River Ganga

The River Ganga, also known as the Ganges, is one of the most sacred rivers in India and a lifeline for millions of people who live along its banks. It originates from the Gangotri glacier in the Himalayas and flows through the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

The river is considered holy by Hindus, who believe that bathing in its waters can purify the soul and wash away sins. Many pilgrims travel long distances to bathe in the river and perform rituals on its banks.

Apart from its spiritual significance, the River Ganga also plays a vital role in the ecology and economy of the region. It supports a rich biodiversity of aquatic life, including several endangered species such as the Ganges river dolphin and the Ganges shark. The river also provides irrigation and drinking water to millions of people and supports agriculture and fisheries.

However, the river is facing several environmental challenges due to pollution, over-extraction of water, and habitat destruction. The government and several non-governmental organizations are working to address these issues and restore the health of the river. The Namami Gange program launched by the Indian government aims to clean and rejuvenate the river and its tributaries by 2020.