Our SponsorsDIY Projects |
|
Pollution At The Ganges
Posted on Sun May 11 2008
Chemicals, left over flowers, untreated sewage,cremated remains all this and much more are found in this river. People taking a bath, washing their laundry are quite familiar sights here. Cows and various animals wade through the water. All such things have lead to the growth and development of microbes that cause various diseases. Moreover the presence of a leather industry close to the river, adds to the pollution. Various chemicals including chromium is leaked into the river. Additional burden is placed on the river by tonnes of untreated sewage. US researchers and biologists have stated that the Ganges has become a place where genetic material transfers and creates new pathogens. The river provides for water for many people in the region. However due to its current polluted state, people are susceptible to various waterborne diseases caused. Researchers in conjunction with Indian government labs took samples of the water for testing purposes. E.Coli bacteria was found. This bacteria is responsible for various illness including causing kidney failure, dysentery, food poisoning, and in certain extreme cases, it could also lead to death. So, what can be done in order to cure this polluted river? It's important that the Indian government and authorities and realize the importance of taking immediate action. It's essential that the water needs to be treated in order to prevent people from falling ill and spreading diseases. Involvement of the highest authorities of the country is important. Further educating the people in order that they don't contribute to the already existing pollution is another aspect. Certain things like washing clothes, feeding cattle should be strictly prohibited. While this may not reduce the already existing pollution, it will definitely ensure that no more waste is added to the polluted waters. Polluted or not, the Holy Ganges is a place where people will continue to visit, due to the religious significance attached to it. It's critical that authorities take action now, or the condition is only going to worsen. CommentsLet us know what you think! |
|
Subscription Zone
Popular ArticlesOur Sponsors |
|
Thousands of Indian people throng the Ganges River everyday. This river is considered Holy and is worshiped by the Hindus. While this Holy River is extremely beautiful, the sad fact is that, it has become a hole of pollution.
It's absolutely tragic that such a revered holy place can become a breeding ground for infectious diseases. I hope the powers that be take action soon to somehow alleviate that both in practical terms and educating the public. A very sad situation there indeed. Thanks for highlighting it, Praveen.
So sad. The holy Ganges sustained these kinds of activities for thousands of years, but somehow managed to avoid pollution. It will be an extremely difficult undertaking to educate people what it might take to treat the river, much less get them to stop what they are doing in and around the River. Indeed, the families who journey long distances to cremate their dear ones at the Holy Ganges will have to be educated as well; they feel it is imperative that their departed be cremated in this holy spot.
I would agree that educated the people is the first start. The thing is it sounds like this river is part of their daily culture and needs to be used so there has to be some way of treating it.
I have been conducting research on sewage pollution of the Ganges River and waterborne disease in Varanasi. The most serious issue in Varanasi is that untreated (or, at best, inadequately treated) human sewage is released directly into the Ganges. The number of fecal coliform bacteria, including pathogens like E. coli O157:H7, is alarmingly high and a cause for great concern regarding public health and disease threat. The political will must be generated in India's leaders to serious address this important public health issue. Steve Hamner, Dept. of Microbiology, Montana State University