Society is an artificial system formed by complex social relationships. It has a set of values and norms which help in maintaining harmonious relationships between members of the society and grant them full opportunity for development and enjoy decent way of life free from tyranny and exploitation.

But when there is erosion in these values it leads to degradation of the society or social pollution. Values also keep on changing depending upon the need of the time. If any society sticks to redundant values and norms it also makes room for social degradation. Very few studies have been made on social pollution. But it is as important as the study of physical pollution. We cannot clean the environment unless society is cleaned or proper awareness is created in the society to desist with old practices and traditions.

One of the main reasons for the failure of the Ganga Action Plan was that it did not pay attention to the social aspects of the Ganga pollution. Ganga is considered as divine sacred river with remarkable cleaning power. It not only cleans the dirt but washes out the sins of the people to grant them salvation or better living conditions in the heaven.

Consequently dip or bath in the Ganga and disposal of dead bodies and immersion of puja idols in the river are part of the cultural practices of the Hindus. These need modifications to restore glory to the sacred river. This cannot be done unless it has approval of the Hindu society and Hindu religious leaders.

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Similarly there are many social evils preva­lent in the Society. Caste system, purdah system, child marriage, illiteracy of women and Dalits, untouchability, denying equal rights to women, dowry system, Sati practice, belief in supernatural forces and evil spirits etc. may be cited in this context. Each of them has its impact on the physical and social environment. If major portion of the society is reel­ing under poverty, deprivation, illiteracy and igno­rance, environmental management and environmental regeneration will be a distant dream. To cite a specific example how can tribals be prohibited from collecting and selling fuel wood unless alternatives are developed to grant them livelihood and boost their economy.

There is also need for restoring old social values which are facing crisis due to growing West­ern culture and consequent emphasis on consumer­ism, materialism, selfishness and display of money power. That is why festivals like Dushehra, Holi and Diwali etc. are becoming nightmare. Idols of Durga are now being installed in the individual’s home rather than in public places where there is much use of chemical paints; earthen lamps of Diwali have been replaced by electric bulbs and crackers; and natural colours used during Holi have been replaced by synthetic colours and chemicals. Millions of
rupees are spent on decorating pandals. Glaring lights of the bulbs and blaring loudspeakers are the common phenomena. These can only be tackled by creating proper awareness in the society.