Comprehension
Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow :
Water Pollution Industries produce several undesirable products including industrial wastes, polluted waste water, poisonous gases, chemical residuals, numerous heavy metals, dust, smoke, etc. Most of the industrial wastes are disposed off in running water or lakes. Consequently, poisonous elements reach the reservoirs, rivers and other water bodies, which destroy the bio-system of these waters. Major water polluting industries are leather, pulp and paper, textiles and chemicals.
Question: 1

Explain how industries are the major contributor of water pollution in India.

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Organic wastes cause BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) to rise, leading to the death of aquatic life.
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Solution and Explanation

Concept:
• Industrialization leads to the generation of various waste by-products.
• Improper disposal of these wastes directly impacts the quality of water bodies.

Step 1:
Identify the pollutants produced
Industries produce hazardous materials like heavy metals, chemical residuals, and polluted wastewater.

Step 2:
Analyze the disposal method
Most industries dispose of their untreated effluents directly into rivers, lakes, or running water.

Step 3:
Describe the impact
These poisonous elements contaminate reservoirs and destroy aquatic ecosystems (bio-systems), making the water unfit for use.
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Question: 2

Suggest the way for minimising water pollution.

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The "Polluter Pays Principle" is a globally recognized concept for managing industrial pollution.
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Solution and Explanation

Concept:
• Minimizing pollution requires a combination of technical treatment, policy enforcement, and awareness.

Step 1:
Recommend treatment methods
Industrial effluents must be treated in Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) before being discharged into water bodies.

Step 2:
Suggest resource management
Recycling and reusing water within the industrial process can significantly reduce the volume of wastewater generated.

Step 3:
Propose regulatory measures
Strict implementation of environmental laws and heavy penalties for unauthorized dumping are essential to deter pollution.
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Question: 3

Mention two rivers of India which are highly polluted.

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• Two highly polluted rivers of India are Yamuna and Ganga.
• Major causes of pollution include untreated sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff and religious waste.
• The Government has launched the Namami Gange Programme to improve the water quality of the Ganga.
• These rivers are frequently asked examples in CBSE Class XII Geography examinations.
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Solution and Explanation

Concept:
• River pollution refers to the contamination of river water by harmful physical, chemical and biological substances.
• Pollution reduces the quality of water and makes it unsuitable for drinking, irrigation, industrial use and aquatic life.
• Rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, population growth and improper waste disposal have resulted in severe pollution of several rivers in India.
• Untreated domestic sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural chemicals and religious activities are the major causes of river pollution.
• According to the NCERT Geography textbook, the Ganga and the Yamuna are among the most polluted rivers in India.

Step 1:
Identify the first highly polluted river.
The Yamuna River is one of the most polluted rivers in India. Its water becomes highly polluted while passing through the National Capital Territory of Delhi due to the discharge of untreated domestic sewage, industrial waste, toxic chemicals and solid waste. The stretch between Delhi and Etawah is considered one of the most polluted sections of the river.

Step 2:
Identify the second highly polluted river.
The Ganga River is another major river facing severe pollution. Although it is regarded as one of the holiest rivers in India, large quantities of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, municipal waste and religious offerings are discharged into the river. Major cities such as Kanpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi contribute significantly to its pollution. The Government of India has launched programmes like the Namami Gange Programme to restore the water quality of the river.

Step 3:
Write the final answer.
Answer: The two highly polluted rivers of India are:
Yamuna River
Ganga River
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