Pollution Creeps Over India’s Holy Ganges River.
As the 1,500 mile long river snakes its way through the densely populated plains of north India, so much water is sucked out that it’s nearly impossible to maintain a healthy, clean flow.
Known as "Mother Ganga," Hindus believe that a dip in the river absolves a lifetime of sin.
Here in the northern town of Devprayag where the head of the Ganges is formed, the waters appear crystal clear, drawing villagers to perform ablutions.
But as the 1,500 mile long river snakes its way through the densely populated plains of north India, so much water is sucked out that it’s nearly impossible to maintain a healthy, clean flow.
Still, thousands immerse themselves in the river every day, some bottling the water to drink and use for crops.
Tannery workers haul chemical-soaked buffalo hides into huge drums and dump their run-off into the river.
Industrial waste and sewage pour in from open drains and clouds of foam float on its surface.
Many pray that followers will keep the Ganges clean.
In the metropolis of Kolkata, people bathe and brush their teeth next to mounds of garbage.