8 Each year, millions of people bathe in the most
sacred
river in India. Because the river is known
as a source of sacred healing, people with
sicknesses and diseases bathe themselves
hoping to be cured. For others, such as Hindu
priests, bathing in the river is a sacred tradition.
As a result of some religious practices, lack of
sanitation infrastructure in certain areas, and the
difficulty of regulating factories, cremated bodies,
raw sewage, and industrial waste from factories
float down the river.
Based on the passage above, what
environmental issues are the people of India
facing?

A. Erosion in Himalayan mountains.

B. Pesticides polluting the region's groundwater.

C. Pollution of the Ganges.

D.
Deforestation of the rain forests.

The pollution of the Ganges River stems from a combination of factors mentioned in the passage. First, religious practices contribute to the contamination as cremated bodies are often immersed in the river as part of funeral rituals. Additionally, the lack of sanitation infrastructure in certain areas results in raw sewage being discharged into the river, further polluting its waters. Furthermore, the difficulty of regulating industrial activities leads to the discharge of industrial waste from factories into the river.

This pollution has detrimental effects on both the environment and public health. It contaminates the water, making it unsafe for drinking, bathing, and other domestic uses. The presence of pollutants in the river also harms aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. Moreover, the pollution poses serious health risks to individuals who rely on the Ganges for bathing and drinking, potentially leading to waterborne diseases and other illnesses.

Overall, the pollution of the Ganges River is a significant environmental issue for India due to its adverse impacts on public health, ecosystems, and the overall quality of life for people living in the region.