The Ganga, a most sacred river traverses from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, is revered as a deity by Hindus because it is a source for survival for millions of people in the Indian sub-continent. Over the years, the natural characteristics of this sacred river have disturbed due to several reasons, including unplanned urbanization, industrialization, construction of hydropower projects and executing modern agricultural practices in its floodplain and upper reaches in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Being a freshwater ecosystem, the Ganga sustains some unique aquatic fauna and flora, including Ganga shark, Mugger crocodile, and the Ganga river dolphins. In view of embracing sustainability of the Ganga’s natural ecosystem, the Government of India has enacted laws; however, the Ganga remains polluted. With this backdrop, the present study aims to revisit and analyze various cultural, social, ecological and environmental issues associated with this most sacred river in India. Based on the analysis of existing information the possible intervention requires to be initiated for river sustainability in the human-dominated landscape is suggested.

The Ganga, cultural milieu, ecosystem, environment, policy development, river sustainability, river management