Only an Energy Revolution will save the Ganges says Greenpeace

Varanasi, India — On the eve of the Global Day of Action on Climate Greenpeace highlighted the threat from global warming to the Ganges and called for an Energy [R]evolution[i] to save the iconic river from drying up. A flotilla of local boats carrying 15 ft replicas of windmills floated down the river to call for a shift from a carbon intensive energy pathway to one that focuses on clean renewable energy. Local boatmen and citizens joined Greenpeace in the activity at the Dasashvamedh Ghat demanding global action to save the Ganges that was their very lifeline.

Dr. Virbhadra Mishra, Mahant (Head Priest) Sankat Mochan Temple hailed for his efforts to clean up the Ganga, spoke of the importance of the river to millions. He said, "About 400 million people look to the Ganga as a primary source of freshwater. No other river in the world supports such a large population's livelihood. Ganga is the focal point where all the diversity, faith and culture of India unite and we cannot imagine India without her."

Recent studies, including one carried out by the India's Department of Science and Technology[ii] have found that the Gangotri glacier, which supplies 70 per cent of the flow during the dry season is shrinking at a alarming pace. Fears are being expressed that the glaciers could retreat completely by 2035 making the Ganges a seasonal river, jeopardizing the lives of more than 50 crore people[iii].

"We are running out of time to save the Ganga. Accelerated global warming would cause irreparable damage and we must do everything we can to prevent that. The solutions are available. We can address energy security, electricity for all while reducing Green House Gas emissions by switching to Renewable Energy and using energy efficiently. The time for this is now, not after we have lost the Ganga" said Brikesh Singh, Greenpeace India Climate & Energy Campaigner