THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 07 october 2019 (Idol-free Ganga (Live Mint))

Idol-free Ganga (Live Mint)

Mains Paper 3: Environment
Prelims level: National Mission for Clean Ganga
Mains level: Protecting rivers and its tributaries

Context

  • The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has reportedly asked India’s 11 Ganga basin states to prevent immersion of idols in the river and its tributaries during festivals such as Dussehra and Ganesh Chaturthi.

Background

  • It wants a fine of ₹50,000 imposed for any violation.
  • These measures, though late, are welcome. It’s a tragedy that a river held holy also suffers such abuse.
  • Gangetic water is unfit for drinking and bathing, given its high levels of bacterial contamination, and devotees pollute it further by immersing idols made of non-biodegradable substances into it. A hefty fine should deter them.

Why such banning is not enough?

  • Bans and fines, however, are not enough.
  • Industrial units that let effluents into the Ganga should be stopped, sewage treatment plants need to come up swiftly, and a clutch of other harmful practices abandoned.
  • About 100 new sewage projects were commissioned after 2015 under Namami Gange, but only a few have been completed.
  • Sewage treatment is at the core of the national mission to clean the river.
  • Even if it’s no longer possible to restore it to its pristine glory, the effort must be stepped up.

Conclusion

Prelims Questions:

Q.1) According to recent study, arsenic contamination in paddy is rising from ground water in West Bengal. Consider the following statements in this regard:
1. Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment in both organic and inorganic forms.
2. According to WHO, Maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic in drinking water is
50 parts per Billion (ppb).
3. Arsenic cannot be removed by boiling the water.

Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: D
Mains Questions:
Q.1) What are the measures needed to be taken by National Mission for Clean Ganga to protect Ganga and its living habitats?

UPSC 2019
Civil Services EXAM
Civil Services Preliminary
Civil Services Mains
IAS PRE GS
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