The Bhagirathi-Ganga or Ganges is one of the world’s great rivers, running 2,525 km from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga is considered the most sacred river in India and her waters are the lifeline of the nation, providing essential physical and spiritual sustenance to more than a billion people. From religion to agriculture, the Ganga is central to virtually every aspect of Indian life. Today, this holy river is under attack. It is being threatened by ill-conceived dam projects that will cause massive and permanent harm at the source of the river

Apart from spiritual and economic importance, this unique river also supports a complex ecosystem, comprising countless species of plants and animals, not least among them the endangered Ganga river dolphin, of which only a few hundred survive.  The Ganga supports a tremendous variety of flora which are vital to nutrient and water conservation, and control of soil erosion. Among these plants are thousands that have been used for a wide range of medicinal purposes for millennia.

The Bhagirathi-Ganga occupies a central spiritual position to millions. The Hindu tradition regards the river as sacred, and she is worshipped for her purifying properties. Hindus believe that immersing oneself in the Ganga is key to the attainment of Moksha, and that life is incomplete without bathing in the holy river at least once. A great many cities and sites sacred to Hindus lie along the banks of the Ganges and each year, millions of pilgrims journey to these places to take part in rituals spanning the entire human experience, from birth to death. During the Kumbh Mela and Ardha Kumbh Mela festivals, millions visit the river to bathe along the banks of the Ganga.

The threat is imminent. Four hydroelectric dams are in the process of planning, construction and operation at the Ganga’s source, between Gangotri and Dharasu (Uttarkashi). The river is being diverted through tunnels for many kilometers, impeding the free flow of the river and resulting in a crisis situation. These dams will choke the life from the Ganga, reducing her flow in many areas to a mere trickle. The result will be the destruction of essential ecosystems and entire economies. As deep and traumatic will be the damage done to the spiritual lives and traditions of an entire nation.

Crippling this holy river is far too great a sacrifice for the production of a few hundred megawatts of electricity. The power generated from these dams may benefit a select few, but will rob millions of their spirituality, heritage, and drinking water. 

STOP DAMMING BHAGIRATHI-GANGA

We demand that the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand take immediate steps to free this holy and majestic river from bondage, ensure the uninterrupted flow of the holy river from Gangotri to Dharasu (Uttarkashi), and conserve the heritage of India.

We call upon the concerned citizens of the world to fight the disappearance of the Ganga. Please join us in this movement - together we can keep the river alive.  Please contact us if you feel that you can donate your time or give us any other assistance in this campaign.  Call, write, or email us with your Name, Address, Phone Number, and Email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

The time to act is now - voice your opinion!
Please take the time to have your voice heard. Write a letter of protest to the President of India, the Prime Minister of India, and the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand to let them know about your concern for the Ganga, and your demand for immediate action. Please see our sample letter and feel free to personalize it before sending. click here