The Ganges River is a trans-boundary waterway stretching approximately 2,525 kilometers from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, flowing primarily through India and Bangladesh. Its basin is one of the most densely populated globally, supporting over 400 million people who rely on it for agriculture, fisheries, and industry. The Ganges also holds profound cultural and spiritual significance, particularly for Hindus who revere it as “Mother Ganga.” Its waters are central to religious rituals and traditions.
Where the Pollution Comes From
The pollution of the Ganges River stems from human activities along its extensive course. A major contributor is untreated municipal sewage, with a substantial portion of wastewater from cities and towns discharged directly into the river. In 2022, only about 37% of the generated sewage was treated before release.
Industrial discharge further exacerbates the problem, introducing toxic and non-biodegradable substances. Factories such as tanneries, chemical plants, textile mills, and distilleries often release untreated effluent containing heavy metals like lead and copper, as well as various industrial chemicals. While industrial waste accounts for a smaller volume of the total discharge, its hazardous nature makes it a significant concern.
Agricultural runoff contributes to contamination by carrying pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers from farmlands into the river. This influx of chemicals increases the nutrient load in the water, which can lead to other ecological issues. Traditional religious and ritualistic practices also add to the pollution load through the disposal of offerings, human remains, and animal carcasses. The direct dumping of solid waste, including plastics, further impacts the river’s cleanliness.
What’s Found in the Water
The water quality of the Ganges River is compromised by various pollutants, often exceeding safe limits. Biological contaminants, particularly fecal coliform bacteria like E. coli, are prevalent due to untreated sewage discharge. These bacteria are indicators of sewage contamination, with levels frequently surpassing standards for safe bathing and drinking.
Chemical pollutants, including heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and cadmium, are found in the river, originating primarily from industrial waste. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other industrial chemicals are also present, posing long-term environmental and health risks. High levels of mercury, for example, have been detected in fish from the Ganges.
Nutrient overload, with elevated nitrates and phosphates, is a significant issue from agricultural runoff and sewage. This excess can lead to eutrophication, depleting oxygen in the water. Plastic and microplastic pollution is also present, with the Ganges discharging an estimated 115,000 tons of plastic into the ocean annually. High organic load further depletes dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, essential for aquatic life.
Impacts on Life and Environment
The pollution in the Ganges River has consequences for human populations and the aquatic ecosystem. Communities relying on the river face health risks, including waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis. High fecal coliform counts directly link to these illnesses. Prolonged exposure can also lead to long-term health issues from carcinogenic elements like arsenic, chromium, nickel, and lead.
Aquatic ecosystems within the Ganges are affected, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Oxygen depletion, caused by high organic load, creates an inhabitable environment for many species. This impacts fish populations and threatens endangered species like the Ganges River Dolphin, which indicates the river’s health. Dolphins, as top predators, can accumulate toxic chemicals, affecting their health and survival.
Economically, pollution impacts agricultural practices, as crops irrigated with contaminated water can absorb pollutants, posing food safety risks. Fisheries also suffer from declining fish stocks due to habitat degradation and toxicity. The river’s ecological health and aesthetic value are diminished, impacting livelihoods and cultural practices.
Efforts to Clean Up the River
Numerous initiatives address pollution in the Ganges River, led by government programs. The “Namami Gange” Programme, launched by the Government of India in June 2014, is a comprehensive effort with a budget of approximately $2.5–3 billion for 2014-2026. Its objectives include reducing pollution, conserving biodiversity, and rejuvenating the river through construction and upgrade of sewage treatment plants (STPs), industrial effluent monitoring, and riverfront development. By early 2025, the program had made strides in creating sewage treatment capacity, surpassing pre-2014 levels.
Community involvement and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an important role. Groups like the Sankat Mochan Foundation (SMF) focus on citizen science, environmental education, and village outreach through their “Swatcha Ganga Abhiyan” campaign. They advocate for effective sewage treatment solutions and engage local communities in awareness campaigns and clean-up drives, fostering shared responsibility for the river.
Technological solutions enhance cleaning efforts, including advancements in wastewater treatment like Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems that treat and reuse industrial wastewater on-site. Floating trash skimmers and robotic boats for waste detection and collection are further interventions. While progress has been made, the scale of pollution necessitates sustained and coordinated efforts for the long-term restoration of the Ganges.