What might be the consequences for India's sacred geography if the pollution of sacred rivers, like the Ganga and Yamuna, continues unchecked?

• Unchecked pollution of sacred rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna would harm both the environment and the country’s religious life.
• Pollution would make water unsafe for bathing and ritual use, undermining practices that depend on clean river water and causing a loss of religious meaning for many people.
• It would damage aquatic biodiversity, reduce fish stocks, spread disease and harm the livelihoods of communities that depend on the river.

The decline of river health could weaken local economies based on pilgrimage and tourism, and lead to social and cultural loss where rivers are central to identity and community life.