Ganga and Plastics

#Thread – Ganga and Plastics A new study by Delhi based @toxicslink has revealed that Ganga remains the second most plastic polluted river in the world. 44,500 tonnes of plastic waste is discharged in the river during the monsoon season, says the study. @JambeckResearch

Ganga cities are seeing alarming trends with respect to #plasticpollution and this is despite policies like Swachh Bharat Mission, PWM rules and Clean Ganga Mission in place. India needs to refocus on solving the plastic waste crisis which is increasing with each passing day.

As per the study, Varanasi reported the highest discharge of microplastics in Ganga compared to the cities of Kanpur and Haridwar. Assi Ghat remains the worst affected place in terms of having the maximum abundance of microplastics. @yamunajiye

Varanasi was adjudged as the cleanest Ganga town in the last year’s

@SwachSurvekshan. The city also finds its place amongst the top 20 smart cities. Yet, it fails to ensure the safe discharge of municipal and industrial waste. @aruna_sekhar @Indian_Rivers

Religious offerings wrapped in plastic bags are also one of the major sources of pollution in the river. As the waste moves downstream, it breaks into small pieces and finally gets dumped into the Bay of Bengal, notes the study. Pic: @gangaaction

Har Ki Pauri and Kankhal in Haridwar reported the highest discharge of microplastics in the river. Haridwar remains the least polluting Ganga city. However, plastic waste remains a big concern for Haridwar, keeping in mind the gatherings like Kanwar Yatra and Kumbh Mela.

Weak implementation of the law on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the PWM rules 2016 is one of the major reasons behind rising plastic pollution in Ganga cities. Implementing EPR on the ground remains a key to address this crisis, notes the report.

Read the full report by Toxics Link here.