WTF!? India Wants to Use Flesh-Eating Turtles To Clean up Decomposing Bodies in the Ganges River

India's Ganges River holds immense cultural and religious significance as a sacred waterbody where Hindus seek spiritual purification. However, the river suffers from severe pollution, with an alarming billion gallons of untreated sewage and industrial waste discharged into its waters daily. The government's initiative, Namami Gange, launched in 2014 with a promised $3 billion funding, has seen limited success, with only a fraction of the allocated funds utilized.

The government has undertaken ambitious yet controversial measures, such as breeding flesh-eating turtles to address the disposal of half-cremated bodies in the river and even commissioning an official anthem to inspire patriotism and support for the cause. However, these initiatives have failed to make a substantial impact on the river's condition.

As the 2019 general elections approach, the government is under increasing pressure to complete planned projects related to the Ganges River. Environmental scientist Rakesh Jaiswal, a campaigner working on the issue, expressed disappointment at the lack of progress. He emphasized that the situation has worsened over the past two decades, with no noticeable improvement in water quality or pollution reduction.

The mounting pollution crisis in the Ganges River poses a significant challenge that requires sustained and effective action to protect the health of half a billion people who rely on its waters.