Heavy penalty should be imposed on violators

Pollution of water bodies is one of the major problems we are facing today and can only be curbed by the government's interference. Dumping of untreated sewage and industrial waste into water bodies are some of the main reasons of pollution. The government should ensure proper sewage system for the industrial units which lead the wastage to its appropriate place not into water bodies. If industrialists will find the proper way of managing their waste, there will be no chance for them to create water pollution. Sound sewage system is an indicator of industrial development which leads to the protection of water bodies. Strict laws should be imposed and culprits should be strictly punished. Wrong-doers should be aware of the consequences of this heinous crime if they don't follow the government's rules and regulations. 

Ritu Priya

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Strong political will 

Pollution of water bodies is a serious problem we are facing today and has become a major threat to human existence. Drains should be cleaned on a regular basis. Concrete drains are required to be built wherever necessary. Need of the hour is to develop a technology to keep the drains away from the water sources. Further, water pollution control is clearly one of the most critical of those challenges which requires strong political will and a policy framework based on timely assessment and management of ecological risks in the setting of water pollution regulations.

RAVI CHANDER GARG 

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Implement strict rules

Increasing levels of water pollution is posing threat to our very existence. Releasing industrial waste into water bodies can cause grave dangers such as cancer and genetic mutations in coming generations too. Strict rules should not only be formulated, but implemented too. Licence should not be issued to any industrial unit that doesn’t have water treatment plant.

Neeti Marwaha 

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Public awareness is the key

Lot of industries are releasing their daily waste into water bodies, thus polluting these. What these people don't know is that these pollutants can take hundreds to thousands of years to disappear. Thus, action needs to be taken to limit the direct negative impacts which translate to decline in water quality. Here are simple and easily implementable ways to counter water pollution. De-clog your drains naturally. Keep out oils, fat, or grease from the sink. Take action by actively participating in water pollution prevention. Abstain from flushing contaminated liquids, pills, drugs, or medications down the drain. These substances contain scores of toxic materials that destroy the quality of natural water systems. Instead, use the recommended disposal methods. Reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. The authorities must ensure proper sewage treatment and management. Public awareness is the key. People should be made aware of the harm that pollution can cause. Play an active role in reducing water pollution by conserving water at all time. You can achieve this by ensuring the taps are always turned off when they are not in use. Insist on using environmental-friendly safe products. Always opt for recyclable and reusable options. The best way stop water pollution is not to clean the polluted water, but to stop polluting it.

Shubhangi Sofat

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Ban disposal of industrial waste into water bodies

Water being an indispensable part of our life holds great importance. Unfortunately, today's reality is somewhat heartbreaking with water bodies being contaminated with lots of dangerous materials such as plastic, oils, soaps etc. and it's us, the human beings who are responsible for polluting the water bodies. So the responsibility of curbing this pollution lies on our shoulders. The government should ban the disposal of industrial waste into water bodies and impose heavy penalty on violators. We should abstain from flushing pills, drugs, medicines and used syringes down the drain. Don't discard any paper waste or wrappers in toilets as they further end up in oceans. Farmers should avoid using pesticides and other fertilizer as they lead to water pollution. Residents should take care that non-biodegradable products are not thrown into the water bodies. We all should try to use recyclable and reusable products so that we can minimise the level of water pollution and also everyone should promote tree plantation and conservation of water.

Cheshta Vohra

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Always use environment-friendly products

Water is one of the world's most important resources. We can all do our part to stop polluting it. Releasing industrial waste into local streams, rivers and other water bodies should be banned. Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. We can use environment-friendly products. Do not litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Minimise the use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers as this will prevent run off material into nearby water sources.

Ishupreet Kaur

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Don't throw garbage into water bodies 

Industries are mainly responsible for polluting water bodies as they release heavy loads of untreated industrial effluents into the water bodies. Water should be treated before letting it into the water bodies. Our untreated sewage is also emptied into the rivers. We should use bioplastics which are made up of banana peels and leaves which are biodegradable and water soluble. If it mixes into the water bodies, it would not harm our aquatic flora and fauna. As an aware citizen of our country, we should not throw any garbage into our water bodies and keep these clean. 

Nishtha Jain 

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Regulate industries against untreated waste disposal

Water pollution is a major environmental problem we are facing today. Untreated sewage, trash disposal, agricultural run-off and waste from unregulated industries remain the major causes of pollution of water bodies. Proper funds must be allotted towards the sewage treatment plants. Individuals must desist from using the toilet as a bin. Not just the imposition of fines and penalties, but their proper implementation with regular and unbiased collection is required. Big warning boards against disposing waste into water should be set up alongside water bodies, including canals, rivers, beaches, oceans. Most importantly industries are to be strictly regulated against untreated waste disposal. Organic farming should be promoted to minimise the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Organisations working towards cleaning of water bodies should be provided government aid. Moreover, water conversation techniques must be practiced at an individual's end.

Akrita Budhiraja

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Make people aware

Our water sources are getting contaminated which has become a threat to human existence. Water pollution can be controlled by making people aware about the issue. Environmental organisations should restrict the release of contaminants into the water bodies. Citizens should step forward to help the government in solving this problem. 

Pratham Singla

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Ban on plastic should be implemented

The government should ensure strict implementation of ban on plastic to keep our water bodies clean. Action should be taken against those industries who dispose their untreated waste into water bodies. 

Karanpreet Kaur

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Keep a check on water pollution

Water is the most essential element for survival of life on earth. From drinking, cleansing to several other activities, water is the lifeblood for us. Today, when the need of the hour is to conserve water, we tend to follow certain routines that are polluting our water bodies. Not just wastage, but also pollution of water also needs to be checked. 

Arora Deepu 

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Implement strict laws 

Implement strict laws to prevent water pollution. Heavy fine should be imposed on those found guilty. Care should be taken to ensure the effective sewage treatment process is in place and that containment water does not get mixed with the clean water. Medicinal waste should not be thrown directly into rivers and seas. Plastic and other non-biodegradable waste can be harmful for water animals. 

Sehmeen Khokhar

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Don't throw waste products into rivers

Minimise the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. Do not dispose of chemicals, motor oil, or other automotive fluids into the sanitary sewer or storm sewer systems. Don't throw waste products into the rivers. 

Angel Arora

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Don't pour oil down the sink

Do not pour fat from cooking or any other type of fat, oil, or grease down the sink. Keep a fat 'jar' under the sink to collect the fat and discard in the solid waste when full. Eventually, they'll cause water from the sewer to flow back into your drains and this greasy mess can cause a lot of damage to your sewer and clog up your pipes.

Vaishnavi Kharbanda 

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Don't throw waste into water sources

A very little amount of drinking water is left in our country and if now we don't take any action in this regard, we will be left with none! The industrial or any waste must not be dispose of into the water bodies. Anybody found throwing leftovers or waste materials into water must be fined heavily.

Muskan Arora

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Minimise use of chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides

Punjab is primarily an agricultural state and for agriculture, it depends upon water bodies. Unfortunately, almost all water bodies in the state are highly polluted. A year ago, there was a case of fish dying due to contaminated water of Beas River. A sugar mill discharge was found to be the reason for the contamination. But this is one reason, there are many others too which are adding to pollution of these water bodies. Inadequate sewage collection and treatment are sources of water pollution. Arrangements should be made to tap waste water. Growing urbanisation and deforestation is also a cause of water pollution. More trees should be grown to stop water pollution. Chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides used for agriculture should be minimised. These are a direct cause of water pollution. Toxic waste from factories and industries should be disposed properly and should not be allowed to flow into the water bodies. Even the household waste, plastic waste etc. should not be flushed down the sink. All these measures taken together can help us tackle the problem of water contamination.  

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi

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Keep a check on sewage treatment, management

Pollution of water bodies can be curbed in many ways. If we want to help keep our water clean, there are many ways we can do to help. We can conserve water by turning off the tap when running water is not necessary. We should be careful about what we throw down our sinks or toilets. We should use less pesticides and fertilizers because this will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby water sources. We should keep regular check on sewage treatment and management. We should skip the use of plastics. We should actively sensitise our peers, families and communities to how to prevent water pollution and how can we conserve it.

Bismanpreet Kaur

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Govt should hold awareness programmes

Water pollution has become one of the major problems we are facing today. Contaminated water is hazardous for life. We can save our water bodies by taking following steps. Don't throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on the beaches and put it in a nearby dustbin. Don't overuse pesticides, fertilizers etc. This will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby rivers or lakes. The government should hold awareness programmes in rural areas so that the uneducated can also learn how important it is to keep the water unpolluted. Those who are caught contaminating the rivers should be imposed with heavy fines. Have a little control over your religious sentiments. Avoid immersing materials like plastic, dupattas, and other solids. It is both the responsibility of the government as well as the people to ensure that our water bodies remain uncontaminated.

Jeevanjot Kaur

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Dispose of trash properly

Our rivers, lakes, canals and other water reservoirs are filled with chemicals, plastic and other pollutants and that is why among noise, air and water pollution, water pollution is considered to be most harmful. Water-borne diseases such as bacteria and viruses from human and animal waste are major cause of sickness from contaminated water. We must protect our water bodies from more damage. Reduce consumption of plastic as some people throw water bottles and other plastic bags into water bodies. We should make less use of chemicals in fields and homes for washing clothes as this water may mix with drinking water. We should use environmentally safe products. Dispose of trash properly. Water is important for the survival of not only human beings, but for other living beings too. So we all should try not to throw any type of waste into water sources. 

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

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Use organic methods for pest, weed, disease control

Excessive use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers lead to water pollution as the chemical contained in these products often find way into the water systems through surface runoff or infiltration into the soil. Minimising their usage or using organic methods for pest, weed and disease control can appreciably reduce water pollution. 

Sonali Maharana

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Don't flush contaminated drugs down the drain

People should not dispose of chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers, motor oil or other automotive fluids into the sanitary sewer system or storm sewer system as both of them end up at rivers. People should try to abstain from flushing contaminated liquids, pills, drugs or medications down the drain. Proper sewage treatment is required to limit the amount of toxic substances that normally end up in water systems such as rivers, lakes and oceans. We should resist from disposing rubbish or any other waste products into lakes, rivers, streams or oceans. People should play an active role in reducing water pollution by conserving water at all times. They can achieve this by ensuring the taps are always turned off when they are not in use. Lastly, we should plant more and more trees and skip the use of plastics.

Devna Munjal

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Spread awareness in rural areas

One of the most effective ways of reducing water pollution is by spreading awareness, especially in rural areas. The uneducated and indigent people play an important role in mistreating and contaminating our water bodies. This not only harms the water bodies, but also endangers the aquatic ecosystem. To bring this issue to an end, we all should try our best and take initiative to make this country a better country.

Savleen Kaur

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Waste should be treated

Pollution these days is a major threat to human existence on earth. Waste coming from industries should be treated well before discharging it into water bodies. Sewage should also be treated before discharging it into water bodies. Fertilizers or pesticides should be prevented from flowing into the water bodies. Household waste should not be thrown into the water bodies.

Aditi

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Don't throw garbage into rivers, oceans 

Turning off the unnecessarily running taps prevents water shortage and reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs treatment. Be careful about what you throw down your sink or toilet. Don't throw paints, oils or other forms of litter down the drain. This will prevent run off of the material into nearby water resources. Don't throw litter into rivers, oceans. Clean up the litter you see on roads, beaches etc. 

Gursahib Singh

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Don't dispose of waste products into rivers

Water pollution has become a big problem which is affecting the human beings as well as other living creatures. Water is getting polluted through many sources such as agricultural, industrial and animal waste. All the pollutants are very harmful to the environment. We should not throw waste products into the rivers. We should not let dirty water accumulate in our area. Use minimum chemicals like soap and detergent as this practice also leads to water contamination.

Harmanjot Kaur 

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Don't dump household waste into water bodies

The more aware a person is, the better is his civic sense. People should be made aware of the harmful effects of water pollution. It will make them understand the need to sustain the water bodies. People should be taught not to dump household waste into water bodies.

Ashima Saini

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Erring industries should be fined heavily

Conserving water reduces the amount of contaminated water that need to be treated. Make sure taps are always turned off when they are not in use. Avoid direct dumping waste into water system. Industries are mainly responsible polluting water bodies. The erring industries should be fined heavily and there should be check on releasing untreated waste of factories and industries into the drains.  

Deeksha

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Need to prevent soil erosion

Water is an important source and we can all do our part to stop it from getting polluted. We can limit the pollution in our water resources by doing simple changes. Use natural cleaning products instead of toxic ones at your homes and plant more trees. Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Don't dispose of these chemicals, motor oil or other automotive fluids into the sanitary sewer or storm sewer systems because both of them end up at the river. Skip the use of plastics because plastic leftovers such as used plastic water bottles,  disposable plastic plates and plastic bags frequently end up in the oceans, lakes, streams and rivers, contaminating natural habitats and destroying aquatic life. To prevent water from getting polluted, we must also prevent soil erosion. If there is soil conservation, we can stop water pollution up to some extent. There are some algae and water plants available which are helpful in keeping water clean, they should be grown all over in water. It is necessary at the international level that there should be a ban on nuclear tests in the oceans. These actions can be taken individually or collectively and must be done repeatedly to reduce the impacts on water resources. The government must make and implement strict laws so that water can be prevented from getting polluted. Also awareness should be spread in society about the risks of water pollution.

KAMALDEEP KAUR

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QUESTION  

How can it be ensured that the flood-affected families get timely relief from the government agencies?

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OPEN HOUSE COMMENT

Minna Zutshi 

Education, awareness and legal provisions can help in dealing with the problem 

Water pollution is a problem that has assumed alarming proportions at global as well as national levels. The waste generated from agriculture, households and laundry makes its way into water bodies. Apart from this, animal faeces, chemicals and pharmaceutical waste also find way into water bodies. Untreated sewage can contaminate water and cause diseases like diarrhoea. Simple measures like education, awareness and legal provisions can help to deal with the problem of water pollution. At the government level, clear and unambiguous laws and a strict implementation of these laws can go a long way in dealing with the issue. Prompt punitive action against those flouting the rules can act as a strong deterrent. At the individual level, we can take steps to stop/prevent water pollution. Reducing the use of detergents, plastics and pesticides that eventually find their way into water bodies is an important step. 

Awareness, education, polluter pays principle - all play an important role. Awareness about the impact of water pollution on our lives and how we can prevent this pollution is crucial. 'Polluter pays principle' makes it clear that anyone who causes pollution has to pay to clean it up.

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