Legal and Policy Pathways for Addressing River Pollution in India: An Integrated Approach

Abstract

This paper comprehensively examines the legal and policy pathways for addressing river pollution in India. It begins with an introduction outlining the critical importance of rivers as sources of freshwater, their ecological significance and the urgent challenges posed by pollution. The study then explores the primary sources of river pollutants, including untreated domestic sewage, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff, which have led to contamination of major rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari and others. The paper highlights recent statistics showing the extent of pollution and identifies these rivers as priority sites for intervention due to their ecological and socio-economic importance. The discussion moves to the severe impacts of river pollution, emphasising public health risks, loss of biodiversity and disruption of livelihoods dependent on riverine ecosystems. The legislative framework section reviews key statutes such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and recent amendments aimed at strengthening enforcement and monitoring. Judicial responses are examined through landmark cases like Vellore District Environment Monitoring Committee v. The District Collector and Green Earth Foundation v. Union of India, which reinforce the polluter-pays principle and demonstrate the judiciary's proactive role. A comparative analysis with other countries, including the U.S., the European Union, and China, provides insights into effective regulatory models and governance strategies. The paper concludes with a synthesis of challenges, emphasising the need for integrated basin-level management, stronger institutional coordination and increased public participation. It offers practical suggestions to enhance legal and policy efficacy, focusing on enforcement, infrastructure development, and innovation to achieve sustainable river conservation in India.