The Ganga River, long held sacred and vital to millions, now faces a growing threat from plastic pollution especially microplastics. These tiny yet persistent pollutants are silently infiltrating aquatic ecosystems and pose serious risks to both environmental and human health. This chapter offers a detailed look at microplastic contamination in the upper Himalayan stretch of the Ganga, zeroing in on areas that are both spiritual hubs and population centres. It highlights how spiritual devotion and human activity converge to intensify ecological strain. The chapter calls attention to the pressing need for better waste management, environmentally responsible pilgrimage practices, and focused interventions to protect the river’s health and sanctity. By shedding light on the largely unseen crisis of microplastics in one of the world's holiest rivers, this work advocates for immediate, cross-disciplinary efforts that bridge science, policy, and faith.

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cxsPlastic Footprints in Sacred Waters: Assessing Microplastic Presence in the Himalayan Ganga River Ecosystem

  • Kusum Pandey,
  • Jitendra Rajput

摘要

The Ganga River, long held sacred and vital to millions, now faces a growing threat from plastic pollution especially microplastics. These tiny yet persistent pollutants are silently infiltrating aquatic ecosystems and pose serious risks to both environmental and human health. This chapter offers a detailed look at microplastic contamination in the upper Himalayan stretch of the Ganga, zeroing in on areas that are both spiritual hubs and population centres. It highlights how spiritual devotion and human activity converge to intensify ecological strain. The chapter calls attention to the pressing need for better waste management, environmentally responsible pilgrimage practices, and focused interventions to protect the river’s health and sanctity. By shedding light on the largely unseen crisis of microplastics in one of the world's holiest rivers, this work advocates for immediate, cross-disciplinary efforts that bridge science, policy, and faith.