River etiquette for everyone: no garbage, plastic or idols in rivers, and fines that are enforced

Government money alone cannot keep rivers clean if people keep throwing waste into them. Simple rules, followed by everyone:

• No plastic, garbage or old clothes in rivers; use the bins and collection points at ghats.
• Immerse idols in artificial ponds made for the purpose, and use natural, unpainted materials.
• Offer flowers and puja material at collection points (they can be composted).
• Report people and businesses dumping waste, with a photo, to the local body.
• Local bodies put bins and signs at every ghat and fine littering consistently.

The same civic habits also help with dirty public places, so this is linked to both problems.