In the hindu religion the ganges riover is considered holy, and ritual bathing in its water is practiced by an estimated 60,00 people per day. How does it effect the enivoremnt

The massive bath in the sacred Ganges poses many environmental problems and public health risks. It affects the composition and color of the waters, it contributes to the erosion of the river banks and its bed, it changes the habitat conditions of plant and animal life in the river, too. Besides, the levels of pathogens, germs and bacteria in the waters break thousandfold the levels prescribed by the World Health Organization.