The Ganges is the most sacred river toHindus.It is also a lifeline to millions of Indians who live along its course and depend on it for their daily needs.It is worshipped as the goddessGangainHinduism.It has also been important historically, with many former provincial or imperial capitals (such asKannauj,Kampilya,Kara,PrayagorAllahabad,Kashi,PataliputraorPatna,Hajipur,Munger,Bhagalpur,Murshidabad,Baharampur,Nabadwip,Saptagram,KolkataandDhaka) located on its banks.

The Ganges was ranked as the fifth most polluted river of the world in 2007. Pollution threatens not only humans, but also more than 140 fish species, 90 amphibian species and the endangeredGanges river dolphin.The levels offecal coliformfrom human waste in the waters of the river nearVaranasiare more than 100 times the Indian government's official limit.TheGanga Action Plan, an environmental initiative to clean up the river, has been a major failure thus far,due to corruption, lack of technical expertise,poor environmental planning,and lack of support from religious authorities.