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The report is a compilation of facts about the river Gang, from its origin in the high Himalayas to the delta region through which it meets the Bay of Bengal. The information was collected from numerous sources like University and National Laboratories, and relevant Departments of the Central and State Governments. Deforestation in the Himalayan region, human populations of high density all the way after the river comes down to the plains, and industrialization in several parts, are reportedly the causes upsetting the balance of this ecosystem which has carried the sins of its users since time immemorial. Religious beliefs contribute substantially to its pollution, especially on and soon after auspicious days; Zones of industrial pollution in the river can be identified. The impact of increasing magnitude of sewage and its length deserves to be studied intensively. Causes of increase in the recurrence of floods, magnitude of self purifying capacity of the river and persistence of industrial pollutants with their attendant effects, are considered to be important areas investigation. This is perhaps the first exhaustive effort of its type and should prove valuable in steps being planned for successful implementation of cleaning-up operations of this ancient river, which is considered as the most sacred to one of the oldest faiths in the world and which forms the life-line of the most densely populated belt in the country. About the Author Sharad B. Chaphekar started his career in ecology in the school of late Prof. Bharucha, at the Institute of Science, Bombay, one of the two pioneering institutions in the country in ecological studies. After joining the same Institute on Faculty, he revived teaching and research in ecology, giving it a broader base of environmental concern. He has been actively involved in the environmental problems of this troubled metropolis for almost two decades. He is presently engaged in research in the field of biomonitoring of industrial air pollution, restoration of mined areas and environmental education in schools the last one started as a member of SOCLEEN, a social organization in Bombay. As a Commonwealth Fellow and as a Visiting Scientist of the Indo-US Exchange programme, he had exposure to several centres of Environmental research in many parts of the world.