Ganges River Case Study
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LK chanellGanges River Case Study
Uploaded by
LK chanellGanges River case study
Causes of pollution in the Ganges River
- Over 400 million people live in the Ganges basin, and many areas
lack proper sanitation facilities. As a result, untreated human waste
is discharged directly into the river.
- Rapid urban growth in cities like Kanpur had overwhelmed existing
sewage systems, leading to the direct release of domestic
wastewater into the river.
- Millions bathe in the Ganges for spiritual purification introducing
soap, oil and other contaminants.
- Runoff from cattle farms introduces organic waste, increasing the
biochemical oxygen demand(BOD) and reducing water quality.
- Industrial hubs discharge hazardous e-waste containing lead,
mercury and cadmium.
- Mining disrupts riverbed ecosystems, increases sedimentation, and
destabilizes the flow, making the river more prone to pollution.
Impact of pollution on ecosystems and people
- Industrial waste such as untreated chemicals, sewage and
agricultural runoff introduce harmful chemicals and deplete oxygen
levels disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
- Nutrient runoff from fertilisers promotes excessive algae growth,
reducing light penetration and oxygen availability, leading to “dead
zones”
- Heavy metals like mercury accumulate in aquatic organisms
entering the food chain and posing threats to higher predators.
- Contaminated water leads to diseases like cholera, and hepatitis
- Fishermen face declining fish populations while farmers struggle
with soil degradation caused by polluted irrigation water
- Polluted water comprises cultural and religious practices and
spreads waterborne illnesses
Management strategies in upgrading water pollution
- Namami gange program which was launched by the Indian
government in 2014 focuses on building sewage treatment plans,
promoting riverfront development and waste management, and
afforestation along the riverbanks to reduce erosion
- Zero liquid discharge policy which encourages industries to treat
and reuse wastewater
- Communities like the Ganga Action Plan have raised awareness
about pollution and mobilized local communities to reduce waste
disposal in the river
- Religious leaders also promote eco-friendly practices for rituals to
reduce direct pollutant discharge
- Use of bioremediation to treat wastewater with natural organisms
- Development of trash skimmers to remove floating debris
- Strict penalties for industries violating pollution norms
- Regulation of sand mining to prevent riverbed degradation
Constraints in upgrading water pollution
- Many projects under the Namami Gange program face delays due to
bureaucratic inefficiencies and inadequate funds
- Corruption and misuse of resources weaken the enforcement of
pollution control measures.
- Lack of modern technology and reluctance to invest in cleaner
processes exacerbate pollution.
- Reduced river flow during dry seasons concentrates pollutants
- Increasing extreme weather events like floods spread pollutants
over larger areas, exacerbating land degradation