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What are the main causes of pollution in the Ganges River?

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Physical map showing the Brahmaputra and Ganges river basins and their drainage networks across northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet (China), and Myanmar. The map uses color shading to indicate elevation, from the high Himalayas in brown and white to lowland plains in green, and marks major rivers, tributaries, glaciers, dams, irrigated areas, and regions subject to flooding. An inset locator map highlights the region within South Asia. — Ganges River The Brahmaputra and Ganges river basins and their drainage network.

The Ganges River faces severe environmental degradation due to its location in one of the most densely populated regions on Earth. The primary causes of this pollution include:

Untreated Sewage: Scores of cities and towns discharge untreated sewage directly into the river and its tributaries.12
Industrial Waste: Numerous manufacturing facilities contribute toxic industrial effluents, including heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and chromium.23
Agricultural Runoff: Chemical runoff from modern agricultural activities introduces pollutants into the water system.412
Religious and Cultural Practices: The river is central to regional religious life, and pollution is exacerbated by the presence of animal carcasses and the remnants of partially burned or unburned bodies from funeral pyres.412

These factors have resulted in high levels of disease-causing bacteria and toxic substances in the water. While government initiatives like the Namami Gange program have made progress in expanding sewage treatment capacity and improving water quality, the management of industrial waste and untreated sewage remains a significant ongoing challenge.123