The Ganga basin faces multiple critical issues that threaten its sustainability and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on it.

Global warming is causing Himalayan glaciers to melt at unprecedented rates, affecting the river's source and long-term water availability. Excessive water diversion for irrigation and huge amounts of groundwater extraction by agriculture and industry are depleting the basin's water resources.

Hundreds of dams interfere with the river's natural flow, disrupting its ecological balance. As a result, parts of the river are becoming non-navigable in summer due to low water levels.

These combined factors pose a serious threat to agriculture in the basin, endangering the livelihood of millions and putting India's food production at risk.

Proposed solutions include implementing sustainable irrigation practices like drip irrigation to reduce water wastage, promoting organic farming to reduce chemical contamination, and regulating groundwater extraction.

Additional measures include restoring traditional water harvesting structures, developing integrated river basin management, and investing in afforestation in the Himalayan region.

Creating awareness about water conservation and implementing strong government policies for river rejuvenation are also essential steps.

The rationale behind these solutions is that they address both immediate water needs and long-term sustainability while protecting the ecosystem and the millions of livelihoods dependent on the basin.