Ecological, Economic, Spiritual and Cultural Values of Water
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     Ganga's waters provide habitat for endangered species, maintain unique ecosystems and allow for the spiritual purification of those who immerse themselves in them. Ganga is a goddess who came down to Earth to save human soils through purification; does this divine nature suggest that human impurities have little effect on the life of the River? If there exists no true ownership of the River, can humans control the activities that threaten her? In these three segments other values of the River are explored with an emphasis on the changes that are likely with continued deterioration of the quality of the water.

Gangetic Dolphins

Link to Audio Clip of Dolphins sounds

Listen for clicking and whistling in the first section and barking in the second section.

    Loss of habitat, pollution, poaching and isolation threaten the Earth's bio diversity and are factors that have led to the Gangetic dolphin being categorized as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Specialists uniquely adapted to their habitats are especially vulnerable to these factors and the Gangetic dolphin is in imminent danger of extinction. The evolutionary history of the species is of great interest, and further understanding of the species may be critical to the success of current efforts to conserve the species.

Sacred Purity and Environmental Pollution

Link to Audio Clip - Sacred Heartland

     Most Indians do not believe that the Ganges is polluted. Is this perception an accurate description of the water quality using western standards, a statement of the religious power of the goddess, or a lack of awareness of the conditions that occur in much of the River?

Activities

EA1 Adaptations of Dolphins (research project).