Right to clean water: a case study of Gomati River in Tripura, India from techno-socio-legal perspectives

Abstract

Water pollution is considered to be a major health hazard and about 80% of the diseases occurring worldwide are due to the contamination of water. Water pollution especially caused by microbial agents is again considered to be a leading problem in the developing countries. The study emphasises the significance of applying the test of water quality which indicates total effects of pollution on the surface water and gives a simple explanation of the monitoring data. Samples for the study were collected from four different locations of the river Gomati that flows through the north-east Indian State of Tripura and Bangladesh. The river is considered to be the only biggest source of water for the inhabitants living both on the Indian side as well as on Bangladesh side. The samples were tested for certain significant water quality parameters to assess the likely pollution in the river. Abnormalities were mostly observed in the values of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and turbidity in samples as they were found quite high when compared with standards. Dissolved oxygen (DO) level in samples which is considered to be significant for the very survival of aquatic life was also found not satisfactory. The results of pH analysis further indicated that water mostly has become alkaline. Relevant cause and effect analogy of the obtained results was established. Existing constitutional and statutory provisions to protect and improve water sources have been found lacking enforcement in letter and spirit in the State of Tripura. The study broadly suggests formulation of the specific State Water Policy vis-a-vis the existing National Water Policy and implementation thereof with stakeholders’ participation.