Monk Against Mining the Ganga

The simple activity of mining for sand and stones from riverbeds can have far reaching and disastrous effects for communities living around a river. I always wondered how this happens and this article on National Geographic that highlights a swami's prolonged struggle against mining Ganga's riverbed explains it. Basically when the river is deepened from the mining the depth of the water table under ground also deepens making water less accessible to plants and bore wells. It can cause water shortage and crop failure, even deserts in the surrounding area of the river.

Click Here to read this Article: A Swami's Hunger Strike Ends Mining On A Stretch Of The Ganges River on National Geographic.

Pilgrimage Overload in Amarnath

India is the second most populated place in the world. It is also unfortunately very polluted in its large cities. It is of concern to see how pollution created by humans is now stressing India's ancient pilgrimage sites. This article on National Geographic links the problem not only on the need to control the number of pilgrims who can go to places like Amarnath every year but also highlights to me one of India's biggest problems, which is general civil disrespect of the environment by both Indian public and government. I would expect that Hindus who believe in the concept of Bhumidevi as a deity would at least understand that leaving garbage, especially the un-biodegradable ones is part of caring for Bhumidevi. Yet both pilgrims and government more often than not give a blind-eye to such issues. It is unfortunately considered mundane and unimportant to the economic development of India. What a shame!

Please read this article on National Geographic and get involved in environmental issues. They are imperative to the survival and quality of life for future generations.

Click Here to read: Massive Hindu Pilgrimage Melting Sacred Glacier