UN Ocean Conference 2022
Interactive Dialogue on “Addressing Marine Pollution

Remarks Submitted by 

Dr. M. V. Ramana Murthy, Programme Head, Ministry of Earth Sciences

India has a long coastline of 7516.6 km spanning nine maritime states and five union territories including the two Island territories. Like the other coastal regions of the world, the Indian coast is also densely populated and 30% of its human population are dependent on the rich exploitable coastal and marine resources. The coastal waters are subject to a pollution due to population growth, settlements, development of industries, expansion of harbors and ports, tourism related activities in the coastal zone. 

Govt of India through Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and Ministry of Environment and Forest has been implementing a number of national programmes related to monitoring marine pollution and its abatement

    • Seawater Quality Monitoring (SWQM) 
    • Prediction of Coastal Water Quality (PWQ)
    • Sea water quality criteria / Ecological Risk Assessment
    • Regulatory framework for abatement of Pollution.

 2. Coastal Water Quality Index (CWQI) is prepared and it indicated that coastal waters of India are moderate to good in quality except for few locations which are experiencing industrial development. The information on coastal water quality is shared with regulatory agencies for making policy interventions.

3. To quantify and predict the pollution level, numerical models are used and water quality alerts are issued at regular intervals.. 

4. The coastal water bodies are categorized into five designated uses and standards are prescribed for each use. These standards are being updated periodically and compliance by various stated being assessed.. Periodical capacity building and training is implemented to the officials from the Central and State Pollution Control Boards on the collection and analysis of water samples.

5. The activities on marine pollution being undertaken addressing the SDG Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.