Ep 3. The Delta

The Ganges With Sue Perkins is an enchanting and eye-opening travelogue documentary series that traces the 2,500-kilometer journey of the Ganges River, from its source in the Himalayas to its delta in the Bay of Bengal. The show is presented by comedian and writer Sue Perkins, who immerses herself in the rich and diverse cultures, religions, and landscapes that the Ganges flows through, while exploring the environmental challenges and human stories that shape the river's destiny.

In season 1 episode 3, titled "The Delta", Sue Perkins ventures to the southernmost and largest delta in the world, where the Ganges merges with two other rivers, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The delta is a vast and complex ecosystem that encompasses over 100,000 square kilometers of land, water, and mangrove forests, supporting millions of people and species.

As Sue begins her journey in the bustling city of Kolkata, she encounters the stark contrast between the urbanized and polluted part of the Ganges and the pristine and productive deltas downstream. She meets local fishermen, farmers, and conservationists who depend on the delta for their livelihoods and who share their insights into the challenges and solutions for sustaining the fragile delta ecosystem amidst climate change, pollution, and population pressure.

Sue visits the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world, which spans both India and Bangladesh and is home to the iconic Bengal tiger, as well as other endangered species like the Irrawaddy dolphin, the saltwater crocodile, and the Olive Ridley turtle. She joins a group of researchers who study the impact of human activities on the health of the Sundarbans, including the use of pesticides, plastics, and sewage, and the potential for ecotourism to benefit both the local communities and the conservation efforts.

Sue also explores the cultural and religious significance of the delta, which is home to many Hindu and Muslim shrines and pilgrimage sites, as well as ancient Buddhist universities and monasteries. She visits the island of Sagar, where she witnesses the fascinating and colorful rituals of the Ganga Sagar Mela, a famous annual fair where millions of people gather to take a dip in the holy confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal.

Throughout her journey, Sue Perkins manages to combine her trademark humor, curiosity, and compassion, with a deep respect and awe for the beauty and complexity of the delta and its people. She presents a fascinating and informative portrait of a region that is often overlooked or misunderstood, but that holds the key to the future of one of the world's most iconic rivers. The episode is a must-see for anyone interested in the environment, culture, and adventure.