Which two major concerns describe the current state of the Ganges River?

Which two major concerns describe the current state of the Ganges River?

• A. Damming and aquifer depletion
• B. Tourism and industrialization
• C. Overfishing and climate change
• D. Pollution and ecosystem threat

Answer: (D)

Pollution and the threat to the ecosystem are the two biggest describe-the-current-state concerns for the Ganges. Untreated sewage, industrial effluent, agricultural runoff, and religious activities along its banks introduce a heavy load of contaminants, making water unsafe for drinking, irrigation, and bathing. This pollution lowers water quality, spreads disease, and can cause oxygen-depleted conditions and algal blooms, which harm aquatic life and disrupt food webs. As these stresses accumulate, biodiversity declines and the river’s natural services—like fisheries, crop irrigation, and cultural practices—are undermined. Other issues like damming, tourism, or climate- related changes exist, but pollution driving ecosystem degradation best captures the present situation.

Pollution and the threat to the ecosystem are the two biggest describe-the-current-state concerns for the Ganges. Untreated sewage, industrial effluent, agricultural runoff, and religious activities along its banks introduce a heavy load of contaminants, making water unsafe for drinking, irrigation, and bathing. This pollution lowers water quality, spreads disease, and can cause oxygen-depleted conditions and algal blooms, which harm aquatic life and disrupt food webs. As these stresses accumulate, biodiversity declines and the river’s natural services—like fisheries, crop irrigation, and cultural practices—are undermined. Other issues like damming, tourism, or climate- related changes exist, but pollution driving ecosystem degradation best captures the present situation.