Part 5/15:
Varanasi, one of the world's oldest and holiest cities for Hindus, epitomizes both spiritual devotion and environmental degradation. Its centuries-old traditions of cremation and bathing have contributed to its pollution levels, with the ritual practices involving the disposal of human remains and organic waste directly into the river. Despite efforts since independence to clean the Ganga, water quality continues to be subpar; fecal coliform counts remain high, making the water unsafe for drinking or even bathing.