Keep Ganges Clean

With more than 400 people living along its banks, Rive Ganga has the privilege of being one of the world's greatest rivers. The Ganga traverses a long distance of around 2,500 km from the Himalayan Mountains up to the Bay of Bengal. Everyday as the sun rises, more than 60,000 people head towards Ganga ghats to pray and perform many Hindu rituals. The river has high spiritual and religious significance. Geographically and adventure-wise as well, Ganga has utmost importance. Ganga stands for purity and each one of us should do our bit towards keeping this purity intact by making the waters of Ganges clean and pollution-free.

Various 'Keep the Ganges Clean' campaigns are being run across the country. Both government and non-government organizations are making efforts to keep the river free from pollution. The Indian government took the first step towards this cause through the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) in the year 1984. Most of the tasks under this plan were completed in 1991.

Polluted Ganga water affects the lives of many, particularly those who are dependent on the river. Those who are dependent on the river for their water supply fall prey to serious illnesses like hepatitis, typhoid, cholera etc. According to the WorldWatch Institute (Washington DC), every 8 out of 10 Indians suffer from waterborne stomach illnesses.

Dr Mishra, with the assistance of William Oswald, an engineering professor at the University of California at Berkley has formulated a plan to clean the Ganges. This plan is very safe and cost effective. Several measures are being taken like creating non-electric wastewater treatment system and constructing dam walls for oxidation ponds. Over 100,000 people have agreed to render their support in the construction of dam walls. In 2004, Clean Ganga Day was organized in New Delhi. At the event, international diplomats discussed a range of environmental issues.

As a responsible traveller, it is the responsibility of all that we make minimal impacts on the environment and keep River Ganges free from pollution. All who have planned their river rafting adventure in Rishikesh and are heading to India are requested to contribute towards the mission of keeping the Ganga clean.