The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin supports a high density of population, leading to the development of major urban centers along the river banks. The interaction between these settlements and the river system has significant environmental implications.- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Varanasi, Patna, Kolkata, Allahabad (Prayagraj), and Kanpur are major cities located along the banks of the River Ganga. The River Yamuna flows through cities such as Delhi, Mathura, and Agra before merging with the Ganga at Prayagraj.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Due to rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure, the wastewater from these towns and cities-comprising domestic sewage and industrial effluents-is often discharged directly into the rivers.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The continuous discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater leads to severe pollution of the rivers, degrading water quality and threatening aquatic ecosystems.
Key Takeaway: Varanasi and Patna are situated on the banks of the River Ganga. The discharge of untreated urban waste is a primary cause of river pollution in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin.