A river’s religious and traditional cultural significance has a bearing on the development of infrastructure projects. In India it concerns the importance of the uninterrupted flow of the Ganges, diversion of the river from its course and leaving large stretches dry or with little water; and the effect of hydropower projects on water purity. In the past, Indian courts have directed the government to release excess water into the Ganges (which would otherwise be diverted for agricultural use) during the holy ‘Magh’ month (January-February) so people can perform religious ceremonies at the holy city of Allahabad. One reason for the establishment of the National Ganges River Basin Authority was the demands of civil society, including religious leaders.