The Ganga, perhaps the most revered river globally, is also unfortunately one of the most polluted today
Photo for representation: iStock This article has been updated
Around 71 per cent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, mostly in the form of oceans. More than 68 per cent of Earth’s freshwater is stored in ice caps and glaciers, with just over 30 per cent found in groundwater. Only about 0.3 per cent of our freshwater is found in the surface water of lakes, rivers and swamps.
The rest of all the water on Earth, more than 99 per cent, is unusable by humans and many other living things. It’s remarkable that the water sustaining all terrestrial and aquatic life on our planet is actually quite scarce. This realisation emphasises the need to use this resource wisely.
Educating ourselves and future generations is a crucial first step in achieving this goal. So, the lesson teaches us that rivers are not just sources of water, but rather the backbone of human civilisation. Rivers are vital to life because all life forms depend on them. Rivers provide us with freshwater, which is essential for farming, drinking, transportation, electricity generation and recreational activities.
According to a study conducted by UNICEF and WHO, approximately one in four individuals worldwide lacks access to safe drinking water. Similarly, the World Bank highlighted that the health costs attributed to water pollution in India constitute around 3 per cent of the nation’s GDP, totalling nearly $6.7-8.7 billion on an annual basis.
The overall cost of environmental degradation in India is estimated to be approximately $80 billion. Furthermore, an estimated 37.7 million people in India suffer from waterborne illnesses annually, encompassing gastrointestinal diseases, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A and typhoid. Beyond its economic impact, the inadequate provision of water, sanitation and hygiene contributes to the loss of millions of lives each year in India and globally.
In India, rivers are worshipped and since ancient times, River Ganga has been revered as the most sacred and spiritual river. It holds a distinct place culturally, spiritually and environmentally. It is often referred to as Mother Ganga out of profound reverence. The water of Ganga (Gangajal) is not solely intended for human use, irrigation and fishing but also for the purification of sins and devotion to God, according to Hindu beliefs.
The Ganga, perhaps the most revered river globally, is also unfortunately one of the most polluted today. The river is being used to carry untreated waste, disposed idols as well as human and animal remains, sewage, chemical waste and wastewater and other garbage. This situation is not unique to the Ganges but extends to other rivers like the Sabarmati and Yamuna as well.
Some factors primarily contribute to the condition of rivers, including unethical behaviour by individuals, uncontrolled industrial activities, discharge of untreated sewage effluents into rivers by municipalities and improper waste disposal in small cities and towns.
The central and state governments have indeed made efforts to conserve rivers. The Indian Government has launched several programmes and policies aimed at the conservation and rejuvenation of rivers across the country. Some notable initiatives include: Namami Gange (National Mission for Clean Ganga), National River Conservation Plan, National Mission for Clean Chambal, National Mission for Clean Narmada and National River Linking Project.
Also, the Central Pollution Control Board, along with various state pollution control boards, undertake initiatives aimed at cleaning and conserving rivers in India. These initiatives typically involve monitoring and regulation, enforcement of environmental laws, capacity building and awareness, implementation of river rejuvenation projects, and research and development. But even after so many efforts by the central and state governments, this problem remains unresolved.
The main reason for these issues lies within ourselves, as the garbage thrown into the rivers is discarded by us. Therefore, it is imperative for us to take the initiative to keep rivers clean. Only then can we raise awareness among society and individuals and we must pledge that the river, which selflessly sacrifices everything for human civilisation, deserves to be kept clean in return.
In this context, government organisations and society will need to play an active role in implementing measures such as banning plastic, ensuring proper waste disposal in cities, towns, and even small towns, wastewater treatment, promoting awareness, organising river cleanup campaigns, monitoring water quality regularly and collaborating with non-profits. Otherwise, every household may have access to tap and water, but no one will be healthy. Because you will reap what you sow.
Rivers not only provide water, but also give life. In the Hindu religion, the final journey of human life culminates in the embrace of a river such as the Ganga. Therefore, it is not only significant to worship rivers but also imperative to keep them clean. Only then can the last voyage of life achieve salvation in pure water.
Vijay Rana and Kishore Kumar Thakur are assistant professors at Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. Views expressed are the authors’ own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth
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