Figure 8 Indians coming to bathe in the garbage filled river (Maxiewawa, 2010)
Conclusion
River pollution in the Ganges basin is out of control; only getting worse as India’s population rapidly increases. Millions of people lack access to clean water and are subject to many water-borne illnesses; cholera outbreaks are increasingly common. Poor treatment facilities allow direct drainage of sewage and industrial wastes into rivers. Religious beliefs and governmental failures have contributed greatly to the vast pollution of the basin. Education and law enforcement play a key role in the Ganges basins future health. More information on future action plans for the Ganges river can be found at http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/4/8/1647.