“The Ganga, especially, is the river of India, beloved

of her people, round which are intertwined her

memories, her hopes and fears, her songs of triumph,

her victories and her defeats. She has been a symbol

of India’s age long culture and civilization, ever

changing, ever flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga”

• Major river of India and Bangladesh.

• Flows southeastward from the Himalayas for 1,550

miles to the Bay of Bengal.

• Floods occur frequently during summer.

Hindus consider the Ganges a sacred riverWaters are believed to be holy and capable of

washing away sins.

Banks have tempted cities.

Holiest of the cities is Varanasi.

Major Pollution Industries:Leather industriesUse large amounts of chemicals which then find way into the river

Waste being dumpedNearly 1 billion liters per dayUntreated raw sewage

Inadequate cremation proceduresPartially burnt or unburnt bodiesLivestock