History
Nick Whitney
The Ganges River is without a doubt the most important river to India. It provides water to about 40% of India’s population. Also, many important capitals have been located on the banks of the river. The Ganges River has been rooted in Indian culture, religion, and daily life for many years. Over the years, the river has become more densely populated, and thousands of villages have been
situated on the banks. Because of this increase in population, the pollution of the river has grown at an unbelievable rate. Most religious practices involve dumping dead bodies, animals, and other things into the river that cause the water to become more contaminated. These sacred practices have caused an increase in disease and illnesses.
In Hinduism, the Ganges River was created when a human king prayed that river, which was currently in the heavens, be sent
down to Earth to help his people, which were cursed by a seer, or magician. Eventually, on a lock of Shiva’s hair, Ganges came down to Earth. Its purpose was to wash out the sins of humans, make the Earth fertile, and make the Earth devout. However, in the modern era, the Ganges is not seen as it once was.
India has striven to become industrialized, and the country is referred to as a developing nation. In India’s quest for industrialization, the Ganges has paid the price. As the number of industries has increased, so has the amount of pollution in the Ganges River. The river serves as a dumping ground for sewage and all sorts of industries. In fact, industries contribute to 15% of the
river’s pollution. Out of 146 of these industries, the leather industry has contributed the most of this pollution. They dump a massive amount of toxic waste into the river.
However, the largest percentage of pollution comes from municipal sewage. Studies show that the river has 10,000% more fecal (poop) bacteria than government standards require to bathe safely. This allows water-borne diseases to thrive in the river and spread much easier. One out of three deaths and 80% of all health problems in India are a result of water-borne diseases. The sicknesses continue to strike as the government bickers over the right course of action. The people didn’t forget the history of their river;
they forgot to take care of it.
situated on the banks. Because of this increase in population, the pollution of the river has grown at an unbelievable rate. Most religious practices involve dumping dead bodies, animals, and other things into the river that cause the water to become more contaminated. These sacred practices have caused an increase in disease and illnesses.
In Hinduism, the Ganges River was created when a human king prayed that river, which was currently in the heavens, be sent
down to Earth to help his people, which were cursed by a seer, or magician. Eventually, on a lock of Shiva’s hair, Ganges came down to Earth. Its purpose was to wash out the sins of humans, make the Earth fertile, and make the Earth devout. However, in the modern era, the Ganges is not seen as it once was.
India has striven to become industrialized, and the country is referred to as a developing nation. In India’s quest for industrialization, the Ganges has paid the price. As the number of industries has increased, so has the amount of pollution in the Ganges River. The river serves as a dumping ground for sewage and all sorts of industries. In fact, industries contribute to 15% of the
river’s pollution. Out of 146 of these industries, the leather industry has contributed the most of this pollution. They dump a massive amount of toxic waste into the river.
However, the largest percentage of pollution comes from municipal sewage. Studies show that the river has 10,000% more fecal (poop) bacteria than government standards require to bathe safely. This allows water-borne diseases to thrive in the river and spread much easier. One out of three deaths and 80% of all health problems in India are a result of water-borne diseases. The sicknesses continue to strike as the government bickers over the right course of action. The people didn’t forget the history of their river;
they forgot to take care of it.