Kiera Jefferson
The Ganges River, or Ganga, is revered in India as a holy river and is deeply ingrained in the country's culture and spirituality. However, decades of human activities have transformed it into one of the world's most polluted rivers. The primary sources of pollution include untreated sewage, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, remnants of funeral pyres, and religious rituals. The river's inability to maintain its ecological flow due to water extraction for agriculture and other human uses further exacerbates the problem. Climate change also contributes to reduced water flow, worsening the impact of pollution. Various initiatives, such as the Namami Gange programme, have been implemented to address the issue, but significant success in cleaning the river remains limited.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population growth | The Ganges basin is one of the most densely populated regions on earth, with over 650 million people. |
| Sewage | 37 billion litres of untreated sewage flow into the river daily. |
| Cremation practices | 40,000 bodies are cremated annually in Varanasi and deposited into the Ganges, many of which are only partially burned. |
| Industrial waste | Industrial pollution is a major issue, with untreated industrial effluents discharged into the river and its tributaries. |
| Agricultural runoff | Agricultural activities contribute significantly to pollution through chemical substances such as fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides. |
| Climate change | Reduced water flows due to climate change worsen the impact of pollution. |
| Sand mining and development | Illegal sand mining and riverfront development projects, such as building on floodplains, contribute to pollution and ecological degradation. |
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What You'll Learn
Industrial effluents and waste
The Ganga River, also known as the Ganges, is considered sacred by many Indians and is one of the most revered waterways in the world. It is also one of the most polluted rivers globally, posing significant threats to human health and the environment. The river provides water to approximately 40% of India's population, serving an estimated 500 million people, which is more than any other river in the world.
The Indian government has recognized the severity of the issue and has implemented various initiatives to address it. The Ganga Action Plan (GAP), launched in 1986, aimed to restore water quality to 'Bathing class' standards. Under GAP, several sewage treatment plants and common effluent treatment plants were constructed in areas with a high concentration of industries. The Namami Gange Programme has also shown significant progress, with the implementation of sewerage management projects, river surface cleaning initiatives, and public awareness campaigns. Additionally, the government allocated funds for the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to continue maintenance and improvement efforts until 2026.
Despite these efforts, the pollution of the Ganga River persists. Rapid urbanization and migration to cities along the Ganges basin, such as Varanasi and Kolkata, have increased the volume of wastewater and waste discharge, surpassing existing sewage treatment capacities. The disposal of industrial waste, although accounting for a smaller volume compared to other sources, remains a critical concern due to its toxic and non-biodegradable nature. The COVID-19 lockdown period provided a unique opportunity to observe the river's rejuvenation, as industrial units were closed, and a significant improvement in water quality was noted, further emphasizing the impact of industrial activities on the river's health.
To effectively address the issue of industrial effluents and waste in the Ganga River, strict quality regulation and enforcement are necessary. The pandemic provided key lessons for river management, highlighting the importance of addressing industrial effluents and adequate flow releases. The success of the lockdown period in improving water quality indicates that a comprehensive approach to treating industrial wastewater and enforcing compliance is crucial for the long-term health of the river.
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Sewage and waste from cremations
The Ganges River, India's largest river and a vital water source for 500 million people, is facing severe pollution due to a combination of factors, including sewage and waste from cremations.
Sewage
Untreated sewage is one of the main causes of pollution in the Ganges. Approximately 37 billion liters of untreated sewage flow into the river daily from the 29 cities with populations of over 1 million people that the river passes through. This sewage comes from municipal sources, including cities, towns, and villages along the riverbanks, as well as industrial sources. The high volume of sewage has overwhelmed the river's ability to clean itself, leading to severe pollution and health risks.
Waste from Cremations
The Ganges holds a sacred and central place in Indian culture and spirituality, especially for Hindus. Traditional Hindu beliefs hold that being cremated on the banks of the Ganges and having one's ashes flow into the river will cleanse the sins of the deceased and carry them to salvation. As a result, many Hindus seek cremation on the river's banks, with an estimated 40,000 bodies cremated annually in the holy city of Varanasi alone.
However, due to the high cost of cremation wood, many families are unable to afford sufficient quantities, resulting in partially burned or unburned bodies being placed into the river. This practice has led to the accumulation of cremation waste, including ashes and remnants of unburned bodies, in the river. The disposal of these funeral wastes has severe environmental and health impacts, contributing to the spread of communicable diseases and posing risks to both humans and aquatic ecosystems.
To address the issue of waste from cremations, authorities have implemented initiatives such as the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) and advocated for the use of electric crematoria. While these efforts have been made, effective enforcement and proactive measures are necessary to safeguard the sanctity of the river and protect public health.
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Agricultural activities and chemical substances
The Ganges River, also known as Ganga, is a vital water source for approximately 500 million people in India, making it the most-used river in the world. However, it is also one of the most polluted rivers, posing significant threats to human health and the environment.
Agricultural activities are a major contributor to the pollution of the Ganga. The river passes through many cities and towns, with a significant portion of the catchment area comprising agricultural land. The intensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides in farming results in agricultural runoff, which carries these chemicals and heavy metals into the river. This has detrimental effects on the water quality and aquatic ecosystems of the Ganga, as well as the health of those who depend on the river. Studies have shown that toxic substances from agriculture accumulate in fish and vegetables, posing severe long-term health risks, particularly carcinogenic risks, to local populations who consume these food sources.
The use of river water for irrigation can also contribute to the pollution problem. When water is diverted for irrigation, it can recirculate contaminants and wash excess agrochemicals from the land into the river. This further exacerbates the contamination of the river and affects the health of aquatic ecosystems.
In addition to agricultural activities, chemical substances from various sources also play a significant role in polluting the Ganga. Industrial effluents, for example, account for around 12% of the total effluent entering the river. These effluents often contain toxic heavy metals, such as lead and copper, which are harmful even at low doses. The tanneries, chemical plants, distilleries, and other industrial facilities located along the river's banks discharge their untreated waste into the Ganga, contributing to the high levels of chemical pollution.
Another source of chemical pollution in the river is the use of chemically treated flowers in religious rituals. Tons of these flowers eventually find their way into the river, adding to the contamination. Furthermore, the widespread use of plastic in India has led to plastic waste, including microplastics, being discharged into the river. These plastic pollutants have been found in high concentrations in the water and sediment samples collected from the Ganga.
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Population growth and pollution
The Ganges River, or Ganga, is one of the most revered waterways in the world. Stretching from the Himalayan foothills to the Bay of Bengal, it provides water to nearly half a billion people—more than any other river globally. However, it is also one of the most polluted rivers, with population growth being a significant contributor to its degradation.
The Ganges basin is one of the most populated places on Earth, with 400 million people relying on it for various purposes, including farming, industrial activities, and household needs. The river flows through 29 cities, 97 towns, and thousands of villages, and as these populations grow, so does the demand for water. This has led to the river's inability to maintain its ecological or environmental flow (e-flow). Water is extracted for agriculture, food, and irrigation, disrupting the natural flow and harming the wildlife in the area.
The increasing population has also resulted in a higher volume of sewage and waste being discharged into the river. Untreated sewage is a significant issue, with an estimated 37 billion liters of raw sewage entering the river daily. This sewage comes from drains directly connected to the river and those without home plumbing, as well as from industrial and commercial establishments. The growth of industrial cities along the Ganges' bank, such as Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, and Patna, has led to the dumping of untreated industrial waste, including toxic heavy metals, into the river.
Population growth has also intensified the problem of waterborne illnesses associated with the river. The Ganges is used for bathing, laundering, washing, and other activities, and waterborne diseases such as dysentery, cholera, hepatitis, and acute diarrhea continue to be a major cause of child mortality in India. Additionally, the river is linked to "superbugs," with bacteria resistant to common antibiotics found in water samples.
To address these issues, various initiatives have been undertaken, including the Ganga Action Plan, the Namami Gange Programme, and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). These programs aim to improve sewage treatment, river surface cleaning, and rural sanitation, among other things. However, the success of these initiatives has been limited, and a comprehensive approach involving infrastructure development, sustainable practices, and improved monitoring is necessary.
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Climate change and reduced water flow
The Ganga is an integral part of Indian spirituality and embodies a deep historical and cultural continuity for India. It is also a source of livelihood for many, playing an enormous role in agriculture, fisheries, transportation, and religion. However, the river is facing a significant threat due to climate change and reduced water flow.
Climate change is contributing to reduced water flow in the Ganga, which in turn is worsening the impact of pollution. The Ganga originates in the Himalayas, and the fast melting of mountain glaciers due to increasing temperatures is resulting in changes to the river's discharge regimes. The Gangotri glacier, the feeding glacier of the river, is retreating at a rate of 19 m per year, and this retreat has increased since 1971. As a result, the river is losing its ability to clean itself and maintain its ecological flow.
The consequences of reduced water flow are profound and far-reaching. The health of the river is at risk, with the accumulation of toxic heavy metals and high levels of disease-causing bacteria. This poses severe human health risks, especially to vulnerable communities dependent on the river for their livelihoods. The ecological integrity of the river is also compromised, threatening the survival of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. Species such as the Ganges river dolphin and softshell turtle are at risk of extinction.
Agricultural activities further contribute to the pollution load of the Ganga. Chemical substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides are introduced into the river through agricultural runoff. In addition, nutrient pollution from agricultural land, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, impacts water quality. Climate change exacerbates these issues, with higher temperatures leading to increased plant growth and lower oxygen levels, further endangering aquatic species.
The impact of climate change on the Ganga is complex and far-reaching. While the river is not dead, as Victor Mallet states, there is a need for behavioral change and integrated, comprehensive solutions. River restoration projects, additional water bodies, and improved water monitoring networks are essential to mitigating the effects of climate change and reduced water flow on the Ganga.
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Frequently asked questions
The main causes of pollution in the Ganga are industrial effluents, sewage, agricultural activities, and population growth.
Industrial effluents account for around 12% of the total effluent entering the Ganga. Numerous tanneries, chemical plants, textile mills, distilleries, slaughterhouses, and hospitals discharge wastewater into the river. This wastewater contains toxic heavy metals and chemicals that destroy the river's self-cleaning properties.
Sewage is a major source of pollution in the Ganga, with nearly 37 billion liters of untreated sewage flowing into the river daily. The high organic load from human and animal waste, as well as cremation ashes, further contributes to the pollution.
Agricultural activities introduce various chemical substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides into the river. These substances accumulate in fish and vegetables, posing health risks to local populations dependent on these food sources.
The increasing population density along the river's banks results in a higher demand for water, which affects the river's ability to clean itself and maintain its ecological flow.
