Why are Indian rivers so polluted? And what Indians are doing about it?

India’s rivers have always played an important role in supporting the many civilizations the country has housed throughout the ages. From irrigating farmlands, towns, and big cities to providing drinking water for millions, major waterways like the Ganges and its tributaries have been sustaining life in their lands since time immemorial.

However, to Hindus, these rivers are seen as something more than simply vital cogs in the wheel of the nation’s economy. They are essential lifelines of India’s spiritual culture.

Holy texts such as the Srimad Bhagavatam describe the Ganges, for example, as emanating directly from the feet of Lord Vishnu. Because of this, taking shelter of its waters is considered the same as taking shelter of the Lord’s sacred feet.

As a result, millions of people travel to its banks every year. Some Hindus see a dip in the river primarily as a way to cleanse themselves of their sins and attain liberation. Others take the plunge as a symbol of renewal, purifying the mind and intellect, so one’s thoughts, words and actions will become more dharmic or righteous.

The Ganga, and other major rivers like the Yamuna, are considered so sacred, in fact, most of them are worshipped as Goddesses, capable of bestowing both spiritual and material benedictions.

So with World Environment Day, the United Nations day for increasing environmental awareness coming up on June 5, one may think India, the land in which the predominating faith teaches all of creation is sacred, would be a shining example of how human beings should live sustainably.

Though the global economy was booming before the lockdown, it is also clear Mother Earth was dying. It is abundantly apparent if human beings do not veer toward a more sustainable way of life, India’s rivers, as well as the rest of our planet’s natural resources, will shortly come to the point of no return.

After all, yes, the otherworldly qualities of holy rivers may be beyond the reach of material spoil, but how will one have access to their promised benedictions if they become too toxic to bathe in?

Watch this video to understand better 

Here are some products to buy instead of plastic:

Click here to buy these products.