Challenges
Farming/Irrigation
and Ma Ganga
Farming and irrigation techniques along Ma Ganga have led to pollutant concentration, reduced water flow, and erosion. Planting trees, using less water intensive crops, and practicing sustainable agriculture can improve these conditions.
Groundwater Depletion
and Ma Ganga
Unsustainable groundwater extraction threatens the water supply from the aquifers of Ma Ganga. Promoting joint farmer participation along Ma Ganga, developing efficient irrigation systems, and reusing household water are key sustainable practices to protect groundwater supply.
Sewage and Ma Ganga
Sewage (e.g. human waste) is not being properly treated especially in cities along the river and the majority of this waste eventually flows into Ma Ganga. Building and maintaining toilets, upgrading sewage plants, along with changing attitudes around human waste, will be imperative to solving this issue.
Industrial Waste
and Ma Ganga
Hundreds of millions of liters of untreated, toxic wastewater are dumped into Ma Ganga from industries on a daily basis. Sources of this wastewater include polluting tanneries, distillers, chemical units, textile factories, and sugar refineries. Increasing industrial restrictions on polluting practices, innovative treatment technologies, and community involvement are all important solutions to this challenge.
Community Impact
and Ma Ganga
The large-scale cultural and religious significance of Ma Ganga makes it a very popular site for rituals and festivals. Citizens bathe, drink, place offerings, and worship at the site of Ma Ganga. These practices can pollute the river and introduce harmful toxins. Environmental education and engagement throughout the varied communities is an important aspect of how their community actions can help to restore Ma Ganga.