A quiet green revolution took literally root in the struggle to clean India’s increasingly toxic rivers and water bodies. In ponds, lakes, wetlands, and even urban lakes, aquatic plants are being deployed to mitigate pollution through a process called phytorepair. But while science shows promise, experts warn that these nature-based solutions require local wisdom, appropriate policy support and, most importantly, mentality shifts compared to chemotherapy and concrete-heavy approaches.
Surface science
The core of phytorepair uses plants. Especially fast-growing aquatic species can absorb, accumulate or decompose pollutants in water. It is touted as a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative to expensive wastewater treatment systems.
“Aquatic plants such as hyacinth, duck and aquatic lettuce reduce water pollution through phytorepair processes,” said Ritu Mishra, a researcher and assistant professor at the University of Allahabad.
“Shui Hyacinth is known for its plant accumulation ability. Duck Valley has a high absorption of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus).
These nutrient-absorbing capabilities make phytorepair particularly effective in water bodies that are occupied by agricultural runoff. “Plants are more effective for plants on stagnant or slowly moving water bodies because it requires more contact time,” she added. “Plant repair is effective for nutrient-rich water bodies such as ponds and lakes in farmland.”
In fact, real-world applications are gradually developing. “In Delhi, an urban lake called Neela Hauz has significantly improved the water quality and aquatic ecosystem after phytoremediation methods,” Mishra noted. “Water hyacinth is used in the East Kolkata Wetland (‘Bheris’), a unique ecosystem used to purify urban sewage before entering the Hooghly River.”
A complex path
Despite these successful cases, experts acknowledge that phytorepair is not a silver bullet, especially for India’s massive, fast-flowing rivers.
“Although cost-effective, nature-based solutions such as phytoremediation and bioremediation are not very effective in treating large rivers because of their inefficiency,” said Sughosh Madhav, a research scholar at Jamia Millia. “Inorganic pollutants and plastic waste cannot be treated with nature-based solutions. Sometimes, nature-based solutions are the cause of methane pollution and water-borne diseases if not properly handled.”
Mishra also highlights risks and limitations. “Invasive species destroy the natural biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. Water hyacinth is the main species that replaces native species,” she warned. “Contaminated biomass landfill causes soil and groundwater pollution. Burning biomass releases pollutants into the atmosphere.” Climate variation poses further challenges. “Climate change and seasonal changes reduce the efficacy of phytoremediation,” Mishra said. “Plantremediation takes more time and changing seasonal temperatures and precipitation reduces its efficiency.”
Rivers rejuvenate
If aquatic plants are just part of the solution, what else is there? “River cleaning actually starts with your home. Every house has to think about it – because all the waste we end up producing ends up in the river,” said Ranjan Panda, a water and climate expert in the country, commonly known as the waterman in Odisha.
“You can’t define the river rejuvenation plan just by building a sewage treatment plant,” he insisted. Panda, who led the “Indian Water Youth” campaign, believes that the real solution is starting to be upstream. “Real nature-based solutions must start with catchments and watersheds, not from river banks,” he said. “In India, riverbank areas are completely forgotten. Without these areas being managed, we cannot purify or revive rivers.” He also challenged India’s bustling approach, “The government still believes that specific infrastructure will save our rivers. That’s exactly what we are trying to deal with.”
Traditional wisdom
Experts say what is often missing in official strategies is the power of local communities that are people living next to the body of water for generations. “I believe in community power and the power to restore natural resources through traditional indigenous and local community knowledge,” Panda said. “If we support local communities ecologically and economically, they will be the best guardians in our natural ecosystem.”
Madhav agrees: “Natives can contribute to river cleaning and conservation through their cultural practices and social norms. Their emotional attachment to water bodies will help revitalize and protect water resources.”
He points to a shining example: “The revival of Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal on the Kali Bein River in Punjab and its followers is a great example of social involvement in water conservation.”
Pandas share this view. “My greatest hope is in the Forest Rights Act and indigenous communities that live in and protect our forest basins. India still has many rural areas and natural forests – if we invest wisely in these areas, there is still hope for real ecological restoration.”
Governance gap
Although science and community will exist, implementation lags due to institutional inertia. “A joint operation of water approach and different agencies is needed,” Madhav said. “Severe fines and strict action are taken against polluters in rivers, wetlands, ponds and lakes. Policy requires continuous monitoring of water resources.”
Mishra points to the lack of well-trained personnel. “There is no specific training professional to handle this technology on site,” she said. “Some pilot projects are needed, especially in urban areas with expert SC.”
She believes policy innovation can create the necessary framework. “Developing government policies and frameworks including technologies similar to plant therapy provides them with legal and administrative support.” She also advises: “Company and Memorandum of Understanding (MOUS) between municipal companies and academic institutions provides mutual benefit to both parties.”
Going towards a hybrid future
While scientists and activists are cautious about overuse of phytoremediation, all agree that this may be an important part of a broader, more comprehensive approach.
“The built wetlands can be useful for sewage treatment before being discharged into the water,” Mishra said. “The collaboration between academics and municipal companies can provide better results in lakes and ponds through phytorepair. The public-private partnership (PPP) model provides funding for basic infrastructure and operating costs.”
Experts say technology should complement, not replace natural recovery methods. The roots of recovery may be the same as wetlands, as in policies and pipelines, grown by plants, supported by people, and based on local knowledge.
