Sacred but polluted: River Ganges drowns in a sea of rubbish

Summary

The video highlights the environmental crisis facing Varanasi, one of the world's oldest cities, where the sacred Ganges River is plagued by severe pollution. Each day, 200 million liters of untreated wastewater from numerous drains flow into the river, endangering marine life and public health. Despite its significance as a spiritual destination attracting millions of tourists, the city struggles with rampant litter and waste management failures. Local authorities, despite past promises from government leaders like Prime Minister Modi, have yet to implement effective solutions. The narrative calls for urgent government action, community engagement, and awareness among tourists to preserve this vital cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Varanasi, founded by the god Shiva, is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning approximately 5,000 years.
• 🌊 The Ganges River is a sacred site for worshipers who come to wash away their sins, but it faces severe pollution issues.
• 🔥 Over 300 cremations take place daily in Varanasi, with the bodies often being thrown into the river.
• 🌍 The city attracts over three million tourists each year, who come to witness these religious rituals.
• 😷 Tourists are increasingly troubled by the sight of rubbish floating in the Ganges, which detracts from their experience.
• 💧 Approximately 200 million liters of untreated wastewater flow into the Ganges daily from 36 major drains in Varanasi.
• 🐟 The pollution has killed all marine life in the river, posing a significant environmental threat.
• 🏙️ The population along the Ganges continues to grow, increasing pressure on waste management and sanitation systems.
• 🗳️ Despite government promises, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, no substantial action has been taken to clean the river.
• 📉 The decline in the number of tourists visiting Varanasi is partly attributed to the visible pollution and waste in the river.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Varanasi?

Varanasi is believed to have been founded by the god Shiva around 5,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest cities in the world.

What rituals do worshipers perform at the Ganges River?

Worshipers come to the Ganges to wash away their sins, and cremations occur at the river, with over 300 bodies cremated each day.

How many tourists visit Varanasi annually?

The city attracts more than three million tourists every year who come to observe its rituals.

What issues did Sonia and Dominique from Argentina encounter during their visit?

They planned a contemplative trip but were distracted by the large amounts of rubbish floating in the Ganges.

What are the environmental challenges faced by the Ganges River?

The river is suffering from severe pollution, with untreated wastewater and garbage affecting its cleanliness and health.

What is the source of the pollution in the Ganges?

The pollution primarily comes from 36 drains in Varanasi that release around 200 million liters of untreated wastewater daily.

What impact does pollution have on marine life in the Ganges?

The accumulation of fecal waste and toxic materials has resulted in the death of all marine life in the river.

How is the local population growth affecting the Ganges?

With 450 million people living along the river and a population increase of 1 million each year, the amount of household trash and pollution has significantly risen.

What efforts have been made by the government regarding river pollution?

Despite promises from successive governments to address the issue, no purification stations have been installed, and the situation remains dire.

What did Sanjay Sharma from the city council say about the government's response?

He mentioned that the government is addressing the problem, but after 20 years of pledges, little has changed regarding the installation of purification stations.