Public perception regarding pollution of the river Ganga: Case study at Dakhineswar

The River Ganga is one of the most polluted rivers in the world, it runs through five major states of India and is the most holy and sacred river to all Hindu followers. The purpose of this study is to analyze public perception about what factors have led to the current polluted state, and how general citizens of India who use the river perceive this problem. Total 250 randomly chosen respondents from Dakhineswar which is a well-known pilgrimage site in West Bengal, were interviewed through close-ended questionnaire. Out of 250 respondents, 120 are local residents of Dakhineswar who live along and near the river Ganga and rest people visit Dakhineswar temple for religious purposes. It is a widely recognized perception that sewerage system and industrial waste are contributors of pollution to the Ganges and less emphasis has given on ritual practices. The respondents have identified that imposition of strict fines on people and industrial agencies for throwing waste into the water to be the most favoured solution to improve the condition of the river. Despite everything,