Pollution in the Ganges River
The Ganges River is one of the most sacred rivers in India and is considered to be a lifeline for millions of people. However, over the past few decades, the river has become increasingly polluted. The pollution in the Ganges River has become a major concern for environmentalists, policymakers, and citizens alike. The river is facing multiple challenges, such as industrialization, human factors, agricultural practices, religious practices, municipal waste disposal, dam construction, and climate change, all of which are contributing to its pollution.
Industrialization and its Effect on the Ganges
The rapid industrialization and urbanization in the Ganges basin have been major contributors to its pollution. Industrial effluents and untreated wastewater from factories and industries are dumped directly into the river, increasing the chemical pollution levels in the water. According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), approximately 50% of the pollution in the river is due to industrial discharge. The increase in the number of industries and factories near the river has also led to an increase in the demand for water, leading to over-extraction of groundwater, resulting in low-flow conditions in the river during the dry season. This, in turn, has led to an increase in the concentration of pollutants in the river.
Human Factors Contributing to Pollution
Human activities, such as bathing, washing clothes, and defecation, contribute significantly to the pollution of the Ganges River. The river is used for various domestic and religious purposes, leading to the accumulation of sewage, garbage, and other wastes along the banks of the river. According to estimates by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), nearly 80% of the sewerage generated in the Ganges basin is discharged into the river without treatment. Additionally, the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture contributes to pollution as these chemicals seep into the soil and eventually get washed into the river. The increasing population and urbanization along the banks of the river have also contributed to the pollution of the Ganges.
Agricultural Practices and Pollution
Agriculture is one of the major sources of livelihood in the Ganges basin, but it also contributes to the pollution of the river. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture leads to the accumulation of nitrates and phosphates in the soil, which eventually gets washed into the river. Agricultural practices such as crop burning and stubble burning also contribute to air pollution, which affects the water quality of the river. The use of groundwater for irrigation has led to a decrease in the water level of the river, leading to low-flow conditions during the dry season.
Impact of Religious Practices on the Ganges
Religious practices such as bathing, cremation, and idol immersion contribute significantly to the pollution of the Ganges River. The large number of pilgrims who visit the river for religious purposes leads to the accumulation of flowers, ashes, and other offerings along the banks of the river. The immersion of idols made of plaster of Paris and other non-biodegradable materials causes long-term damage to the river. The cremation of dead bodies along the banks of the river is also a major contributor to the pollution of the Ganges.
Municipal Waste Disposal and Pollution
The rapid urbanization along the banks of the Ganges has led to an increase in municipal waste, which is disposed of improperly, leading to pollution of the river. The lack of proper waste management systems in cities and towns along the river has led to the indiscriminate dumping of garbage into the river. The practice of open defecation along the banks of the river also contributes to the pollution of the Ganges.
Dam Construction and Its Impact on the River
The construction of dams along the Ganges has had a significant impact on the river’s flow and ecosystem. The construction of dams has led to the displacement of communities, the loss of fertile agricultural land, and the destruction of forests. The reduced flow of water downstream of the dams has also led to the accumulation of pollutants, affecting the river’s water quality.
Climate Change and the Ganges River
Climate change is also contributing to the pollution of the Ganges River. The melting of glaciers in the Himalayas, which is due to global warming, has led to an increase in the flow of water during the monsoon season, leading to soil erosion and an increase in sedimentation in the river. This, in turn, affects the river’s water quality. The increase in temperature due to climate change also affects the quality of the water and the aquatic life in the river.
Ganga Action Plan: A Failed Initiative?
In 1986, the Indian government launched the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) to clean up the river. However, the plan has failed to achieve its objectives, and the pollution levels in the river continue to rise. The reasons for the failure of the GAP include a lack of political will, inadequate funding, poor implementation, and a lack of public participation.
Legal Framework for the Protection of the Ganges
The Indian government has implemented several laws and regulations to protect the Ganges River. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and the National River Conservation Plan are some of the legal frameworks in place to protect the river. However, the implementation of these laws remains a challenge.
Consequences of Ganges Pollution
The pollution of the Ganges River has severe consequences for the environment and human health. The high levels of pollutants in the river affect the aquatic life, leading to a decline in fish populations. The pollution of the river also affects the groundwater, which is a major source of drinking water for millions of people. The consumption of contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.
Conclusion: The Need for Action
The pollution of the Ganges River is a complex issue that requires collective action by governments, industries, and citizens. There is a need for immediate action to reduce the pollution levels in the river, including the implementation of effective waste management systems, the treatment of industrial effluents, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. The Ganga Action Plan needs to be revisited and implemented with proper funding, political will, and public participation. The protection of the Ganges River is not only essential for the environment but also for the millions of people who rely on it for their livelihood and well-being.
