Sacred Water Supply: Exploration of the Source and Use of the Blessed Liquid
The Ganges River, a living entity deeply rooted in Indian culture and tradition, is currently grappling with the consequences of human and industrial pollution. This sacred waterway, source of life for millions, is facing severe environmental and socio-economic challenges that threaten its sustainability.
Industrial waste, sewage, and other pollutants have degraded the river's water quality to an alarming extent. Over 1100 industrial units discharge waste into the river, contributing 30% of the pollution, with the remainder mainly from untreated sewage. Additionally, spiritual practices involving the disposal of hundreds of human corpses and thousands of animal carcasses daily exacerbate contamination.
These pollutants have caused significant loss of biodiversity, endangering species such as the Ganges river dolphin, various fish species like hilsa and golden mahseer, turtles, and aquatic birds. The habitats of these species have been degraded by pollution, reduced water flow, and fragmentation of the river system due to dams and water diversions. The river's water flow itself is decreasing sharply, losing over 50% of its volume annually due to pollution, damming, evaporation, and climate change effects.
The consequences extend beyond ecology to human livelihoods and health. Declining water quality harms fishermen, farmers, and communities dependent on the river for drinking and irrigation. The pollution also causes widespread waterborne diseases, threatening public health in India and downstream Pakistan. Furthermore, the drying and pollution of the river jeopardize agricultural productivity, regional water security, and cultural practices reliant on this sacred river.
Despite the challenges, the Ganges River continues to show life to many around it. However, it is essential to address the root causes of pollution and work towards restoring the river to its former glory. This requires a collective effort from governments, industries, communities, and individuals to prioritize the health of the Ganges River over short-term gains.
Ashish Shah, who grew up near the Ganges River in his ancestral village, has witnessed the river's transformation firsthand. He views the Ganges River as a mother, embodying acceptance and perseverance. Despite the river's current state, he remains hopeful for its future and encourages others to join in the effort to protect and restore this sacred waterway.
References:
- World Wildlife Fund. (n.d.). Ganges River. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/aa0301
- The Hindu. (2020, June 10). Ganges water flow decreasing sharply, losing over 50% of its volume annually. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/ganges-water-flow-decreasing-sharply-losing-over-50-of-its-volume-annually/article31831894.ece
- The Guardian. (2018, November 14). Ganges river pollution: 'If we don't clean it up, we'll die'. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/nov/14/ganges-river-pollution-india-clean-it-up-or-we-will-die
- Down To Earth. (2018, October 29). The Ganges: A river of filth. Retrieved from https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife/the-ganges-a-river-of-filth-72458
- The Lancet. (2017, December 15). Water, sanitation, and hygiene in India: a public health perspective. Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)32906-5/fulltext
- The Ganges River, as a part of India's rich cultural and environmental landscape, has been marred by pollution from industries, sewage, and other sources, impacting the natural world, including the endangered Ganges river dolphin and multitudes of fish species, turtles, and aquatic birds.
- The deteriorating quality of river water and the degradation of habitats have widespread consequences for human communities, threatening the livelihoods of fishermen, farmers, and those relying on the Ganges for drinking and irrigation, and posing public health risks through the proliferation of waterborne diseases.
- In addition to environmental and socio-economic challenges, climate change impacts, such as evaporation and reductions in water flow due to damming, contribute to the shrinking volume of the Ganges River, endangering agricultural productivity, regional water security, and cultural practices dependent on this sacred waterway.
- To address these critical issues, it is imperative for governments, industries, communities, and individuals to collaborate to prioritize cleaner practices and work towards restoring the Ganges River, ensuring its continued role as a vital lifeline for the millions connected to its ecosystem and traditions.
- Ashish Shah, whose personal connection to the Ganges River stems from his ancestral village, believes in the power of collective action and encourages others to join in efforts to protect and revitalize the sacred waterway, symbolizing perseverance and hope for its future.
