsoon
patterns, rainfall becomes more intense and cumbersome, and it is concentrated on fewer
rainy days. Climate change influences the quantity of water resources of India through the
impact on glaciers, groundwater, and flood events. The probable climate change impacts
on water resources of India are depicted through the flow diagram in Figure 1.1.
1.4.1 Rainfall
Using decade-wise average rainfall annual data of 116 years of data (1901–2019), no signifi-
cant trend was observed for annual rainfall on a national basis (Figure 1.2). However, a
decreasing trend in annual rainfall was observed across India since the year 2000. This data
set is based on more than 2000 rain gauge data spread over the country.
Climate change has affected the rainfall pattern of India in the form of fewer rainy days,
but more extreme rainfall events. This is resulting in an increased amount of rainfall in
each event, leading to significant flooding. Most of the global models suggest that Indian
summer monsoons will intensify. The timing of seasonal variation may also shift, causing
a drying during the late summer growing season. There has been a significant change in
precipitation and temperature pattern in India from 2000 to 2015. This could indicate a
signature of climate change in India (Goyal and Surampalli 2018).
1.4.2 Glaciers
Around 9040 glaciers have been reported in India, covering nearly 18 528 km2 in the Indus,
Ganges, and Brahmaputra basins (Sangewar et al. 2009; Sharma et al. 2013). Any changes
in a glacier can affect river run-off and the water availability in the Himalayan rivers (Indus,
Ganges, and Brahmaputra) and agricultural practices in India. The annual rate of glacial
shrinkage is reported to be nearly 0.2–0.7% in the Indian Himalayan region for 11 river
basins during the period 1960–2004 with a mean extent of 0.32–1.40 km2 (Kulkarni
1 Water Security and Human Health 9
Alter Hydrological
Glaciers melt rapidly Alter Monsoon Cycle
1300
1250
1200
Rainfall (mm)
1150
1100
1050
1000
10
0
0
6
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
00
01
01
19
–1
–1
–1
–1
–1
–1
–1
–1
–2
–2
–2
–
01
11
21
31
41
51
61
71
81
91
01
11
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
Time Period
Figure 1.2 Decade-wise average rainfall annual data of India. (Source: Envi Stats India 2018;
https://data.gov.in/keywords/annual-rainfall.)
et al. 2011; Bolch et al. 2012). Ramanathan (2011) reported the mass balance of Chhota
Shigri glacier (15.7 km2), located in the Chandra River basin of Himachal Pradesh, showed
a net loss of about 1000 m from 2002–2009. The flow diagram demonstrating the impact of
climate change on glaciers is depicted in Figure 1.3.
In India, climate change is expected to affect Himalayan rivers (Ganges and Brahmaputra)
due to the faster rate of melting of Himalayan glaciers. Himalayan glaciers are known as
the “Water Tower of Asia,” a major source of water in all major Asian rivers (Shiva 2009).
10 Part I Water Pollution and Its Security
Climate Change
Influence
Snowfall Temperature
Glacier Response
Figure 1.3 The flow diagram of the impact of climate change on glaciers. (Source: Pandey and
Venkataraman 2012.)
As per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), these glaciers are receding
faster than any other part of the world (IPCC 2007). The Gangotri glacier (source of the
river Ganga), receded 20–23 miles/year, whereas other glaciers can retreat more than
30 miles/year as a result of rising temperatures (Shiva 2009). If the conditions continue,
glaciers will melt quicker and no glaciers will be left to supply water for the entire year,
then rivers like Brahmaputra and Ganges will become seasonal rivers. In the monsoon
season, the combination of the heavy melting of glaciers and intense heavy rainfall for
fewer days may create a flash flood-like situation. On the other hand, reduced rainfall in
the rest of the year may lead to drought in some regions. Chevaturi et al. (2016) illustrated
the climate change impact on the northern region of Ladakh. The Ladakh area is unique
due to its location in high altitude, dry desert with cold temperatures, and water flows to
the mountains. Research showed a warming trend with reduced seasonal precipitation,
making it highly sensitive to temperature changes.
a sea-level rise of 1 m would inundate up to 5763 km of India, as many cities lie only a few
feet above sea level, making severe coastal floods.
1.4.4 Groundwater
Groundwater resources are affected due to an inadequate amount of water percolating
down to aquifers due to reduced rainfall. The increased atmospheric temperature also
increases the rate of evapotranspiration, which leads to a reduction in the actual amount of
groundwater available for human use. India extracts 1000 km3 of groundwater annually,
which is 25% of groundwater at a global level (Mukherji 2019).
Climate change affects Indian water resources through warming of the atmosphere,
alterations in the hydrologic cycle, melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, and changes in
precipitation patterns (amount, timing, and intensity). The alteration of monsoon patterns
decreases rainy days but increases the amount of rainfall. Himalayan glaciers are receding
faster than any other part of the world. Further, the combined impacts of changes in pre-
cipitation patterns, glaciers melting, and sea-level rise has caused flood-like situations in
different parts of the country. One noticeable thing, if the conditions continue, glaciers will
melt quicker and no glaciers will be left to supply water for the entire year, then rivers like
Brahmaputra and Ganges will become seasonal rivers.
The impact of climate change on water quality has not gained much concern as an emerg-
ing topic in water research to date. However, possible effects are discussed with the associa-
tion of health as depicted in Figure 1.4. Floods and droughts also affect the surface water
qualitatively (in terms of pollutant concentration) and quantitatively. Whenever drought
condition persists, the groundwater resources are depleted and the concentration of the
pollutants are elevated in the residual water (IPCC 2007). Changes in precipitation or
hydrological pattern and increased run-off can result in the rise of pathogens and contami-
nants in water bodies. Increased frequency and intensity of rainfall may cause more water
pollution due to run-off water. The decrease in dissolved oxygen in water due to the increase
in the temperature of the water is the direct consequence of climate change on water qual-
ity. Further, the concentration of dissolved carbon, phosphates, nitrates, and micropollut-
ants are also directly altered as a consequence of climate change and they produce an
adverse impact on health (Delpla et al. 2009).
Climate change is not only expected to influence the quantity of groundwater but also to
influence the quality of groundwater (Dragoni and Sukhija 2008). Water recharges during
an arid period contain a high concentration of salts and increases total dissolved solids
(TDS). However, in a wet period, the reverse phenomena can occur. Climate change
increases sea surface temperatures and results in rising sea levels. Further, rising sea levels
may lead to saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers, which influences groundwater quality
and contaminates drinking water sources whenever salty water percolates into the fresh-
water system. It is very difficult to reverse the process. Climate change influences the
12 Part I Water Pollution and Its Security
Climate change impact on water quality and its association with health risk
Alter Hydrological
Temperature increase
Drought
Increase runoff
Alter properties of Dissolve
Oxygen, Nitrate, Dissolve Increase
Carbon, Phosphate Pollutants pollutants and
concentrated pathogens
Figure 1.4 Impact of climate change on water quality and its association with health.
As per the WHO (2018), in the period between 2030 and 2050, climate change could be the
reason for approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year by malnutrition, malaria, diar-
rhea, and heat stress. The additional health costs by 2030 are estimated to project USD
2–4 billion/year. Climate change affects health through polluted air, unsafe drinking water,
insufficient food, and shelter safety. Extreme high air temperatures directly affect cardio-
vascular and respiratory systems, particularly to older adults. In Europe, more than 70 000
deaths were recorded under the influence of a summer heatwave during 2003 (Robine
et al. 2008). High temperature also increases ozone levels and other pollutants in the air,
leading to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The levels of pollen and other aerial
allergens are high in extreme temperature/heat. This can trigger asthma, which affects
nearly 300 million people in the world (WHO 2018). Apart from this, climate change has a
1 Water Security and Human Health 13
high impact on water-related diseases. The nonuniform rainfall patterns are likely to affect
freshwater and make it unsafe for humans. This water can compromise hygiene and
increase the risk of diarrheal disease, which kills over 500 000 children aged under five
years, every year (IPCC 2014).
India is one of the major countries that suffers from water-related diseases. The security
of drinking water ensures the prevention and control of water-borne diseases. As per the
WHO assessment, around 37.7 million people in India are affected by water-borne diseases
every year, and among them, 75% are children (Khurana and Sen 2009). The World Bank
has also estimated that 21% of communicable diseases in India are related to unsafe water.
The impact of climate change increases the risks of water-borne diseases like cholera,
malaria, and dengue by warming of the climate and intense rainfall. A UN report stated
that more than one lakh people die annually from water-borne diseases and 73 working
days are lost due to water-borne diseases. Another report stated that 1.5 million children
die annually from diarrhea (Khurana and Sen 2009). Apart from water-borne diseases,
cancer, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, and other diseases are reported due to
probable contaminants found in water (Kaur et al. 2019). A resulting economic burden of
$600 million has been estimated per year due to water-borne diseases. Further, climate
change makes the situation more critical. Rising temperatures often bring negative impacts
to human health and life. The incidences of water-borne diseases like cholera, diarrhea,
and so on,. become more prevalent in warmer climates (Figure 1.4). Vector-borne diseases
like malaria can thrive when the temperature increases as a result of global warming. It is
also estimated that up to 2050, the malaria vector will shift away from central regions
towards southwestern and northern states due to the variation of rainfall (Kiszewski
et al. 2004). Malaria kills over 400 000 people every year on the global level.
Vector-borne diseases like dengue also increase in warm and rainy climate due to the
increasing mosquito population. The Aedes mosquito vector of dengue is also highly sensi-
tive to climate conditions, and studies suggest that climate change is likely to increase expo-
sure to dengue. Apart from the risks caused by increased temperature, intense rainfall could
result in floods and waterlogging in several places. Waterlogged areas will then become the
potential grounds for mosquitoes breeding. In India, especially in the Ganges basin, poor
habitats have no choice for drinking and cooking other than using the polluted water of riv-
ers. This results in numerous diseases. Among these diseases, stomach infections like diar-
rhea and dysentery are common. People living in rural areas and urban slums will be more
vulnerable to diseases and infections because they do not have access to piped water and
cannot afford to buy clean water. Water shortages have an enormously devastating impact
on human health, including malnutrition, pathogen or chemical loading, and infectious
diseases from water contamination. In the future, this cycle of diseases will place an enor-
mous burden on the government, who will have to scramble to provide health care for all
those affected and have to take preventive measures to control the situation from worsening.
Climate change affects health through polluted air, unsafe drinking water, insufficient
food, and shelter safety. The nonuniform rainfall patterns are likely to affect freshwater in
India and make it unsafe for humans. This water can compromise hygiene and increase the
risk of diarrheal disease, in these cases, children are the main sufferers. Further, the impact
of climate change also increases the risks of water and vector-borne diseases like cholera,
malaria, and dengue by warming of the climate and intense rainfall.
14 Part I Water Pollution and Its Security
Table 1.5 International reports on current and future demands of water of India.
conserve flood water and flows for the growing demands of water in the country. Flood
management can also play a key role in groundwater recharge and drought management.
Nearly 500 BCM of water has been estimated through flood flows in Indian rivers
(Jain 2019). In the current scenario, the management of storage flood water is not suffi-
cient. The management of storage flood water can be used to meet growing demands
throughout the year. It will also help in water-related disasters like floods and droughts.
●● Water transfer between water enriched and water-stressed regions: India has
large temporal and geographical variability about water availability. The transfer of water
between water surplus regions to deficit regions could be a very effective approach in
meeting the demand of the entire country.
●● Recycle and reuse: In the current scenario, less of the urban water supply is recycled
and reused, and a large quantity of water is wasted. Around 40% of the water in some
cities in India is wasted due to leakage or theft. For instance, the Arab states treat 55% of
wastewater, and 15% is reused, which is used in farm irrigation, environmental protec-
tion, and industrial cooling (Jain 2019).
●● Impact of climate change: Warming of the lower atmosphere affects rainfall, snowfall,
and glaciers, and raises sea levels, which all interfere with the quantity of water resources.
Rising sea levels increase flooding in coastal areas and the intrusion of seawater alters
water quality in rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
●● Maintain water quality of resources and provide safe drinking water for rural areas.
●● Hydro-diplomacy with neighboring countries to solve water conflicts.
Recently, the Indian government formed the Ministry of Jal Shakti in May 2019 by merging
two ministries: the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga
Rejuvenation and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The Government of
India had also established the National Water Mission, which is one of the eight National
Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change 2008. Now, National Water
Mission is operating under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the main objective is “conserva-
tion of water, minimizing wastage and ensuring its more equitable distribution both across
16 Part I Water Pollution and Its Security
and within States through integrated water resources development and management.”
The National Water Mission is working towards five goals as follows:
a) Building a comprehensive water database in the public domain and an assessment of
the impact of climate change on water resources
b) Promotion of citizen and state actions for water conservation, augmentation, and
preservation
c) Focused attention to vulnerable areas including overexploited areas
d) Increasing water use efficiency by 20%
e) Promotion of basin level integrated water resource management
In the 12th five-year plan (2012–2017) of India, more emphasis has been given on aquifer
mapping, watershed development, and the involvement of nongovernmental organiza-
tions (NGOs) in developing irrigation capacity. Previously, the National Democratic
Alliance (NDA) government established a separate ministry on “River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation” to accelerate the development of rivers and approved a 20 000 crores
budget to the Namami Ganges scheme for the historical river Ganga. Further, the NDA
government made it mandatory that 50% of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005 should be for the improvement of
water conservation work like the construction of check dams and de-silting of water bod-
ies. Recently, in the union budget 2016–2017, 60 000 crore rupees for a groundwater
recharge project, 259.6 crore rupees for river basin management, and 660.27 crore rupees
for water resources management were allocated and particular emphasis was given to the
National Rural Drinking Water Program. Several water-related projects such as rainwater
harvesting, artificial groundwater recharge, watershed management, etc. are already being
run by central and state governments. Further, a substantial amount has been allocated for
groundwater recharge projects in drought-hit areas to combat the challenges of climate
change. The national adaptation fund was established to analyze climate change threats.
The government also paid specific attention to arsenic-affected areas and constructed spe-
cially designed new wells for the mitigation of arsenic pollution in groundwater.
The Indian government formed the Ministry of Jal Shakti in May 2019 as the main regu-
lating body of water resources in the country. For improved water quality and quantity of
water resources, the Indian government launched several schemes, namely, Namami
Ganges, the National Rural Drinking Water Program, the national adaptation fund (for
climate change threats), the National Water Mission, etc.
India has the potential to transform the increasing number of challenges in water security
into opportunities. Based on the available potential of the water sector, it can be concluded
that India is not a water-deficit country. In India, 90% of water resources are suitable for
growing crops. Some of the reasons against water security in the Indian context are water
resource mismanagement, inadequate use of water potential, lack of required government
attention, and lack of the willingness to adopt the latest technologies. Hence, fulfilling
these lacunae can combat current and future water security problems. India has the
1 Water Security and Human Health 17
opportunity to establish, as a nation, water security for a vast population. Some of the
efforts required are as follows:
(UN WWDR 2015). In India, a study carried out using this strategy in the vegetative
phase for groundnut gave positive results. More research is required regarding deficit
irrigation on Indian crops for water conservation strategies.
●● Good groundwater governance: A Netherlands funded APFAMGS (Andhra Pradesh
Farmer Managed Groundwater Systems) project is an excellent example of the govern-
ance of groundwater resources. This project has been applied in 638 groundwater over-
exploited villages of Andhra Pradesh. The officials of this project adapted appropriate
cropping systems based on available groundwater resources. The governance acted as
pressure to adapt suitable water saving and harvesting projects. Low investment organic
agriculture was promoted, and the rules were formulated to ensure the sustainability of
groundwater resources.
India is becoming a water-deficient country and climate change is making the situation
more critical. The use of the maximum potential of river water, seawater, precipitation,
wastewater, and good water governance can minimize the impact of climate change on
water resources.
Water security has been a grave issue in India due to a lack of proper management, the slow
rate of establishing water projects, inadequate water monitoring, and a lack of appropriate
preventive measures. The degradation of water quality results in increased water-borne
and vector-borne diseases. Apart from this, contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride,
uranium, nitrate, cadmium, and lead found in water are also responsible for various serious
diseases like cancer, cardiovascular, mental disorders, and others. The effects of climate
change, including the increase of temperature, changes in regional precipitation patterns,
floods, droughts events, etc., make the situation more critical in respect of water quantity,
water quality, and water-related diseases. India has the potential to resolve future challenges
by the use of surface water to accelerate the establishment of water projects, adopting new
technologies, hydro-diplomacy with adjacent countries, and making stringent rules and
regulations.
Some recommendations are given as follows:
●● Use of the maximum potential of surface water, seawater, and rainfall
●● Turning flooding incidents to opportunities by managing huge amounts of water
●● Promotion of water-efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, etc.
●● Hydro-diplomacy and solving conflicts with neighboring countries
●● Applying strict regulations and taking action against those causing water pollution
and wastage
References
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22
2.1 Introduction
Wetlands are a ubiquitous ecosystem, found in all regions and climatic conditions across the
globe. But they have long been a misunderstood ecosystem due to the misconception that
they are “wastelands, disease-infested, dark and dirty swamps,” and therefore, considered
worthless and large numbers of them have been converted for the other land-use activities
(Shah 2012). Later, the advancement of wetland research made the importance of these
ecosystems clear, as they interlink land and aquatic ecosystems, and therefore, understand-
ing developed from the conversion to the conservation of wetlands (Shah 2012). They are
considered as the “transitional zone between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems,” where
the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water
(Mitsch and Gosselink 1986). These are the most productive and biologically diverse eco-
systems, but they are also very fragile in nature (Mitsch and Gosselink 2000). They were
defined for the first time during the world convention on wetlands at Ramsar city, Iran, on
2 February 1971 as:
Wetlands are area[s] of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial,
permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt,
including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed
six meters.
The wetlands contribute approximately 40–45% of the total global estimate of natural
productivity and ecosystem services, as reported in the various wetland ecosystem assess-
ment reports.
Pollutants and Water Management: Resources, Strategies and Scarcity, First Edition. Edited by Pardeep Singh,
Rishikesh Singh, Vipin Kumar Singh, and Rahul Bhadouria.
© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Published 2021 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
2 Conservation of Kanwar Wetland, Begusarai 23
Lakes/Ponds
Ox-bow lakes/ Cut-off meanders Lagoons
High altitude wetlands Creeks
Riverine wetlands Sand/Beach
Waterlogged Intertidal mud flats
River/Stream Salt marsh
Mangroves
Reservoirs/Barrages Coral reefs
Tanks/Ponds
Waterlogged Salt pans
Salt pans Aquaculture ponds
Figure 2.1 A map showing different types of wetlands in India. (Source: National Wetland
Atlas 2011, Space Application Centre, Indian Space Research Organization.)
(Continued)
2 Conservation of Kanwar Wetland, Begusarai 25
Source: National Wetland Atlas (2011), Space Application Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad.
5%
2% 1% 4%
1%
4%
Lake/Pond
9%
Ox-bow lake
Riverine wetland
Water logged (Natural)
River/Stream
Reservoir/Barrage
Tank/Pond
74%
Wetlands (<2.25 ha)
Figure 2.3
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
Pashchim Champaran
Purbai Champaran
Sheohar
Sitamarhi
Madhubani
Supaul
Araria
Kishanganj
Purnia
Katihar
Madhepura
Saharsa
Darbhanga
Muzaffarpur
Gopalganj
Siwan
Saran
Vaishali
Samastipur
Begusarai
Khagaria
Districts of Bihar
Bhagalpur
Banka
Munger
Lakhisarai
Sheikhpura
Nalanda
Patna
Bhojpur
Buxar
Kaimur
Rohtas
Jehanabad
Aurangabad
Gaya
Nawada
Jamui
District-wise wetland area in Bihar. (Source: National Wetland Atlas 2011, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India.)
2 Conservation of Kanwar Wetland, Begusarai 27
of Begusarai district. The wetland area supports the livelihoods of a large population, and
the increasing human population around this wetland and their encroachments have posed
serious challenges for both ecological diversity and quality of resources. These studies
have also indicated the degradation of wetland status and suggested an inclusive research
approach for the conservation and management of this wetland. In the past one and half
decades, the wetland has been under severe threat of degradation due to heavy siltation,
water shortage, invasive weeds, and anthropogenic encroachments including illegal land
acquisition, agriculture, bird trapping, cattle grazing, tree harvesting, waste dumping, and
the establishment of small-scale industries like a brick kiln in and around the sanctuary.
As it is one of the more remotely located wetlands of national importance, not only does
it support huge natural biodiversity, it also influences local hydrology, weather, and the
socio-economy of the inhabiting population. However, this wetland still only has a limited
number of scientific studies, which is an indication that it has not been given much atten-
tion by the scientific community for its proper monitoring and conservation. Therefore,
this work was conducted to identify the key factors that adversely affect the wetland, as
well as human health and the societal status of this area. This study is also aimed to find
solutions for the identified factors.
(a) (c)
SK 1
SK 2
SK 3
SK 5
SK 4
(b) SK 6
SK 7
SK 8
SK 9
SK 11 SK 10
SK 13
SK 12
SK 14
Figure 2.4 A map of (a) India, (b) Bihar, and (c) study area with sampling locations.
2 Conservation of Kanwar Wetland, Begusarai 29
and rainfall and temperature data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather
Forecasts were collected for this area.
The LULC change dynamics were estimated by using Landsat imageries and geographic
information system (GIS) software. The samples of water and soil/sediments were col-
lected from 14 different locations (Figure 2.4). The samples of aquatic species of flora and
fauna, and the cultivated vegetation species, especially crops, were also collected and esti-
mated for the general parameters and the content of specific contaminants, i.e. heavy met-
als, by following APHA procedures (APHA 2005). Further, the water quality index (WQI)
and the health risk index (HRI) was calculated by adopting standard procedures. For WQI,
the modified weighted arithmetic mean procedures were used (Shah and Joshi 2017; Singh
et al. 2020). The HRI was calculated by using the formula given by Khan et al. (2010).
Where,
Further, with the help of toposheets, ten villages were identified in close vicinity of the
wetland, which were also documented in the Gazette of Bihar, while this wetland was
declared as a wildlife sanctuary. These villages are Manjhaul, Jaimangalpur, Jaimangalgarh,
Ekamba, Parora, Narayanpiper, Sakra, Rajaur, Kanausi, and Manikpur. A rapid survey was
conducted among these villages from June 2013 to August 2013 to understand the overall
wetland resource use pattern and its dynamics, to identify different resource user groups
(RUGs) and their dependency and socio-economic status, and the attitude for the conserva-
tion of this wetland. The objective-oriented questionnaire was prepared after the rapid sur-
vey, with a total of 47 key questions, which were open-ended (with options), closed-ended
(yes/no), and suggestive types. Later, an intensive survey was conducted through a specific
questionnaire among the identified RUGs in these villages from July 2015 to July 2017. A
total of 147 households were interviewed to gather information on various aspects. In addi-
tion, the local representatives of government agencies, leaders, social workers, and regular
visitors were also interviewed.
2.3 Results
450
400
350
300
Rainfall (mm)
250
200
150
100
50
0
Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
25
20
Temperature
15
10
0
Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Water Availability
Wetland Boundary
June
March
December
October
N
0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers
Figure 2.7 Contours lines based on water availability in different months in the Kanwar wetland
by using Landsat 8 data from 2014 to 2017 for October, December, March, and June.
and June during the study period was prepared and depicted in Figure 2.7. The average
water spread was recorded to the maximum extent in October. Later, it started decreasing
in December, followed by June, and the minimum water spread was in March. This is an
indication of un-uniform water availability and a pattern of siltation across the wetland. It
also clarifies that in the lower stretch of this wetland, the pattern of siltation is more fre-
quent, followed by the upper and middle stretches. The most frequent pattern of silt depo-
sition in the lower stretch could be due to its existence toward the outlet channel of the
wetland, which is not appropriately managed, and the runoffs from the whole catchment
are drained to this part.
1500 1399.95
1988 2016
1200
934.94
Area (ha)
900
600
300
0 9.14
5.81
Water
Scrub/Open
Agriculture
Settelment
LULC class
Figure 2.8 Area under four land use land cover change class in 1988 and 2016.
Table 2.2 Land use land cover change analysis in the Kanwar wetland between 1988 and 2016.
LU/LC class Feb. 1988 Feb. 2016 Change % Change Yearly change (ha/year)
Permissible
Parameters Current study limits Year 2002a
(Continued)
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
as was the case years ago, an unhealthy excitement in the minds of
220
the people.”
But, facts being more convincing than official denials, the exodus
grew more alarming, because the forces to which it owed its origin
continued in operation. The “Jewish Colonization Association” now
came to the aid of the indigent exiles, and endeavoured to save
them from additional suffering by preventing those who were not
provided with the necessary passage money, or were not physically
221
fit, from leaving their homes. These wise measures restrained to
a certain extent indiscriminate expatriation, but, as might have been
foreseen, failed to check it entirely. The exodus continued, and the
outcry against Roumania spread, for now the countries into which
the undesirable current flowed were compelled by self-interest to do
what they had hitherto vainly attempted to effect from a sense of
philanthropy.
America, the favourite haven of refuge for the fortune-seeker of
every colour and clime, undertook the task of spokesman. The late
Mr. Hay, Secretary of State, in September, 1902, through the
representatives of the United States in the countries which took part
in the Congress of Berlin, reminded the Governments of those
countries of Art. 44 of the Treaty signed by them in 1878, urging
them to bring home to Roumania her flagrant and persistent failure
to fulfil the conditions on which she had obtained her independence.
After a handsome tribute to the intellectual and moral qualities of the
Jew, based on history and experience, the American Minister
protested, on behalf of his country, against “the treatment to which
the Jews of Roumania are subjected, not alone because it has
unimpeachable ground to remonstrate against resultant injury to
itself, but in the name of humanity.” He concluded with a vigorous
appeal to “the principles of International Law and eternal justice,”
and with an offer to lend the moral support of the United States to
222
any effort made to enforce respect for the Treaty of Berlin.
This powerful impeachment, coming as it did from a distant party
in no way connected with the affairs of Continental Europe, may
have caused heart-searchings in nearer and more immediately
concerned countries; but it failed to awaken those countries to a
proper sense of their interests, not to say duties. The only quarter in
which America’s appeal to humanity found an echo was England. A
number of representative men, such as the late Archbishop of
Canterbury, the present Bishop of London, Lord Kelvin, the
Marquess of Ripon, the late Mr. Lecky, Sir Charles Dilke, the Master
of Balliol, and others, publicly expressed their profound sympathy
with the victims of persecution. Mr. Chamberlain also seized the
opportunity of declaring that, as history proves, the Jews, “while
preserving with extraordinary tenacity their national characteristics
and the tenets of their religion, have been amongst the most loyal
subjects of the states in which they have found a home, and the
impolicy of persecution in such a case is almost greater than its
223
cruelty.” Other Englishmen also joined in the denunciation of
Roumania not so much from pity for the victims of oppression as
from fear lest, unless the Roumanian Government was compelled to
change its policy, England should have to face another inroad of
“undesirable” Jewish immigrants.
In like manner, the only Government which volunteered to
second Mr. Hay’s Note was the British, and on the common basis of
these two representations, the signatory Powers of the Treaty of
Berlin “exchanged views.” The results of this exchange can be
summed up only too easily. The historian of the future will probably
derive therefrom some interesting lessons regarding European
politics and ethics in the beginning of the twentieth century. They are
as follows:
Germany, under whose presidency the stipulation concerning the
Jews of Roumania was framed, did not choose to consider herself
called upon to insist on the execution of that stipulation. The Liberal
section of the German press received the American Note with
sincere, but ineffectual, appreciation; while of the Conservative
majority some pronounced it naïve, and others affected to regard it
as an attempt on America’s part to interfere in European affairs, or
even as an electioneering trick having for its sole object to enhance
President Roosevelt’s political prestige! The German Government,
though more courteous than the German press, proved equally cold.
As we have already seen, that Government was the last to join in the
efforts to improve the lot of the Roumanian Jews and the first to
declare itself satisfied with the deceptive revision of Article 7 of the
Roumanian Constitution. This attitude, when considered in
conjunction with the fact that a Hohenzollern reigns in Roumania,
and with that kingdom’s place in the present political combinations of
the Continent, enables us to understand, if not to applaud,
Germany’s reception of Mr. Hay’s Note.
Austria-Hungary, whose proximity to Roumania pointed her out
as the Power primarily concerned, and entitled to act, declined to
take any steps singly or collectively. The self-restraint of Austria, like
that of Germany, and even in a greater degree, was dictated by
political considerations, Roumania being practically the only State in
the Balkans, where the influence of Austria-Hungary and of the Triple
Alliance still counts for something. Besides, the Vienna Cabinet
could not decently join in advocating Jewish emancipation, for it was
Austria which in May, 1887, concluded with Roumania a treaty
whereby some seventy thousand Jewish residents in the latter
kingdom—who, according to a practice common in Mohammedan
countries, had enjoyed Austrian protection while Roumania was
under Ottoman rule—were deprived of the status of Austrian
subjects, without receiving any other status in exchange.
Italy was deterred from lending her support to the American Note
by Roumania’s relations with the Triple Alliance and also by the
vogue which the “Roman” idea obtains in the land which the
Roumanians are pleased to regard as “the cradle of their race.”
Russia, whose treatment of her own Jewish subjects would have
made an appeal to “humanity and eternal justice” on behalf of the
Jews in another country a sad mockery, decorously refrained from
supporting the American Note. It is true that the Russian press
imitated the Teutonic in scoffing at America’s action as a pretext for
gaining admission to the counsels of the European Areopagus, and
in condemning it as an impertinence! But the Czar’s Government,
with better taste, extricated itself from an awkward position by basing
its refusal on the ground that the grievances set forth in Mr. Hay’s
despatch were so old that it was hardly worth while troubling about
them. In the opinion of the Russian Ministers, the Jews must by now
be thoroughly accustomed to starvation.
France, with all the good intentions in the world, could do nothing
without Russia’s consent and, therefore, contented herself with the
expression of a modest hope that the Roumanian Government might
of their own accord decide to fulfil their obligations, seeing that the
real sufferer is Roumania itself, and with pointing to the lack of
224
means of enforcing such fulfilment.
In brief, the European Powers considered that they did their duty
by expressing their platonic concurrence with that part of the
American Note which referred to the obligations of humanity and
civilisation generally. But to the more definite appeal to the Treaty of
Berlin they refused to pay any attention whatsoever. Nor can we
wonder at their refusal. The appeal was not a very happy one; for
every party to that contract has conscientiously broken it in turn.
Russia, in defiance of its provisions, has fortified Batoum; Turkey has
not even attempted to carry out the reforms in the European
Provinces of the Empire, ordained by the Treaty; Great Britain has
done nothing for the Armenians. Why then should poor Roumania
alone be called upon to carry out her share of an agreement, already
disregarded with impunity by everyone else concerned?
Such a retort would, of course, have been too candid and too
rational for diplomacy. Instead, the Roumanian Government had
again recourse to the more correct, if somewhat hackneyed,
expedient of an official contradiction of the truth. The Roumanian
Minister in London declared that “the idea that any persecution
existed was absolutely erroneous.” The Jews were foreigners, and
“the disabilities imposed upon foreigners were absolutely necessary
for the protection of his countrymen, who had bought their
independence with the sword, and had a right to manage their
225
economic affairs according to their requirements, etc., etc.” What
the Roumanian conception of such a right is has been very
eloquently explained by Roumania’s accomplished Queen. After
having drawn a pitiful and, although exaggerated, in the main faithful
picture of Roumania’s economic misery, Her Majesty declares that,
under such conditions, the civilised world ought not “to require her to
harbour and support others, when she herself stands in dire need of
assistance.” Those “others” are “foreigners,” that is, Roumanian
Jews; their exodus is represented as the voluntary emigration of “a
foreign population” due to the instinct which prompts a rat to quit a
sinking ship, and their departure is welcome, because they, being
traders, drain the country of its wealth. This interesting economic
doctrine is expounded by Her Majesty as follows: “It is a fact that no
money has ever been introduced into Roumania through any one in
trade. Any that such a man may possess goes abroad, first to
purchase his stock and outfit, and later for supplies to carry on his
business, even such articles as buttons and the commonest kinds of
braids not being manufactured here except on the very smallest
226
scale.” Here again the Jewish apologist is more convincing than
his Roumanian accuser. Admitting that, on the whole, the Queen’s
statements are correct, he asks: “But why is it so? For the reason
that the ruling class prohibits ‘foreigners’ to acquire lands in the
country, and by means of this and other laws keeps foreign capital
227
from coming in.”
Protests pass away, grievances remain. The well-meant action of
Mr. Hay and Lord Lansdowne, far from bettering, really aggravated
the condition of the people on whose behalf it was taken. The
Roumanian politicians, with characteristic astuteness, perceived that
the immediate cause of the complaint was the emigration of the
Jews to the United States, England and Canada, and, naturally
enough, arrived at the conclusion that the one thing needful was to
remove the ground of complaint by stopping emigration. A
telegraphic order was sent to all the local authorities, forbidding the
issue of passports to the Jews. Those who had already reached the
frontier were forcibly turned back, and hundreds of others, who had
sold all they possessed in order to raise the funds necessary for the
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journey, were compelled to return home and perish. Thus an act
intended as a blessing proved an unmitigated curse, and modern
Roumania by this new measure has outstripped even mediaeval
Spain in cruelty. For the Spanish sovereigns, blinded by religious
bigotry, had yet given to the Jews the alternatives of conversion or
exile. Their Roumanian imitators, infatuated by racial fanaticism, will
not baptize the Jews, nor dare they banish them; but, like Pharaoh of
old, they virtually bid them stay and be slaves.
CHAPTER XXIII
ANTI-SEMITISM