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| Foto:Ganges River |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,- For Hindus in India, the Ganges River is profoundly sacred, revered as the embodiment of Goddess Ganga, believed to cleanse sins and bestow healing. However, this spiritual significance coexists with a widespread reputation for severe pollution from domestic and industrial waste, as well as ritualistic practices. So, is the entire Ganges River truly dirty? Surprisingly, no. There are pristine sections in its upper reaches, offering an oasis amidst its polluted image.
The Ganges River indeed faces critical environmental challenges. Flowing over 2,400 kilometers, it traverses numerous densely populated cities in India. Millions of liters of untreated domestic sewage, toxic industrial waste, and the disposal of cremation remains and bodies all contribute to extreme pollution. Some reports even classify hundreds of kilometers of the river as an "ecological dead zone."
"The Ganges River is the lifeline for a large part of the Indian population, but ironically, it also serves as a dumping ground for all kinds of waste," remarked an environmental activist from Delhi. "The challenge of cleaning it is immense, given the deep cultural and religious aspects involved."
Despite its reputation, it's crucial to remember that the Ganges River has natural and relatively clean headwaters. The source of the Ganges is the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayan Mountains, specifically in the state of Uttarakhand, India. In this section, the water is remarkably clear, cold, and pure, far from urban crowds and pollution.
Some locations in the upper reaches known for their cleanliness include
Rishikesh: Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a renowned spiritual and yoga center. The water of the Ganges in Rishikesh still appears clear and transparent, a stark contrast to its appearance in downstream cities. Many pilgrims and tourists come here to bathe or perform religious rituals in these relatively clean waters.
Haridwar: Not far from Rishikesh, Haridwar is also a significant holy city. While there's more human activity compared to Rishikesh, the Ganges River water in Haridwar is still much cleaner than in Varanasi or other downstream cities. Thousands of people bathe at the ghats (steps leading to the river) in Haridwar daily.
Gaumukh: This is the primary source of the Ganges River, directly below the Gangotri Glacier. This location is at a very high altitude and accessible only via challenging trekking. Here, you will find the Ganges water in its most pristine and clear condition.
"When I visited Rishikesh, I was surprised to see how clear the Ganges water was there. It felt completely different from what I had imagined from news about pollution," said a tourist who had made a pilgrimage to India.
The Indian government, along with various non-governmental organizations and local communities, continues to make strenuous efforts to clean the Ganges River through programs like "Namami Gange." This program includes the construction of wastewater treatment facilities, tree planting along the riverbanks, and public education to reduce pollution. Although the challenges are immense, awareness of the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of this sacred river continues to grow.
So, while the image of a polluted Ganges River is deeply ingrained, remember that in the heart of the Himalayas, its waters still flow pure, reminding us of its sacred and clear origins.