Hydronarratives: The Confluence of Water and Environmental Justice

The Slow Violence that has Killed a God

The pollution of the Ganges is a clear example of what Rob Nixon terms "slow violence"—a form of violence that is gradual, cumulative, and often invisible, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. Unlike immediate, explosive forms of violence, slow violence unfolds over time, making it difficult to address and even more challenging to mobilize against. The Ganges' pollution is not an overnight catastrophe but the result of decades of industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff being dumped into the river, leading to its current state of degradation.
The degradation of the Ganges River is not merely an environmental disaster; it is the physical manifestation of the hidden violence embedded in high modernist development practices. These practices prioritize technological and industrial advancement at the expense of ecological and social well-being, perpetuating a cycle of destruction and marginalization. The slow violence inflicted upon the river and its surrounding communities underscores the need for a more integrated and ecologically sensitive approach to governance.
The industrialization of the Ganges basin has been a major driver of this slow violence. Factories along the riverbanks discharge toxic chemicals and heavy metals directly into the water, with little to no treatment. These pollutants not only contaminate the water but also accumulate in the river’s sediment, leading to long-term ecological damage. The slow poisoning of the river has far-reaching consequences for both human and non-human life, as the toxins work their way up the food chain, affecting fish, birds, and ultimately the people who rely on the Ganges for drinking water and food.
The slow violence inflicted on the Ganges is also evident in the declining health of communities living along the river. Waterborne diseases, skin infections, and other health problems are rampant among those who use the river’s water for bathing, drinking, and cooking. The lack of access to clean water exacerbates these issues, particularly for marginalized communities who have no alternative sources of water. This slow violence is compounded by the fact that the most affected populations often lack the political power to demand change, leaving them trapped in a cycle of environmental degradation and poverty.

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