Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Industrial pollution of freshwater can be reduced through the following measures:

1. Treating hot water and effluents before releasing them into rivers and lakes, so that heat and chemicals do not damage aquatic ecosystems.

1. Setting up effluent treatment plants (ETPs) in industries to treat toxic and chemical waste before it is discharged into water bodies.

1. Recycling and reusing water within industrial processes to minimise the volume of wastewater generated and discharged.

1. Strict enforcement of environmental laws — industries must follow pollution control norms set by authorities such as the Central Pollution Control Board.

1. Reducing the use of harmful chemicals in industrial processes and substituting them with eco-friendly alternatives wherever possible.

1. Public awareness and community monitoring of nearby water bodies to ensure industries comply with pollution norms.

For example, industries in river basins like the Ganga and Yamuna have been directed to install ETPs to check water pollution and protect freshwater quality.

Source: Water Resources, Chapter 3

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The textbook mentions that industries pollute freshwater through waste and chemicals, making it hazardous for use. The chapter does not detail specific industrial pollution control steps, so examiners expect general yet relevant scientific measures (ETPs, recycling, law enforcement). Always give at least one example (a river basin/industry) to complete a 5-mark answer. Avoid padding — 5 crisp points + a brief example is ideal for 5 marks.