Named South Asia rivers, ranked by modeled emission
These are the reviewed, named outfalls from the dataset's top 50 located in South Asia. Each links to a full profile with drivers, caveats, and sources.
South Asia: River Plastic Emission Rankings
South Asia accounts for 182 of the top 1,000 modeled river outfalls in the Meijer et al. (2021) framework, together carrying a modeled 134,481 metric tons of plastic to the ocean per year, 18.6% of the combined top 1,000 total. This grouping matches the South Asia filter on the interactive map.
Ulhas River
Rank #3 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 13,433 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Ganges River
Rank #8 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 6,222 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Hugli River
Rank #17 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 3,878 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Bharathappuzha River
Rank #20 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 3,518 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Malad Creek
Rank #30 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 2,724 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Kelani River
Rank #31 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 2,721 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Karnaphuli River
Rank #34 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 2,554 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Panvel Creek
Rank #36 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 2,520 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Chilyar River
Rank #44 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 2,315 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Periyar River
Rank #45 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 2,292 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Mithi River
Rank #48 of 31,819 modeled outfall points. Modeled emission 2,182 metric tons per year, Indian Ocean basin.
Methodology Note
Figures are modeled estimates from Meijer et al. (2021), not measured regional totals. Regional attribution on this site covers the dataset's top 1,000 outfall points, grouped to match the map filters (Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Americas).
South Asia FAQ
Which South Asia rivers carry the most plastic to the ocean?
The highest-ranked named rivers in South Asia in the Meijer et al. (2021) model are the Ulhas River (#3), the Ganges River (#8), the Hugli River (#17). Values are modeled annual estimates, not measurements.
Why does South Asia rank where it does in river plastic emissions?
The model combines mismanaged waste generation, population density, rainfall and hydrology, and distance to the coast. South Asia's share reflects how those inputs combine across its coastal catchments; see the methodology page for how the estimates are built and their uncertainty.
Are these figures measurements?
No. They are modeled estimates from a global framework. Regional attribution on this site covers the dataset's top 1,000 modeled points.
Sources
- Meijer, L.J.J. et al. (2021). "More than 1000 rivers account for 80% of global riverine plastic emissions into the ocean." Science Advances, 7(18). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz5803
- UNEP (2021). "From Pollution to Solution: A Global Assessment of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution." View report
How to Cite This Page
Plastic Bank. "South Asia: River Plastic Emission Rankings (Meijer et al. 2021)." Rivers Carrying Plastic to the Ocean. https://rivers.plasticbank.com/rivers/region/south-asia. Reviewed July 20, 2026.