According to Indian tradition, the water from the river is considered holy and millions of people regularly take a dip in the river. Those who are unable to visit the river in person for a bath, usually purchase water in small bottles through various means for their holy bath.
India’s Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters: “I have directed my department to provide for a network using the e-commerce platform so that the people of India can get shudh [pure] ganga jal from Haridwar/Rishikesh. We assure you all that we will take proactive steps to address the cultural needs of the people of India.”
The river Ganges was one of the centerpieces of Modi’s election campaign in 2014. Though the river has been revered by millions of Indians, it has been one of the most polluted rivers in the world.
“There is a huge demand for Ganga jal. “If the mail carriers can deliver mobile phones, sarees, jewelry, clothes then why not water from the Ganges?” Prasad asked.
The minister added that the India Post is to be overhauled in the coming months to improve the service. The perineal river originates from the Himalayan mountain range and runs through major portions of northern India energizing the lives of close to 40% of the Indian population.
While some saw this as an impetus to the clean Ganges mission.
#Ganga will be among the ten cleanest rivers by 2018: Minister of Water Resources @umasribharti #EkNayiSubah
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) 28 мая 2016 г.
Hearty congratulations to @vijayadashmiamd for your second innings in RS. Issues of water,rivers,clean Ganga etc will get added impetus…
— Dr. Anirban Ganguly (@anirbanganguly) 30 мая 2016 г.
There were many who thought otherwise.
BJP can't supply ordinary water to its consumers but now they will start selling Ganga water to its consumers this is height!!!!!
— Dr.JSSoodan (@DrJSSoodan) 31 мая 2016 г.
Welcome #AchheDin. something 2 cheer as progress. No drinking water but Ganga Jal yes. @Aneela_Nadar @MILVETERAN https://t.co/ciUB6NIaAE
— Shekhar (@Shekhar3629) 30 мая 2016 г.
Sources say NASA is studying Ganga water so it can be bottled for the first manned mission to the Mars. @ikaveri @banerji1
— Be'Havin! (@WrongDoc) 31 мая 2016 г.
Apartment secretary is going to order Ganga water and add it to overhead tank so that we can all have Gangasnanam everyday.
— Local Tea Party (@localteaparty) 31 мая 2016 г.
