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General Studies Paper –III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Context
According to a recent report, a major concern regarding Delhi's environment and health has come to light. In a first-of-its-kind study conducted by 'The Energy and Resources Institute' (TERI), traces of microplastics have been found in Delhi's groundwater. TERI submitted its interim report to the Delhi government last November, which has now become a subject of public discussion.
What is Microplastic?
Microplastics are extremely minute particles of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They are of two types:
- Primary Microplastics: Which are specifically manufactured in small sizes for cosmetics (such as microbeads in face wash) or industrial processes.
- Secondary Microplastics: Which are generated due to the breaking, wearing down, or natural degradation of large plastic objects (bottles, tires, clothes).
Why is it in the news?
- For the first time, the presence of microplastics has been confirmed in groundwater samples from all 11 districts of Delhi.
- According to the study, plastic is seeping from the soil along the banks of the Yamuna River and from the river water into the underground water sources.
- This report indicates that our water purification system is not capable of filtering these microscopic particles.
Impact of Microplastics
Microplastics are not only damaging the environment but are also hollowing out the human body from within:
- Health Impact: These particles have been found in blood, lungs, and even the placenta. They pose a risk of causing cancer, reduced fertility, hormonal imbalance, and serious respiratory diseases (such as fibrosis).
- Type of Pollution: This is a 'Bio-magnification' process, where small organisms consume it, and it reaches the human body through the food chain.
- Soil Fertility: These particles spoil the structure of the soil, thereby reducing the water-absorbing capacity of the land.
Previous Tests and Results in India
Even before Delhi, such frightening signs have been found in various parts of India:
- Pune (Mula River): Extremely high amounts of microplastics were found here in the water before the monsoon.
- Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board confirmed their presence in the groundwater near landfill sites.
- Nagpur: Recent research has found these particles in lakes and bottled water here as well.
- Ocean: Large-scale plastic traces have been found inside fish and marine organisms in the coastal areas of the Indian Ocean.
Government Steps and Constitutional Provisions
The following legal framework exists in India to control plastic pollution:
- Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016 & 2021 Amendment): Under this, a ban was imposed on single-use plastic, and the thickness of plastic bags was increased to 120 microns.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Manufacturers have been given the responsibility for recycling the plastic waste produced by them.
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 48A of the Indian Constitution directs the State to protect the environment, and Article 51A (g) states it is a fundamental duty of citizens to protect the natural environment.
International Provisions
- UNEA Resolution 5/14: In 2022, 175 countries at the United Nations Environment Assembly agreed on a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution.
- Basel Convention: It regulates the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous waste, including plastic waste.
- MARPOL Treaty: It prohibits ships from dumping plastic into the sea.
Analysis
This report from Delhi points towards a 'system failure'. If groundwater, which is the basis of life, has become contaminated, it means our waste management system has completely failed. The non-degradability of plastic and its mixing into the water cycle in microscopic form is creating a health emergency situation for future generations.
Way Forward
- Advanced Purification Technology: Use of modern technologies like nano-filtration and membrane bio-reactors in water treatment plants.
- Promoting Alternatives: Making the use of bio-plastics and sustainable alternatives (like jute, cloth, bamboo) mandatory.
- Strict Implementation: Strict adherence to EPR and single-use plastic bans.
- Public Awareness: Making citizens aware of the microscopic dangers of plastic so that they segregate waste at the source.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the presence of microplastics in Delhi's groundwater is not just environmental news, but a serious warning. It raises a question mark on our model of development. If scientific solutions and strict legal provisions are not implemented in time, 'clean water' will be limited only to books in the future.
General Studies Paper – III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management