Does Pouring Milk Into Rivers Count As Pollution? NGT Wants Answers

Hinzugefügt: 2026-05-24

[00:00:00]11,000 L of milk directly into a river.

[00:00:03]These visuals from Madhya Pradesh have now reached the National Green Tribunal and the question is surprisingly complicated. Can pouring milk into a river actually count as pollution? The case is linked to a religious event near the Narada River where thousands of liters of milk were offered as part of a ritual. Now obviously milk is not industrial waste. In many rituals, devotees pour milk into rivers and water bodies as a religious offering. And since milk is biodegradable, it may not seem harmful at first, but experts say that when large quantities of organic material like milk enter rivers, microorganisms start breaking it down.

[00:00:42]And that process increases the river's BOD or biological oxygen demand, meaning less oxygen for aquatic life. and less oxygen can affect fish, aquatic life, and overall river health. That's why the NG has now asked pollution control authorities to examine whether rituals like these fall under existing environmental laws or if new guidelines are needed. Because the bigger question is where should the line be drawn between faith and environmental responsibility? What do you think? Tell us in the comments below and follow Vijana for more such content.