Kaushik Banerjee, Sudipta Adhikary and Paramita Bhattacharyya
Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of water pollution and the control and regulation of this pollution in the Ganges River with reference to Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. It points out the significant sources of pollution which include cremation activities, ritual waste and untreated sewage. The effectiveness of legal frameworks that are evaluated in the paper is the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The results indicate that there is a strong disparity between the law and its application because of socio-cultural and infrastructural issues. The paper has established the importance of joint action involving law, management and people participation in conservation of the rivers.