Question

Describe the main cause of water pollution.

Answer 1

Concept:
• Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate rivers, lakes, ponds, groundwater and other water bodies.
• Polluted water becomes unsafe for drinking, irrigation, domestic use and aquatic life.
• The major sources of water pollution include untreated domestic sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff and dumping of solid waste.
• The passage specifically highlights contamination of rivers due to human activities.

Step 1: Read the passage carefully.
The passage states that polluted water is responsible for several water-borne diseases and discusses the serious pollution of the River Ganga.

Step 2: Identify the main cause of water pollution.
The major cause of water pollution is the discharge of untreated domestic sewage and industrial wastes into rivers and other water bodies. These wastes contain harmful chemicals, toxic substances and disease-causing microorganisms that contaminate water.

Step 3: Explain the effect of this pollution.
When untreated sewage and industrial effluents mix with river water, the quality of water deteriorates, making it unsafe for drinking and other human uses. It also harms aquatic organisms and disturbs the ecological balance.

Step 4: Write the final answer.
Answer: The main cause of water pollution is the discharge of untreated domestic sewage and industrial effluents into rivers and other water bodies, which contaminate water and make it unsafe for human use.

Answer 2

Concept:
• The Namami Gange Programme is an integrated conservation mission launched by the Government of India to clean, conserve and rejuvenate the River Ganga.
• It aims to reduce pollution, improve water quality and restore the ecological health of the river.
• The programme focuses on preventing untreated sewage and industrial waste from entering the river.
• It also encourages public participation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable river management.

Step 1: Understand the objective of the programme.
The passage mentions that due to the increasing pollution of the River Ganga, the Government of India initiated the National Mission for Clean Ganga and launched the Namami Gange Programme.

Step 2: Identify the important features of the programme.
The programme includes several measures to restore and protect the River Ganga. Some important features are:
• Construction and upgradation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to treat wastewater before it enters the river.
• River surface cleaning and prevention of industrial pollution.
• Conservation of aquatic biodiversity and afforestation along the river banks.
• Public awareness and community participation in keeping the river clean.

Step 3: Write any two features.
Answer: Any two features of the Namami Gange Programme are:
• Construction and upgradation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to prevent untreated sewage from entering the River Ganga.
• River surface cleaning and conservation of the river ecosystem through pollution control and public participation.

Answer 3

Concept:
• Water pollution adversely affects human health because contaminated water contains harmful microorganisms, toxic chemicals and disease-causing pathogens.
• Consumption of polluted water leads to several communicable and water-borne diseases.
• Safe drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and preventing infections.
• The passage highlights that polluted water is responsible for a significant proportion of communicable diseases in India.

Step 1: Read the information given in the passage.
The passage states that contaminated water is a major source of water-borne diseases and mentions that nearly one-fourth of the communicable diseases in India are caused by polluted water.

Step 2: Identify the diseases caused by water pollution.
Water pollution spreads several diseases such as:
• Diarrhoea
• Intestinal worm infections
• Hepatitis
• Other water-borne diseases

Step 3: Explain its overall impact on human health.
Consumption of contaminated water weakens human health, increases the spread of infectious diseases and may even lead to serious health complications, especially among children and elderly people. It also places a heavy burden on public health services.

Step 4: Write the final answer.
Answer: Water pollution has a serious impact on human health as it spreads water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, intestinal worm infections and hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one-fourth of the communicable diseases in India are water-borne. Therefore, access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for maintaining good health.