Ganga Pollution: An analysis of the problem and mitigation initiatives
The Ganga River's pollution is a multifaceted issue stemming from a combination of human activities, industrial practices, and agricultural runoff, which has led to a significant decline in the river's water quality over the years. Despite numerous government initiatives, the river continues to struggle with pollution, although recent data suggests some improvements. Sources of Pollution in Detail Untreated Sewage: The discharge of domestic sewage is a major contributor to the Ganga's pollution. A large number of urban areas along the river lack adequate sewage treatment infrastructure, leading to the direct release of raw sewage into the river. For instance, in Uttar Pradesh, a significant percentage of drains that empty into the Ganga and its tributaries operate without any treatment capacity. This untreated sewage introduces harmful bacteria and pathogens into the water, creating a serious health risk. The most probable number (MPN) of coliforms , a measure of fecal c...