Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

Betwa River deeply rooted in India history & mythology is facing severe crisis due to environmental destruction & human activities leading to water depletion & ecological imbalance in Madhya Pradesh.

Key Highlights

Mentioned in Vedas & Mahabharata river was once revered for its purity, spiritual significance & life giving waters.

Originating from Jhiri village in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh it has been an essential water source for agriculture, settlements & biodiversity in region.

Over centuries it nourished kingdoms, sustained civilizations & remained lifeline for local communities.

The origin point of Betwa in Jhiri village has dried up an alarming sign of river degradation.

The natural monsoon fed water sources that once replenished river have been destroyed by human activities.

Barren riverbeds, cracked soil & diminishing water levels indicate severe ecological damage.

Illegal activities like sand mining, deforestation & water siphoning through borewells have depleted its flow.

Causes of Betwa’s Degradation:

Factor	Impact
Deforestation	The forests in Vindhyas which served as natural catchments have been cut down reducing groundwater recharge.
Sand Mining	Unregulated extraction of sand from riverbed has altered its course leading to erosion & habitat destruction.
Illegal Borewells	Continuous boring for irrigation & urban water supply has depleted groundwater reserves.
Urban Expansion & Construction	Encroachments & concrete structures have blocked natural water flow & reduced water retention areas.
Industrial & Domestic Waste Dumping	River pollution has increased due to untreated sewage & industrial waste being released into Betwa.

Consequences:

Agriculture Collapse: Farmers in Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh are facing water shortages.

Biodiversity Loss: Aquatic life & dependent ecosystems are under threat.

Drinking Water Crisis: Communities that rely on Betwa for water are struggling to meet their needs.

Cultural & Religious Impact: The sacred significance of river is being lost.

Climate Imbalance: Loss of river water affects local weather patterns & increases desertification risks.

Steps Needed for Conservation:

Reforestation in Betwa catchment areas to restore natural water retention.
Strict action against illegal sand mining & borewell exploitation.
Construction of check dams & water conservation structures to restore flow.
Community participation in river rejuvenation programs.
Pollution control measures to stop industrial & domestic waste dumping.
Sustainable water management through efficient irrigation & rainwater harvesting.

Betwa River

Feature	Details
Name & Origin	Originally called Vetravati in ancient texts Betwa River originates from Jhiri village in Goharganj tehsil, Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh.
Coordinates of Origin	23.12°N latitude, 77.58°E longitude
Length	Approximately 590 km (Madhya Pradesh: ~232 km, Uttar Pradesh: ~358 km).
States Covered	Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Uttar Pradesh (UP).
Districts Covered	Madhya Pradesh: Raisen, Vidisha, Sagar, Ashoknagar, Lalitpur (MP-UP border). Uttar Pradesh: Jhansi, Hamirpur, Jalaun.
Confluence Point	Joins Yamuna River near Hamirpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
Elevation at Source	Approximately 470 meters above sea level.
Major Tributaries	Right Bank Tributaries: Dhasan River, Bina River, Jamni River. Left Bank Tributaries: Halali River, Keoti River.
Drainage Basin Area	46,580 sq. km (Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh combined).
River Basin Characteristics	Semi arid to sub humid region. Dominated by Vindhyan Plateau & Bundelkhand region. Features rocky terrain, ravines, alluvial plains.
Rainfall Dependency	Primarily rain-fed dependent on monsoon. Average annual rainfall: 1,000-1,200 mm.
Dams & Water Projects	Rajghat Dam (Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh): Irrigation & Hydropower (capacity: 45 MW). Matatila Dam (UP-MP border): Multi-purpose project (capacity: 30 MW). Halali Dam (Madhya Pradesh): Irrigation & water supply. Ken-Betwa River Linking Project (Proposed): National Interlinking Project.
Major Cities & Towns Along Its Course	Madhya Pradesh: Raisen, Vidisha, Sanchi, Orchha, Lalitpur. Uttar Pradesh: Jhansi, Hamirpur, Jalaun.
Cultural & Historical Significance	Mentioned in Mahabharata as Vetravati. Sanchi Stupa UNESCO World Heritage Site is near its banks. Orchha medieval town known for Bundela architecture is located along Betwa. Many ancient temples such as Chaturbhuj Temple, Raja Mahal, Laxminarayan Temple are found near the river.
Ecological Concerns	Declining groundwater recharge due to deforestation. Illegal sand mining altering riverbanks and increasing soil erosion. Pollution from industrial waste, sewage dumping, urban encroachments. Reduced monsoon flow due to climate change.
Agricultural Importance	Provides irrigation to wheat, rice, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane farms. Supports Bundelkhand agriculture based economy.
Biodiversity & Wildlife	Crocodiles, freshwater turtles, river dolphins are found in some stretches. Several species of fish, migratory birds, aquatic plants. Deforestation impacting river-dependent ecosystems.
Threats & Challenges	Decreasing water levels at the origin in Raisen. Deforestation in Vindhyan hills reducing water retention capacity. Excessive borewell extractions and urban expansion causing depletion. Climate change affecting seasonal water availability. Ken-Betwa River Linking Project may alter natural flow.
Government & Conservation Efforts	Betwa River Rejuvenation Plan proposed for desilting and afforestation. Strict sand mining regulations to control illegal excavation. Efforts to restore natural catchment areas and wetlands. Community awareness programs encouraging local participation in conservation.
Future Concerns	Risk of seasonal flow reduction, making Betwa a non-perennial river. Groundwater depletion in catchment areas affecting rural water security. Possible water-sharing disputes between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Laws Related to Environmental Degradation in India

Law/Act	Year	Key Provisions	Regulating Authority
The Environment (Protection) Act	1986	Provides a framework for environmental protection. Grants the central government power to regulate pollution and hazardous activities. Establishes penalties for environmental violations.	Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act	1981	Regulates air pollution by controlling emissions from industries and vehicles. Establishes the Central and State Pollution Control Boards (CPCB & SPCBs) to monitor air quality.	CPCB & SPCBs
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act	1974	Regulates water pollution by prohibiting the discharge of pollutants into water bodies beyond prescribed limits. Empowers Pollution Control Boards to enforce compliance.	CPCB & SPCBs
The Forest (Conservation) Act	1980	Restricts deforestation and conversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. Requires central government approval for forest land diversion.	MoEFCC & State Forest Departments
The Wildlife (Protection) Act	1972	Provides legal protection for wildlife and habitats. Establishes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves.	National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), State Wildlife Boards
The Biological Diversity Act	2002	Conserves biodiversity and ensures sustainable use of biological resources. Regulates access to biological resources and knowledge associated with them.	National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards
The Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules	2016	Regulates handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste. Bans the import of hazardous waste for disposal.	MoEFCC & CPCB
The E-Waste (Management) Rules	2016	Imposes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on electronic manufacturers to manage and recycle e-waste. Bans informal disposal of e-waste.	MoEFCC & CPCB
The Plastic Waste Management Rules	2016 (Amended in 2021)	Regulates plastic waste production, collection, and disposal. Bans single-use plastic items.	MoEFCC & Local Authorities
The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification	2011 (Updated in 2019)	Restricts industrial and construction activities in coastal zones. Categorizes coastal zones into CRZ I–IV for regulation.	MoEFCC & State Coastal Zone Management Authorities
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act	2010	Establishes NGT as a specialized court for environmental disputes. Provides fast-track disposal of environmental cases.	National Green Tribunal (NGT)
The Indian Forest Act	1927	Governs the classification, conservation, and management of forests. Defines procedures for declaring Reserved, Protected, and Village forests.	State Forest Departments & MoEFCC
The Public Liability Insurance Act	1991	Ensures compensation to victims of hazardous industrial accidents. Requires industries to obtain insurance for public liability.	MoEFCC & CPCB
The Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules	2000	Regulates the manufacture, trade, and usage of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Aligns with the Montreal Protocol.	MoEFCC
The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act	2016	Utilizes funds collected from forest land diversion for afforestation. Establishes the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).	CAMPA & MoEFCC
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act	1957 (Amended in 2015)	Regulates mining activities to ensure environmental sustainability. Mandates Environmental Clearance (EC) before mining.	Ministry of Mines, MoEFCC, State Governments
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) – Environmental Offenses	Sections 268, 277, 278, 290, 426	Penalizes public nuisance related to air, water, and land pollution. Imposes fines and imprisonment for violating environmental laws.	Judicial System & Law Enforcement

For more information, please refer to IAS GYAN

Sources:

NDTV

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. India has a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection yet environmental degradation continues unabated. Critically analyze gaps in implementation & suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of environmental laws in India.