Plant a Tree For Mother: Increase Forest Cover, Save Earth

 Forests, wildlife and our environment are our heritage. It has to be passed on in a better condition than what we received from our forefathers to our children and grandchildren.

Photo by author

Launching a campaign "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" (One tree in the name of mother), PM Sri Narendra Modi planted a "Peepal" (Ficus religiosa) tree in Buddha Jayanti Park, New Delhi. Calling upon people the world over, he wrote on X, "...call upon everyone, in India and around the world, to plant a tree in the coming days as a tribute to your mother...".  He urged people to plant trees for the broader welfare of society and the whole world. Following suit, UP CM Yogi Adityanath Ji rolled out a programme of grand plantation drive “Vrikksharopan Jan Abhiyan 2024” and declared a grand drive to plant 36.51 crores of saplings in Uttar Pradesh. 

Forests in Ancient India

India has been the land of Sages and Ascetics who used to contemplate and philosophise on various aspects of life, sitting in the lap of nature amidst deep forests. Indian culture, tradition and ethos revolved around forests which played a vital role in human lives sans their commercial exploitation.

Photo by Author

Hermitages were established in deep forests where spiritual rituals and Yagya were frequently performed besides running "Gurukuls" and imparting education to the seekers. Trees were equated with "Brahma" the Supreme, hence considered sacred and people were ordained to save and protect them. The religious affiliations protected and nurtured trees, forests, and appurtenances. Antediluvian Indian civilizations and cultures emphasized the importance of forests and their components including wildlife. Indian society and its ethos attach great importance to trees and consider them not only living beings but view them as God. There has been a harmony between humans and the natural world of forests since ancient times. It is evident from the facts that the priceless treatise, written in the solitude of deep forests came to be known as “Aranyaks”. 

Forests During the British Era

Till the arrival of the British East India Company followed by the clinching of British rule lasted for about two centuries, life remained in harmony with nature. With the advancement of time, however, the thinking tilted more towards the economic and commercial value of forests. The British perceived great potential in forests as wealth. With this primary aim in mind, they tried to extract the maximum and started milking the country's forests by institutionalising them. Conservator of Forest was posted in Bombay (now Mumbai) and a department was established. Insidiously the Forest Act 1865 was enacted which was further amended in 1878 to group forests under the head "Reserve Forest"; before that the forests had been classified as Reserve Forest and Unclassified Forest. Whereas the former was limited to the government, the latter was open to the masses. The restriction compartmentalised the forests and forbade access by the people. It was done to stop the local population from their rights which became their "privilege". Forests which had been their nourishers for centuries were restricted; accessing them was not organic for people. This was the point of time when the exploitation of forests and their resources started. Their values were degraded from a living entity to the object of consumption. Forests were ruthlessly cleared for timber which was to be exported to England.  

Forests After Independence

Post-independence, the Government of India promulgated a policy in 1956 on forests recognising the importance of people's necessities, ecology and the environment. Forest Policy of 1956 though could not meet the aspirations to conserve and repristinate them. It was later replaced by the National Forest Policy 1988 envisaging that 33% of the geographical area should be under tree or forest cover. According to the norm, 1/3 of the plains and 2/3 of the hill area needed forest/tree cover. As of now, the total forest cover in India is 7,13,789 square kilometres (2024). Considering the total geographical area of the country as 32,87,263 square kilometres, the total forest cover in India is 21.71%, much less than the fixed norms despite an increase in forest cover from 2019 to 2021. Parallel to it, with about 2,41,000 square kilometres of geographical area, Uttar Pradesh should have about eighty thousand square kilometres of forest cover. However, the forest cover in the state is a mere 14,818 square kilometres which is 6.15%, much less than Bihar which has 7.84% forest cover. It is a serious cause of concern and sincere work to stop forest destruction to mitigate the loss and grow new ones is required. 

Despite the grim picture of forests narrated above, the growth of forest cover in states/UTs like Lakshadweep, Manipur, Tripura, Goa et cetera is heartening. 

Vicious Cycle

Although there are many causes of receding forest cover, the most important one is increasing demand due to a constantly swelling population. Indiscriminate urbanisation and the resultant craving for housing needs along with appurtenants necessary for a civic society causing agricultural land to recede. The decreasing agricultural land causes encroachment of forests and it dangerously pushes the forest cover further. Consequently, it leads to habitat destruction, loss of edible grass for herbivores which are the staple food for carnivores and forces wild animals to venture out of the forests giving rise to avoidable man and animal conflicts. It is a vicious cycle which causes loss of human life and property apart from being dangerous for the survival of wildlife. Besides the evident causes, the illicit felling of trees and poaching of vulnerable wild animals to satiate cupidity becomes a catalyst in wiping the forest covers and loss of ecology. 

Forests are Vital

Forests are vital in keeping the water cycle running, help to hold and recharge groundwater plus optimally run the weather cycle. Additionally, they effectively help in carbon sequestration as they are also effective carbon sinks. Clearing them is bound to affect it all. Receding tree cover is manifested in the disturbed weather cycle.

Photo by author

The weather is becoming harsh. During the past summer aestival, the temperature shot up sharply and touched fifty degrees Celsius in some areas of the country. It has been attributed to the fast-depleting forest covers. Likewise, the pluvial deluge and resultant colossal loss of life and property have also been credited to the waning forests and green cover. Tree felling has many severe side effects too. Besides ruthlessly killing a mute but friendly creature, it destroys the local ecosystem dependent upon that tree or trees. Nature recuperates the loss by her self-healing capacity, but the rapid pace of Holocene destruction gives scanty time for repair and replenishment. Human contribution, therefore, becomes necessary. 

Forests and Human Beings

The relationship of human beings with trees and forests is organic and primordial. The fringe villages around a forest take many advantages from them. Fuel wood, fodder and minor forest produce are the source of income and sustenance for the villagefolks.

Photo by author

Banning the use of forests would mean cutting off the roots of many villagers from forests and in turn, causing difficulties for them. Realising it, a renowned ecologist Ajit Kumar Banerjee, developed the concept of JFM (Joint Forest Management) which became a big success and has since been implemented in the rest of the country. JFM has elevated the status of locals who became “co-owners” of the forests and had more rights rather than being treated as “trespassers” and “thieves”. This has underlined the need for people’s participation. 

In urban areas where the open spaces are scanty and houses are getting smaller, row houses do not permit space to plant trees around. It makes community plantation programmes imperative. The community plantation gives a sense of attachment to each participating individual with the planted trees and they happily take the onus for care and maintenance. 

  

A Necessary Evil

Various developmental works necessitises tree felling. No development, however, is greater than the loss of green cover. Whereas trees and forests make a well-knit ecosystem necessary for life and survival, development eases our lives; development and eco-balance, hence need to go hand in hand. A sapling needs years to become a full-grown tree. As far as possible, tree felling needs to be avoided. Keeping these vital things in mind, engineering drawings should be made. Meet the loss of tree cover, Compensatory Afforestation is an effective tool, but sometimes on the pretext of something or the other, the process used to be entangled in the bureaucratic cobweb and delayed. Compensatory afforestation is applicable on the forest land permitted to be used for non-forestry purposes. To speed up the process and manage the funds CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority) was established under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act 2016. The Authority has been functioning since 2018. The Authority is broadly responsible for Afforestation, Reforestation and conservation of forests in addition to managing funds for the purpose. It also helps States carry out the function.

Apart from compensatory afforestation in big projects, efforts to increase green cover have also been taken up by Municipal Corporations and Development Authorities at the local level. Large green areas have been created; some of them serve as parks for the recreation of people, whereas some are like open forests.  People have been sensitised and awareness drives have been launched impacting the mindset and people’s interest in planting trees to increase and conserve verdure cover. The involvement of people is essential for a programme to succeed; active or passive participation of people in plantation and awareness drives is crucial and contributes to planting and post-plantation care for saplings till they grow to become trees. It needs an honest effort not a mere show. Plantation is not an event; it’s a collective and genuine effort to repristinate the planet we call our home - Earth. 

Important Thing to Remember

The importance of trees and their protection doesn't need to be repeated. While doing community plantations in urban areas by the people, care needs to be taken so that no superficial, flippant organisation or body can usurp the cause for their gaudy show. The deafening cacophony of narcissistic din by certain has to be ignored. Forests, wildlife and our environment are our heritage. It has to be passed on in a better condition than what we received from our forefathers to our children and grandchildren.

"Hazaaron Saal Nargis Apni Benoori Pe Roti Hai; 

   Badi Mushkil Se Hota Hai Chaman Mein Deedavar Paida." 

Photo by author

—END—

Moulting India: Saga of Growth vis-a-vis Environment and Biodiversity

Photograph by the Author

A multi-cultural, multi-lingual and vibrant nation of 140 Crore people, India was considered backward and "Developing" for more than six decades. Despite having a large amount of natural wealth and laborious youth, the country lagged behind and the world viewed it as a poor and regressive country. The situation, however, has radically changed. India is now a country that has a powerful voice whose opinions/suggestions are taken seriously by the world. India has come a long way and worked significantly well in poverty elimination, sanitation, health, environment and biodiversity. In the field of attaining a clean and salubrious environment, India has taken the lead and implemented many eco-friendly steps to mitigate pollution. 

India, a culturally rich vibrant nation of 140 Crore people and the seventh largest country in the world area-wise, hovered with the tag of a "Developing Country" for more than six decades. Touted by Europeans and Americans as the country of "Snake-charmers" and superstition, the country often looked to the Western world for help. Corruption and scams were rampant and the benefits of schemes were not reaching the people they were meant for. The money from welfare schemes was being siphoned off by the intermediaries. The pathetic situation was reflected in the candid confession of the then PM, who admitted that only 15 paise out of every Rupee spent by the government was reaching the poor. The nexus of contractors, bureaucrats and politicians was squeezing the people and nation; projects kept crawling and took longer to complete. The nation with a glorious past and rich heritage was about to shatter. 

The Change

The general election of 2014 brought a breeze of change. Suffocated people gave a clear mandate against corruption, misgovernance and lethargy; the ruling coalition was vanquished. The new government, with commitment and zeal, was sworn in with Narendra Damodar Das Modi as Prime Minister, who prefers to be known as "Pradhan Sevak" (Prime worker) rather than "Pradhan Mantri" (Prime Minister). The newly formed Modi government has had no time to waste. Amid heavy negativity, the new government started to function. Firmly taking decisive strides, they started clearing the mucks. It was a period of decision-making. Modi government started working in mission mode; rolling out plans and schemes. Systemic changes were made to make the life of people easy and hassle-free. As expected from a people-centric government, it aimed to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people. The changes started appearing soon.

Challenges and achievements

The pathetic conditions before 2014 warranted express actions parallel to those which take a long to show the effect. The government successfully tried to bring a paradigm shift from “policy paralysis” to proactive decision-making and implementation of the programmes/schemes on the ground level with a holistic and inclusive approach. Most of them have started fruiting, and people perceived the positive impacts. The government took problems head-on, concentrating on poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, robust health services, sanitisation and clean India (Swaksh Bharat), the environment and sustainability. Iron will, concerted efforts, dedication and commitment were needed to combat complex problems and negativity. PM Modi says every scheme has three orders of impact. Taking care of impending peripheral aspects and treating impediments as opportunities, problems were solved singularly.

The ailing and crawling system started walking and then running. “The country is witnessing systematic work in mission mode. We changed the mindset of power to the mindset of service, we made the welfare of the people our medium.” PM Modi tweeted. He expressed his feelings further in a tweet, “In the last 9 years Dalits, deprived, tribal women, poor women, middle class, everyone is experiencing a change.” He was pointing towards the perceptible change in the systemic outlook. The results were bound to be positive, and it did. Long-term goals and results were the primary concern while making policy, not only the immediate benefits. Tweeting about it, he wrote, “In the policies our government made after 2014, not only the initial benefits were taken care of, but second and third order effects were also given priority.” 

The perceptible change in the scenario is in perfect harmony with the work culture of the new government. Commitment to Service, Good governance and the welfare of all became the Mantras. Emancipation of the poor and marginalized occupied the Omphalos position. Increasing the income of the average people in general, and farmers in particular, was the priority. The long-overlooked woes of the farmers pushed them to suicide and their shattered families suffered a lot. A substantial, not the usual eye-wash needed to be done. 

The Environment, and its importance

The environment is most important and directly related to the health and well-being of people. A healthy mind resides in a healthy body; the prerequisite of a healthy society is a clean and salubrious environment. A clean environment is our heritage. Learned primogenitors had emphasised the importance of forests, wild animals, flora and fauna. Ironically, however, the environment was on the lowest pedestal of priorities, received a supercilious attitude and was often bypassed. Talking about forests and wildlife, rivers and water bodies was considered a flight of fancy. Poor air quality, asphyxiating water bodies and gasping rivers presented a pathetic and concerning scenario. The priorities were different so was the approach. The functionaries and the bureaucracy were callous. Post-2014 new government kept a vigilant eye on it. Getting environmental clearance was a cumbersome and tedious “formality”. It took at least 700 days for a project to get clearance. Considering the importance of the environment and development, a portal was developed to automate the process. PARIVESH portal helps clear the proposal within 75 days with transparency. The corruption-infested system was an impediment. The feudal mindset had to give way to a sensitive, sympathetic and constructive approach towards the people and the problems.

Improvement of the environment, along with the life of people and farmers, is essential. Forest and wildlife are an inseparable part of the tribal community. Concrete steps were taken with an eye on dwindling forest cover, habitat destruction and vanishing wildlife. During the quinquennium between 2017-18 to 2021-22 government spent Rs 3290 Crores for the cause of environment and Biodiversity conservation. It helped a lot to attain long-term goals and a secure future. 

Forests, Wetlands and wildlife

Significantly, the total forest area, as of now, is 7,13,789 Sq Km (December 2022); about 21.72% of the total geographical area of India. Expanded forest cover and habitat improvement resulted in an increased wildlife population. The tiger population has now become 3167, the highest world over. Effective control of poaching and close monitoring saved Rhino and Elephant populations. India is the home of 30,000 elephants, 3000 rhinoceros and 675 Asiatic lions. Once flourishing in the Indian jungle, Cheetahs have been reintroduced in Kuno National Park of Madhya Pradesh. India possesses rich biodiversity. The fact that the country has about 8% of the world's biodiversity despite having a mere 2.4% of the total landmass of the earth testify it. Not only terrestrial ecosystems, but wetlands also play a pivotal role. They are ecologically important, sustain local flora and fauna and support millions of people the world over. In our country, during “Amrit Kaal” 12 wetlands have been added as Ramsar sites totalling 75 in all. 

Namami Gange

The river system of India is vast and varied. The rivers, especially Ganga, have the intrinsic quality to rejuvenate and clean themselves, provided they get a bearable amount of pollutants. Ganga and its subsidiaries were dangerously polluted, for they received a direct discharge from factories and sewerage. An integrated "Namami Gange" project was launched in June 2014 to cleanse Ganga and its subsidiaries. The drainages were diverted to STPs for treating waste and sewage discharge before emptying into Ganga or other major rivers. Funds were released and toilets were constructed in villages of five states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Bengal along river Ganga. 4480 villages declared ODF. 

Air Pollution, the dread monster

Air pollution, like other pollution, is a monster which insidiously enters the body and causes severe ailments. The major contributing factor to it is vehicular emissions. The mushrooming outdated vehicles spew obnoxious gases by burning fossil fuel in their Internal Combustion Engine. It pumps in progressively more GHG (Green House Gases), causing increased temperature, discomfort and notorious Global Warming. The vicious effect is mitigated by Ethanol Blending in petrol. At present 10% Ethanol is blended in petrol as against 1.5% in 2014. The quantity is expected to be enhanced by up to 20%. It helped reduce the GHG by more than 318 lakhs MT, benefitted farmers who have been paid Rs 40,600 Crore and saved substantial public money. It is a win-win situation for all.

The use of conventional fossil fuel with its hazardous effects needed to be replaced considerably, if not completely, by promoting and using non-conventional energy with zero carbon emissions. A continuous flow of Clean and Green energy is the linchpin of a robust economy, for, it is the primary requirement to flourish. Solar energy is one of them. Among 123 signatories of the International Solar Alliance, India is showing the way to the world. The renewable energy capacity of India has grown exponentially from 70 GHz to 170 GHz within nine years, and the solar power capacity has increased more than 20 times. Solar power is convenient and becomes profitable when linked with the grid system. Farmers are getting benefits from the PM KUSUM scheme. Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) has helped farmers procure solar-powered pump sets for their fields.

Green Hydrogen and its use is another means of clean energy. Unlike Grey, Blue and Turquoise Hydrogen, Green Hydrogen is produced by the electrolysis of water, using electricity generated by solar radiation or wind. It creates zero Carbon emissions, hence the term. India, with its long coastline and copious water and wind, has a tremendous capacity to be a world leader in green Hydrogen technology. Hydrogen produces water when burned and has no adverse effect on air quality. 

LiFE - the Way of Living and Circular Economy

The essential component of a clean environment is people's active participation. It is also about how they live and carry themselves. It is heartening that people are sensitive towards the cause of the environment. India since antediluvian has been the champion of a clean and healthy environment. PM Modi suggested the concept of LiFE at COP26 in Glasgow. He then launched it with UN Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres at the Statue of Unity, Gujrat on 20 October 2022. The concept is the way of life - Lifestyle for the Environment. It suggests means to help clean the environment by simply modifying the way of living. It will give, as Modi says, "P3 - Pro Planet People". Single-use plastic is banned. People are advised to take homemade carry bags or paper bags. Minimal use of Air Conditioners and maximum use of natural air and light to keep houses clean, cool and tidy are advised to reduce carbon and water footprint. 

The concept of a Circular Economy, effective in controlling and mitigating environmental degradation, could be an answer. It is also a way of life which goes a bit different way. Whereas the conventional linear economy lays thrust on taking, producing, using and throwing the Circular Economy, on the other hand, emphasizes re-cycling. It is based on the 3R system that stands for Reduce (of waste production), Reuse (Of a product several times) and Recycle (when not in use recycle it and put it to another use). This system is congruent with the natural cycle where Mother Nature always recycles the products and put them to use. The biggest and most appropriate example is of Water Cycle that maintains the quantity of fresh water on the earth. 

The problems are the intrinsic part of any system, but the question is how the system tackles them. An efficient and sensitive government tackles them effectively, keeping the larger public interest in mind.

Photograph by the Author

EUTROPHICATION: THE DEVIL THAT ASPHYXIATES WATER BODIES TO DEATH

   

Large Artificial lake: JM Park, Lucknow
Photo: By Author

Water bodies, one of the important sources of groundwater, are gasping and dying a silent but painful death due to eutrophication. It is a process which causes the concentration of nutrients and thereby increases the growth of Algal bloom and hypoxia in the water - the chief cause of the death of biomes and ultimately of water bodies.   

 

"Water conservation is the culture of our society and the centre of our social thinking."

                                                  

                                                                            -Narendra D. Modi

Last few years since 2019, the world witnessed the most severe catastrophe of the century in the form of COVID-19, which we commonly call Corona. The world, including the advanced developed countries like the USA and European countries like France and Italy, witnessed havoc. Millions of people across the globe died of Corona. The crumbling system and the death tolls insinuated a mass extinction that was around the corner. The pandemic was due to a virus, the origin of which is still debatable. 

The nightmare has, albeit passed, but its spectre still haunts and occasionally rears its head. Thanks to the Government of India for their effective measures that helped contain the dreaded menace. Scientists and researchers burned the midnight oil to evolve an effective vaccine; the extensive immunisation drive quickly brought the whole nation under the vast umbrella of immunity against the dreaded Corona Virus. The unabated galloping of the pandemic brought it to a screeching halt; the death cases were effectively curtailed and new cases noosed down. Albeit, after a lull of a few months, the monster reared its head once again but the cautious people, armed with an effective double dose of immunization, intrepidly fought back and nipped it in the bud.

The Threat

The difficult time has passed, but that is not all. A yet another, rather serious threat is looming large. The scarcity of potable drinking water is hovering. Water is an elixir for life to sustain. A universal solvent, water is life-sustaining as it contains numerous dissolved essential micronutrients. Pointing towards the importance of water, former Prime Minister of India late Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said:

"India is amongst the wettest countries in the world, yet desert-like conditions are now prevalent in many parts of the country. We are fast plunging into a water emergency era."  

He always emphasized water conservation and cleaning polluted rivers, lakes and ponds. “Conserve every drop of water”, he would say.  

The Concern

The concern is not unfounded. Earth, also termed the ‘Terraqueous globe’, comprises land and water. About 71% of the earth's surface is covered with water; out of it, about 97% is in the form of oceans and seas. Despite its huge volume, untreated saline sea water is unfit for human use. Of the remaining 03 per cent, which is freshwater, only about 1% is available in a free state while the rest is locked as glaciers, water vapours and in the root zone of the soil. Freshwater comes to earth as rainwater through the water cycle. Most of our water needs are fulfilled by groundwater, collected and contained in aquifers by percolation of rainwater and/or other water bodies. This underlines the importance of lakes, ponds and other waterbodies like wetlands. An aquatic ecosystem acts as a cushion for pluvial floods and caters to the water requirement of the animate world.  

Historical Perspective

Early humans realized the importance of water from the stage of their evolution when they shifted from wayfarers to become permanent settlers as pageants. They would make their settlements along the natural sources of water or rivers. Great ancient civilizations developed and flourished on river banks or in river valleys, for the vicinity of water had many advantages. It provided smooth means of transportation and a stable water source for their use. Indian people have been devout to pristine water bodies since antediluvian. They personified water as God and treated it accordingly. A child was taught not to use soap or detergent while taking a holy dip in sacred rivers.

River Ganga at Varanasi
Photo: by Author

A reverence for rivers/waterbodies/natural things used to be inculcated since infancy. Digging wells, ponds or lakes for water conservation and daily use was viewed with respect and as an act of service to humanity. Indus Valley people are believed to use water judiciously. The finding of a "Great Bath" and a well-developed drainage system in Mohan-Jo-Daro buttresses this belief. Mahoba in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh is known for its great lakes and water bodies, dug up to cope with the water scarcity by Chandela rulers of the time. Numerous “Baori”, wells, step-wells and lakes used to be dug by kingdoms and/or the wealthiest. Step-wells, especially in Western and North-Western parts of the country, are still a centre of tourist attraction and curiosity. Some of them have been declared heritage sites by UNESCO. Old Indian cities have a plethora of “Baori”, Ponds and lakes, especially in the areas of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujrat. The word “Baori” came from the Sanskrit word “Vapi” used widely in old scriptures and epics. 

Importance of a healthy water body

Photo: By Author

Photo: By Author

A healthy water body is an indicator of a good freshwater pond ecosystem where every individual element - biotic or abiotic - contributes their positive bit to maintain the pristine nature. “Eat and be eaten” is the primary tagline of ecosystems because of the complex nature of the ecosystem found on the planet Earth. It forms a complex food web where every individual is interrelated to each other. Producers and consumers at every level, technically known as the “Trophic level” are dependent on each other. Except for primary producers, plants and trees, every other biotic component is actively or passively dependent. An herbivorous animal which constitutes the primary consumer level eats the vegetation. A carnivore devours a herbivore and thus is a passive dependent. In terms of the ecosystem, however, it is necessary to keep it in its original form.

Changing Scenario

The scenario, however, has changed. The water bodies are getting polluted; turning into a cesspool or dumping grounds for garbage, posing great health threats besides making water scarce. The lakes and water bodies are gasping, stinking and finally giving up the ghosts. In Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and the sobriquet “City of Nawabs”, ponds and lakes of the Nawab era have either vanished or are on the verge of extinction.

Recently Renovated Pond at Hussainabad,
Lucknow.
Photo: by Author

The dilapidated vestiges of brick-mortar structures built along the pond or “Baori” are the only thing left to remind their grand presence.  “Buxi-ka-Talab”, “Tikait Rai-ka-Talab”, and “Chandganj-ka-Talab” are but only a few to name. Albeit some of them have been renovated and beautified, they appear as mere showpieces. The causes of fast-waning water bodies can rightly be assigned to the burgeoning population, fast-paced but haphazard city expansion and developmental projects created with myopic vision and parochial planning.

An artificial pond in a community park
Photo: By Author

Eutrophication

Apart from the oft-quoted causes, the one which is very dangerous and acts like a slow poison is the process of “Eutrophication”, which slowly but surely kills a healthy water body. Eutrophication is derived from the Greek word “Eutrophos” which means well-nourished. The gradual saturation of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in an oligotrophic water body leads to mesotrophication and ultimately to eutrophication. Excessive concentration of nutrients detonates algal bloom. The algae, mainly the blue-green algae or Cyanobacteria, proliferate fast and cover a large area, or sometimes the whole water surface of the aquatic body. It hinders light penetration in the water below them. Aerobic bacteria and microorganisms consume a lot of oxygen from the waterbody to decompose them after they perish. It, therefore, creates a hypoxic condition that leads to dead zones in the waterbody. Life becomes impossible in these dead zones where aquatic fauna and flora start dying en masse of asphyxia due to lack of Oxygen. The whole jeopardized aquatic ecosystem ultimately dies. It is a vicious cycle.

The question is, the excessive pollutants

Wetland at Nawabganj, Near Lucknow
(Chandrasekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary)
Photo: by Author

come wherefrom and how? Chemical fertilizers, excreta and urban/industrial wastes are the principal contributing factors to eutrophication. The untreated sewage, field runoff, aquaculture ponds et cetera also contribute majorly to the problem. The increased use of fish and poultry feeds plus fertilizers to maintain verdure in star hotels and resorts are some other subsidiary factors that have a cascading effect and contribute significantly to the increasing concentration level of the waterbody they mingle with as run-offs. To cater for the need of the growing population and to maintain the level of luxury in hotels, playgrounds and other such places, excessive manures and water are used that ultimately rests in the water system above and below the ground level.

The fast expansion of city boundaries and pressing human needs have caused great harm to the ecosystem in general and water bodies in particular. Large public parks in cities with artificial lakes therein add their share too. The lakes which are made up of mortar lining are impregnable. The water they contain does not percolate nor do they get proper oxygen. Artificial lakes like the one present in a famous park of Lucknow require regular cleaning of silt and aeration of water. Because of heavy electricity demand, such work is seldom performed. The result is that defaced and dried-up lakes look like a large pits useful for nothing. The lake and pond need to be created naturally without plastering them. Extensive plantation all along the pond or lake is necessary with the plantation of aquatic plants not only improving the beauty but also adding a fair share of oxygen to the pond/lake and the surrounding.

Efforts to Mitigate the Problem

Considering the importance of water and its effective management, a new ministry was established by the Government of India. In May 2019, the Ministry of Jal Shakti Mission was constituted after merging the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation. The ministry was assigned the task of policy formulation for the development, management and conservation of water. The ministry's website informs that Headed by a Cabinet Minister, the Department of Water Resource, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation "...is also responsible for an overall national perspective of water planning and coordination in relation to diverse uses of water; water laws and legislations; addressing inter-State and trans-boundary water issues; bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation; and general policy guidelines and programmes for assessment, development and regulation of the country’s water resources. DoWR, RD & GR is also responsible for water quality assessment; rejuvenation of river Ganga and its tributaries and also conservation and abatement of pollution in other rivers."

Hon'ble Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi initiated the "Amrit Sarovar" scheme to revive the water bodies in "Amrit Kaal" of "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav". At least 75 such "Sarovars" are to be recharged in each district. 

Effective check of eutrophication is possible only when the water bodies are not mixed with untreated sewage, pluvial runoffs and nutrients. It can be achieved by diverting the sewage to Sewage Treatment Plants rather than pouring them directly into the rivers and water bodies. With consistent efforts, the river and water bodies could be repristinated. The government is doing what it ought to do. However, as citizens, we need to fulfil our obligation too to hand over the baton of clean and green environment and pristine water bodies to our GenZ. 

Sunrise at Lake - JM Mishra Park, Lucknow
Photo: by Author