Pranjaly Manna | 24th August 2025
The Ganga is not merely a river. She is a lifeline, a mother, and a sacred symbol for millions of Indians. Flowing for more than 2,500 kilometers, she sustains nearly 40% of the nation’s population. Her waters have borne witness to prayers, rituals, and centuries of devotion. Yet today, the river that once brought life is struggling to breathe.
From holy offerings wrapped in plastic to untreated factory waste, from municipal drains to the ashes of loved ones—everything finds its way into her once-pure waters. Once worshipped as divine, the Ganga now ranks among the world’s most polluted rivers. This paradox led to the birth of the Ganga Action Plan in the mid-1980s, a mission to save her before it was too late.
The Fall of a Sacred Stream
By the late 1970s, rapid industrialization and unchecked urbanization along the Ganga’s banks brought jobs and economic growth, but also something deadlier—pollution. Factories discharged untreated waste directly into the river. Sewage systems were overwhelmed. Diseases like cholera and typhoid spread, while the once-sparkling waters of the Ganga began to resemble a slow-moving drain.
The situation demanded urgent action. In 1986, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi launched the Ganga Action Plan (GAP), one of India’s most ambitious river-cleaning projects. With international cooperation and large-scale funding, sewage treatment plants were built, awareness campaigns were launched, and the river was declared a national treasure.
But despite two phases of GAP, the results were far from satisfactory. Pollution levels remained dangerously high. Implementation was slow, enforcement was weak, and the river’s decline continued.
A Renewed Mission: Namami Gange
In 2014, a new era of hope began with the Namami Gange Mission—a more comprehensive effort with stricter measures and larger funding. Unlike GAP, this mission sought not only to treat pollution but also to prevent it from entering the river in the first place. From biodiversity conservation to sewage interception, Namami Gange promised a holistic approach.
Yet the truth remains: no government scheme alone can save the Ganga. Her revival depends not just on policy, but on people.
What Must Be Done
- Zero tolerance for untreated waste: Cities and industries along the river must be held accountable. Waste treatment plants must function effectively, with strict penalties for violations.
- Cultural practices with care: Rituals and religious offerings can continue, but in eco-friendly ways—flowers without plastic, remains in designated ponds, and biodegradable materials only.
- Community ownership: Citizens, NGOs, and local communities must play an active role in clean-up drives, tree plantation, and awareness campaigns.
- Education as empowerment: From schools to temples, people must be taught that respecting the Ganga means keeping her clean.
The River and Us
The Ganga has given without asking. She has quenched thirst, nourished crops, and blessed generations. But today, she asks for care, respect, and protection. Her future is tied to ours—if she dies, we lose not just a river, but a piece of our collective identity.
Saving the Ganga is not only an environmental obligation; it is a moral duty. If we succeed, our grandchildren will inherit a living river, a flowing heritage, and a story of resilience. If we fail, they will inherit a cautionary tale of negligence.
The Ganga’s story is still being written. The question is—will we let it end in tragedy, or will we come together to write a story of revival?
Pranjaly Manna is a media researcher and writer with a focus on society, culture, and communication. Her work explores how media shapes everyday life and public consciousness.
