Critical Analysis of River Pollution Laws: A Case Study of Gomti

Mr. Karan Tripathi

II-SEM

MBA( 2024-26)

Presenting our research paper titled “Critical Analysis of River Pollution Laws: A Case Study of Gomti” at the 4th Pritam Singh Memorial (PRISM) Conference held under the theme “Workplace Disruptions: Leadership Challenges and Organisational Sustainability.” The paper was selected under the ESG and Finance category.

What began as an academic exercise for our Research Methodology course soon evolved into a deeper investigation of the complex intersection between environmental degradation, legal frameworks, and leadership accountability. The Gomti River, a tributary of the Ganga flowing through Uttar Pradesh, served as a stark symbol of the larger challenges India faces in environmental governance. The paper was well-received & sparked engaging discussions around policy innovation, environmental ethics, and sustainable leadership—exactly the kind of discourse needed in today's climate-challenged world.

Why Gomti? Why Now?

Once revered and culturally significant, the Gomti River today stands as a cautionary tale of unchecked urbanization and lax enforcement. Rampant pollution from untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and encroachment has rendered large parts of the river ecologically lifeless. Yet, legal remedies have remained ineffective.

Our research took a critical lens to India’s foundational environmental laws, including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Despite their intent, these acts have fallen short in execution due to outdated provisions, weak institutional frameworks, and lack of community engagement.

Key Findings and Takeaways

Pollution Crisis: The Gomti River suffers from alarming levels of pollution, primarily due to untreated domestic sewage and industrial discharge, exacerbated by urban sprawl and absence of integrated waste management.

Legal Gaps: Our study highlighted the limited enforcement of existing laws, absence of accountability mechanisms, and a critical lack of synergy between central and state agencies.

🛠️ Our Recommendations:

• Stronger Enforcement Mechanisms: Introducing performance-linked accountability for pollution control boards.

• Infrastructure Overhaul: Investment in sewage treatment plants and real-time pollution monitoring systems.

• Community Engagement: Educating and involving local populations in conservation initiatives to foster collective ownership.

Participating in PRISM 2024 was more than an academic milestone—it was a call to action. We believe our research is just one drop in a larger current of change. By highlighting the legal, administrative, and grassroots dimensions of river pollution, we aim to inspire further scholarship and policy reform.

Environmental sustainability cannot be siloed from leadership responsibility. As future leaders and changemakers, we must continue to bridge research and practice, laws and lives, rivers and reason.

Let this be just the beginning.