India's effort to clean up sacred but polluted Ganga River

One of the world’s largest rivers, the Ganges River is considered a living goddess, the Mother Ganga. Yet in some areas, it’s riddled with plastics—byproducts of fishing and street waste that make their way to the water. In 2019, our “Sea to Source: Ganges” river expedition studied the journey of plastic pollution on this sacred river. Get an up-close look at the effects plastics have on locals in this 360 virtual reality video series, created with the help of visual storyteller and Nat Geo Expl

When Ganga Jal (water from the Ganges River) was placed under a microscope, scientists discovered remarkable properties, including the presence of unique microorganisms. Some studies suggest that the water contains beneficial bacteria, which could have health-promoting effects, a reason why it’s revered for its purifying qualities. Despite the growing pollution concerns in the river, these findings highlight the cultural and scientific significance of Ganga Jal. Follow #newsx for more updates. (

Pollution on the Rise in India's Ganges River