A recent Teri and UKPCB study found that microplastic content is increasing, with water now classified as safe only for bathing purposes

The Ganga River, which is one of the sacred rivers of India, has been a religious source of spirituality and nourishment for millions. The river has now been experiencing a major environmental issue – pollution by plastics. Haridwar, the most popular city on the banks of the Ganga, exhibits this increasing menace, where there is a procession of 30,000 to 50,000 pilgrims every day and the pollution is intensified.

Pilgrims take a dip in the holy waters, but the irony is apparent – the same waters they hold so sacred now contain plastics, which are a serious environmental threat.

The Issue Of Plastic Pollution
Plastic contamination in the Ganga is an increasingly serious problem over the past few years. The large turnout of visitors, coupled with poor systems of waste management, has made plastic pollution in Haridwar increasingly challenging. A recent The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) and  Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB) study in December 2024 found that microplastic content in the Ganga is increasing, with water now classified as safe only for bathing purposes, not drinking.

The report evaluated most important parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, and total coliform bacteria and found alarming levels of pollution.

Environmental And Health Implications
Plastic litter in the Ganga is a critical environmental and social threat. It damages the sensitive ecosystem of the river, harming aquatic life, such as fish and amphibians. For the people living nearby, who depend on the river for drinking, irrigation, and fishing, plastic pollution introduces toxic chemicals into the water, altering its quality and posing health threats.

Pilgrims who previously considered the Ganga to be holy and pure are now confronted with the fact of polluted water, which threatens both their well-being and the river’s sanctity.

Akums Pledge For Clean Ganga and Sustainability Initiatives
Akums, in partnership with local bodies, is contributing to the maintenance of the Haridwar ghats. Through fortnightly clean-up drives in the community, it aims to promote the usage of green alternatives such as cloth bags and biodegradable offerings. With the help of volunteers, in 2024, Akums gathered 500 tonne of plastic and biodegradable waste. 

Apart from the Ganga cleaning, Akums is also involved in tree plantation activities. In 2024, more than 5,000 trees were planted, and this year, the goal is 10,000 trees. Every plant is geo-tagged and monitored on a monthly basis.

The Path Ahead
Sustaining the Ganga’s sanctity is not only an ecological concern; it is crucial for India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Addressing plastic pollution in Haridwar and the Ganga needs concerted efforts from the government, pilgrims, and local communities. Only through combined efforts can aspire to reclaim the Ganga to its past glory.

If no action is taken, Haridwar may become a cautionary tale of environmental neglect, losing its greenery and dignity. Now is the time to act – not just for the Ganga but for future generations who will continue to seek solace in its waters.