For thousand years, Ganga being the most sacred river in India and grave impact on economic, social as well as the religious life of the people residing across the nation. The holy river has drawn countless people to take a dip in the pious water and people also believes that it can Ganga’s purity can even cure ailments. In fact, the magnificent artwork designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1951 represents River Ganga as one of the greatest river in the world. However, in the recent times the world has witnessed severe pollution in this holy river. Such severe pollution has already shown extreme effect on environment, animal as well as human health, making it one of the most challenging issue that India is currently facing. Large number of industries, tanneries, slaughter houses, hospitals, chemical factories discharge their untreated wastes into the pious river. From using Ganges for domestic purpose to religious traditions of leaving food, flower, diyas etc. in the water has worsen the scenario, adding more to the pollution.
However, the nation has witnessed various programs and initiatives in order to retain the purity of the holy river and decrease the level of pollution. In 1986, Ganges Action Plan was introduced for the first time with the objective of recovering the quality of water and treatment of domestic wastes which are discharged into the water. Following these agendas, again in 2009 National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA) was formed by the Central Government and funded by international bodies in order to retrieve Ganga from pollution. Ganga flows through more than 52 cities and 45 towns. The Supreme Court of India in its recent judgment has also instructed the respective State governments to take necessary measures to remove industries and factories from the bank of the river and participate actively in decreasing the level of pollution the Ganga. Infact the Namami Ganga Project, which started by the government in 2014 has already instructed shutting down of 48 industries located by the side of Ganga. Moreover the government has also declared the area between Gaumukhi and Uttar Kashi as eco sensitive area in the year 2010.
But despite of all these efforts the recent reports have shown that there is no sign of decrease in the pollution rather the level of contamination has increased in various places. It has been observed that from Gangotri (it’s origin) to West Bengal, the water of Ganges is only pure and can be used for consumption only in Gangotri, Rudraprayag, Devprayag and Rishikesh. The condition of Haridwar is highly pathetic as it is one of the most popular religious site for the county’s population. If this situation prevails then it will be difficult for anyone to recover the purity of Ganga. Ganga being our national river, has not only helped the nearby dwellers economically, religiously but has also cured various diseases across years. Hence it is very important for us to understand the significance of the holy river and stop polluting it before its too late.
By AnuttamaGhose, Assistant Professor of Law, Indian Institute of Legal Studies, Siliguri
