Sustainability and River Ganges

Towards a Sustainable Economy

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Literature Review & Industry Analysis

Piyush Makan

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For the purpose of this report the policies surrounding agriculture industry that has been affected by constant degradation of the water quality by industrial waste for river Ganga will be assessed. Policies in and around the river that control its future environmental prospects further give an in-depth view of the current issue and its repercussions for the agriculture industry in the country.

Ganges is one of the most important rivers to the Indian sub-continent, ranging 2510 km in length it nearly covers a total of 861k square kilometres within its basin, Presently this river is subjected to enormous environmental damage such as degradation of basin excreta of human and industrial wastes as well as construction of dam’s and river channels to harness its energy (Sampat, 1996). The river itself has been a source for energy and faith for about half a billion people that reside on its banks, Over the years the Indian population has seen many policies, changes, environmental laws as well as many different non governing bodies undertaking the cleaning of the river Ganges and its basin(Sharma, Amarasinghe et al. 2010).

Climate change and the overall impact of population growth, poor water management policies and economic growth have resulted in enormous pressures on the rivers basin. The river that flows through 52 cities and 48 towns is in desperate need of some policies that restrict the carefree usage of the river Ganges as well as management of some new policies that are coherent with stronger ground water management as well as production of energy (Markandya, Murti. 2004). Constant overuse of this river has resulted in impacts on agriculture which is one of the main sources of employment, earnings and livelihood for those located around and elsewhere of the Ganges basin. With an overgrowing population it has now become imperative for the common...