Ep 1. The Ganges

Jeremy Wade's Mighty Rivers is a captivating docuseries that explores some of the world's most significant waterways and the creatures that reside in them. In season one's first episode, titled "The Ganges," Jeremy ventures to India's sacred river to learn more about the threats facing its inhabitants.

The episode begins with a stunning aerial view of the Ganges River, a 1,569-mile-long stretch of water that is revered by Hindus as a goddess and symbolic of prana or life force. Despite its spiritual significance, the Ganges is also one of the most heavily polluted rivers in the world, with over 1.2 billion liters of raw sewage and industrial effluent dumped into its waters every day.

Jeremy starts his journey in the bustling city of Varanasi, where thousands of pilgrims gather daily to bathe in the river and perform rituals. He meets with expert guides and conservationists who explain the challenges facing the Ganges, including plastic pollution, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change. One such expert is Dr. Rajeev Raghavan, a fish specialist who has discovered several new species in the river.

As Jeremy explores the river, he encounters a wide variety of aquatic creatures, including Gangetic dolphins, catfish, and eels. He also observes the daily routines of local fishermen and their families, who depend on the river for their livelihoods. Despite the challenges facing the river, some conservation efforts are making a positive impact. Jeremy visits a hatchery where endangered turtles are being bred and released back into the wild.

One of the highlights of the episode is when Jeremy attempts to catch a giant catfish, a species that can weigh up to 300 kg and is known to feed on the corpses of humans. He joins forces with a local fisherman and sets out on a quest to catch one of these elusive creatures. The fishing expedition takes them through some of the most polluted parts of the river, where they encounter various hazards, including boat traffic and submerged waste.

Throughout the episode, Jeremy illuminates the many threats facing the Ganges and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect its delicate ecosystem. He also reflects on the river's spiritual and cultural significance and the profound connections between human and aquatic life.

"The Ganges" is a riveting and thought-provoking exploration of one of the world's most important rivers. Through stunning cinematography and insightful interviews, Jeremy Wade offers a compelling look at the environmental and cultural issues facing this vital waterway.