In first of its kind decision, Uttarakhand High Court on Monday recognised river Ganga as the ‘first living entity of India’. Along with Ganges, river Yamuna has also been declared a living entity. As per the decision, the rivers will now be entitled to all rights available to humans as per the constitution, Jansatta reported.

Uttarakhand: HC recognised river Ganga as the first living entity of India. pic.twitter.com/aPQQRequ5r

— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2017

A similar ruling was passed out in New Zealand when their parliament passed a bill declaring 145km long Whanganui River as a living entity. The river became the first in the world to be legally recognised as a living entity and was granted the same rights as a human being. Well, River Ganga of India joins the coveted list of rivers given the same rights as of a human.