Ganges

Bhagirathi River at Gangotri

Devprayag - Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda

HeadwatersGanges1

Gandhi Setu Bridge in Patna, India

Boat Sailing up Padma River Bangladesh

Ganges (or Ganga) is a major river in the Indian subcontinent, flowing through the nations of India and Bangladesh. It is one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism and has been a cradle of human civilization since ancient times. The Ganges originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas and traverses a course of more than 2,500 kilometers before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Its extensive basin is fertile and supports a vast population, playing a crucial role in the agriculture, economy, and culture of the region.

Course

The Ganges begins at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers in the town of Devprayag. From there, it flows southeast through the plains of northern India, passing through several important cities such as Haridwar, Allahabad (where it meets the Yamuna river), Varanasi, and Patna. The river finally splits into a delta in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal and Bangladesh, known as the Ganges Delta, which is the world's largest delta.

Significance

1. 1. 1. Religious Importance###

In Hinduism, the Ganges is considered the most sacred river. Hindus believe that bathing in the river causes the remission of sins and facilitates Moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death). The river is also worshipped as the goddess Ganga in Hindu mythology.

1. 1. 1. Environmental and Economic Importance###

The Ganges Basin is one of the most fertile regions in the world, supporting agriculture that feeds hundreds of millions of people. The river is also a crucial source of water for drinking, fishing, and industrial activities. However, it is one of the most polluted rivers globally, suffering from the disposal of industrial waste, sewage, and religious offerings.

Pollution and Conservation Efforts

The pollution of the Ganges poses severe health risks to humans and threatens the biodiversity of the river. Various initiatives, such as the Ganga Action Plan, have been launched by the Indian government to clean the river, with varying degrees of success. International aid and collaboration have also been sought to rehabilitate the Ganges.

Cultural References

The Ganges holds a deep cultural significance in Indian literature, art, and music. It has been mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Vedas, and continues to inspire contemporary culture.

See Also

• Yamuna River
• Indus River
• Brahmaputra River
• River pollution in India
• Water resources in India