Hinduism's Pollution Of The Ganges: Religious Rituals' Environmental Impact

The Ganges River is revered as sacred by Hindus worldwide, but it is also one of the most polluted waterways globally. The river's pollution is attributed to various factors, including untreated sewage, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and remnants of funeral pyres. The Hindu tradition of cremating the dead on the river banks and the belief in the river's ability to cleanse sins contribute to the pollution. Additionally, with the Ganges basin being one of the most densely populated regions, population growth and rapid industrialization have exacerbated the problem. Despite efforts to clean the river, such as the Namami Gange project, the pollution persists, posing a significant threat to human health and the environment.

Hindu funeral rites

In Hinduism, funeral rites are known as antyesti, which translates as "last sacrifice". They are informed by the idea that the body and soul are distinct entities. The soul is believed to be reborn in a different form, with the ultimate goal of becoming one with Brahman, the Hindu divinity. This belief is reflected in the various death rituals that make up the antyesti.

The cremation process is overseen by the eldest son, with the help of a Hindu priest. A "last meal" is offered by placing rice or sesame seeds in the deceased's mouth, and the body is surrounded by flowers. The mourners then return home, bathe, and sing songs to help guide the soul of their loved one.

The day after the funeral, the ashes are typically scattered over a sacred body of water, such as the Ganges River, or a place of importance to the deceased. This scattering symbolises the final separation of the body and soul. In some cases, Hindus opt for burial instead of cremation, particularly for babies, young children, or saints.

The Hindu mourning period can range from 10 to 30 days, during which families may display a picture of the deceased adorned with a garland of flowers in their home. On the 13th day, a 'preta-karma' ceremony is often held to perform rituals for the reincarnation of the soul. On the first death anniversary, a memorial event is hosted to honour the life of the deceased.

The traditional practice of cremating the deceased on the banks of the Ganges River and depositing the ashes in the river is considered sacred in Hinduism. It is believed that this act will cleanse the sins of the deceased and grant them salvation. However, this practice has contributed to the pollution of the Ganges, along with other factors such as untreated sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.

Religious bathing

The Ganges River is considered sacred in Hinduism, and it is believed that bathing in its waters can cleanse one of their sins. This belief has led to a large number of Hindus using the river for religious bathing, especially during festive seasons and religious festivals. The Kumbh Mela, a religious festival held every 12 years in the city of Allahabad, attracts millions of pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges as a central ritual to achieve moksha.

However, this religious bathing practice has contributed to the pollution of the Ganges. The river flows through many densely populated areas, including cities and towns, and the increasing population density has led to a significant amount of sewage and waste being discharged into the river. It is estimated that about three million litres of sewage are emptied into the Ganges daily, and only about half of that is treated. This untreated sewage contains high levels of disease-causing bacteria and toxic substances, making the water unsafe for bathing and drinking.

In addition to human sewage, animal waste is also dumped into the river, further contributing to the pollution. The remains of partially burned or unburned bodies from funeral pyres and animal carcasses are also disposed of in the Ganges, adding to the problem. Traditional Hindu beliefs hold that cremating a body on the banks of the Ganges and allowing it to float down the river will cleanse the sins of the deceased and grant them salvation. While electric crematoria have been introduced as a more environmentally friendly alternative, the practice of immersing ashes and other ritual offerings into the river continues to contribute to pollution.

The pollution in the Ganges has severe health consequences for those who rely on the river. Water-borne illnesses, such as dysentery, cholera, hepatitis, and severe diarrhoea, are prevalent, and the river has been linked to high rates of waterborne illnesses that kill approximately 1.5 million children in India each year. The discovery of "superbugs", or antibiotic-resistant bacteria, in Ganges water samples further exacerbates the health risks associated with exposure to the polluted water.

Despite the efforts of the Indian government, NGOs, and local communities to clean up the river, the Ganges remains one of the most polluted waterways in the world. The religious significance of the river and the traditional beliefs associated with it present unique challenges to addressing the pollution problem. However, there is a growing awareness among Hindus about the critical state of the river, and many are calling for more effective measures to protect and restore the Ganges to its pure and sacred state.

Sewage and infrastructure

The lack of adequate sewage treatment infrastructure is a significant concern. Even in areas where effective sewage treatment plants have been provided, many are not operating efficiently or are not in operation at all. This results in large amounts of untreated sewage being released into the river, increasing the pollution levels.

The disposal of human and animal waste into the river is a significant issue. Traditional practices, such as cremating bodies on funeral pyres and floating them down the river, contribute to the pollution. While efforts have been made to introduce electric crematoria as a more environmentally friendly alternative, the river still receives remnants of partially burned or unburned bodies, as well as animal carcasses.

Industrial waste is also a major concern, with Indian industries dumping nearly a billion litres of waste into the river daily. Wastewater from factories, tanneries, chemical plants, textile mills, slaughterhouses, and hospitals is often discharged untreated, polluting the river with toxic substances.

Agricultural practices also contribute to the pollution of the Ganges. Agriculture uses large quantities of water for irrigation, reducing the water flow in the river. Additionally, agricultural runoff, including pesticides and fertilisers, can find its way into the river, further increasing pollution levels.

The construction of dams along the Ganges basin has altered the natural flow of the river and submerged substantial areas of nearby forests, destroying ecosystems and wildlife. Climate change has exacerbated the problem, with shrinking Himalayan glaciers and unpredictable monsoon rains impacting water levels.

Industrial waste

The Ganges River is one of the most densely populated regions on Earth, with the river flowing through or past 100 cities with populations exceeding 100,000 residents, 97 cities with populations between 50,000 and 100,000 residents, and about 48 towns. This high population density contributes to the river's pollution, as untreated sewage is dumped into the river. Industrial waste is also a significant source of pollution in the Ganges.

Every day, more than 500 million liters of wastewater from industrial sources are dumped directly into the river. In many cases, this wastewater is completely raw and untreated, containing dangerous chemicals and heavy metals that exceed safe levels. The city of Kanpur, for example, is listed as the most polluted city along the Ganges, producing nine million liters of industrial waste daily, much of which is dumped illegally into the river. The tannery industry in North India has been particularly problematic, with liquid effluents containing organic matter and toxic chemicals such as chromium, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and other harmful substances being discharged into the environment.

The industrial units along the Ganges have been directed to adopt zero-discharge technologies to prevent further pollution of the river. Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) are now mandatory for all industries that do not effectively treat their wastewater. However, even where effective sewage treatment plants are provided, more than half are not operating efficiently or at all. This has resulted in dangerous levels of pollution in the river, making it unsafe for drinking or bathing.

The Indian government has recognized the severity of the problem and embarked on a $4 billion campaign to ensure that no untreated municipal sewage or industrial runoff enters the river by 2020. The Ganga Action Plan (GAP), launched in 1985, also aimed to improve water quality by intercepting, diverting, and treating domestic sewage and preventing toxic and industrial chemical wastes from identified polluting units from entering the river. Despite these efforts, the river remains one of the most polluted waterways in the world, with high levels of disease-causing bacteria and toxic substances.

Plastic pollution

The Ganges River network forms the second-largest plastic-polluting catchment in the world. It is among 14 continental rivers that receive over a quarter of the world's waste. The river accumulates plastic from various sources, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and religious offerings, and transports it towards the sea. Plastic pollution in the Ganges has a significant impact on migratory species, as they cover larger geographical areas and face greater exposure.

The sources of plastic pollution in the Ganges can be attributed to a combination of factors, including inefficient sewage and sanitation facilities, trash disposal, and cremation practices. The high population density along the river also contributes to the problem, with over 70 million Hindu people bathing in the river during festive seasons, leaving behind food, waste, and other materials. Traditional Hindu beliefs hold that cremation on the banks of the Ganges will cleanse the sins of the deceased, further adding to the river's pollution.

To address the issue of plastic pollution in the Ganges, several initiatives and projects have been undertaken. In 2014, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged US$3 billion to clean up the river within five years. However, critics argue that these efforts have had little success, and the river remains heavily polluted. An all-female team of engineers, explorers, and scientists is working with National Geographic to measure plastic waste and find solutions to reduce the amount of plastic ending up in the world's oceans. Renewology has also been installing mobile plastic-waste-to-energy systems along the river's tributaries to collect and convert plastic waste into fuel.

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