Issues:
1. Degraded and Encroached Banks: The banks of the Ganga have been heavily deforested and encroached upon by unimpeded construction. As a result, the river’s natural flood patterns, which are also responsible for charging (and pollution dilution capacities) underground water tables has been considerably reduced. In addition, without trees, the Ganga is becoming increasingly filled with silt and other pollutants.
2. Sand Mining: In the race for development, parts of the Ganga and its tributaries, such as the Yamuna, are being stripped of their sandy beds. This leads to a complete destabilization of the river, meaning more erosion, an increase in silt, the death of bio-diversity and the drying-up of groundwater tables.
Solutions:
1. Prevent Further Deforestation and Plant Trees: The population and media should be recruited in a mass campaign to plant, protect and care for trees as a patriotic duty.
2. Move Buildings Away from Rivers: It is imperative that all new construction is placed away from the Ganga, its tributaries and flood plains. Unsafely-situated buildings and infrastructure should be demolished, reinforced, retrofitted or relocated.
3. Strictly enforce the ban of sand mining: Whilst construction, which uses sand, is important for our economy, it is a short-term benefit when compared with forever damaging the Ganga, Her tributaries and the water supplies of our citizens. For this reason, alternates must be sought and mandates prohibiting mining activities must be enforced. A specially-appointed Ganga Police Force, could ensure such a ban is carried-out.