The Ganga river is one of the most sacred and major rivers in India. With this article, discover 10 most fascinating facts about the river.
The Ganga River starts from the Gangotri Glacier in Indian Himalayas and it goes on for approximately 2525 kilometers then empties into the Bay of Bengal. (source & length: 1569 miles).
Ganga is the holiest river in Hinduism, being commonly known as the "Ganga Mata" or Mother Ganga in India; it purifies sins and bestows moksha (liberation).
Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi rivers among others are some of its main contributing tributaries
It flows through a variety of pilgrimage centers such as Haridwar, Varanasi and Prayagraj (Allahabad), where it is worshipped by millions of pilgrims every year.
There are various wildlife species along the Ganga basin including the Ganges river dolphin that is known to be endangered, diverse fish species as well as numerous bird species.
The Ganga River is crucial for agriculture, supporting millions of hectares of farmland, and is a vital water source for drinking and industrial use.
Contamination from industrial effluents, sewage and religious offerings are some of the major issues facing the Ganga which affect its health as well as biodiversity.
To control pollution and manage resources sustainably, various interventions have been put in place including Namami Ganga programme.
Globally, Ganga has been revered for its cultural, historical, and economic significance thus becoming a symbol of Indian biodiversity.
The Ganga is a symbol of pure spirituality; without it millions of lives would be lost. To ensure that this pristine river is not ruined by pollution; all attempts must be made. Efforts to preserve this sacred river are crucial for future generations.