Ganga, the holy river, is ingrained in the traditions of India. The water is used for traditional worshipping of all deities and people come to this river for cleaning their sins and impurities. Legend has it that Bhagirath prayed for Ganga coming to the earth to clean the souls of 60,000 of his ancestors suffering from a curse. The legend further goes to say that Ganga had to be trapped in Lord Shiva's head and thus released, as the earth would not have been able to withstand its fury otherwise.

Ganga has been glorious in its fury and those who have gone to places like Gangotri have come back with a feeling of awe and wonder at the sight of the Ganga. It has flown in a glorious manner right up to the eastern most point where it meets the sea. Cities, industries, and habitations have grown around both the banks. These developments, however, were accompanied by anthropogenic unconcern and wastefulness, leading to unsustainable increase in the pollution levels of its water.

The cover story brings out some details of the Action Plan for cleaning the Ganga, first in the eighties and now after the new government has taken over. These plans are detailed and would require persistent efforts and monitoring.

The task is difficult but not impossible by any means. It may be worthwhile to refer to some international experiences. During the 1960s and early 1970s, the inorganic pollution in the Rhine river of Germany reached levels high enough to decimate or wipe out dozens of fish species and other creatures. After the 1970s, however, international attempts to clean up the river gained momentum. The Rhine flows 1,320 kilometre through rugged mountains, forests, valleys, and important cities and includes the beautiful Lake Constance. The efforts have borne remarkable results including reappearance of various species of fish and visits of migratory birds. A lot more needs to be done, although efforts and monitoring are continuing, yet it has become a beautiful river, totally different from what it was in the 1970s.

River Thames was once declared biologically dead. The amount of oxygen in the water fell so low that no life could survive so the mud reeked of rotten eggs. Thanks to the sustained efforts thereafter, Thames has become a different place now. Species of fish swim beneath its space and birds come and feed off the water. The improvement in the water quality has been possible due to prevention of dumping of polluted effluents and also treatment of the sewage. The river now has a marine life that people could not think of earlier.

Mentioning these two important experiences clearly bring out that the task of cleaning the river, howsoever difficult, is possible with a scientific approach, strict legislative and executive action, and of course, persistent efforts. As the cover story brings out, a comprehensive and holistic approach is being evolved by the Government for the first time. The Ganga is a holy river and a lifeline. Restoration of its old glory is a challenge, and all of us be in the industrial, transport, or domestic sector will have to accept this challenge for ourselves and for our future generations. We must have the joy and pride in performing this difficult task.