The Ganga River, one of India’s most revered rivers, holds deep religious significance for millions of devotees. Each year, particularly during the Maha Kumbh Mela, vast crowds flock to its banks to take a holy dip, believing it will wash away their sins. However, recent findings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have raised alarming concerns about the levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the waters at Prayagraj, especially during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. This contamination, largely caused by untreated sewage discharge, poses not only an environmental challenge but also a serious public health threat. This article explores the effects of faecal bacteria on human health and the measures being implemented to tackle this escalating issue.
What is Faecal Coliform?
Faecal coliform is a type of bacteria that is usually found in the intestines of humans and animals. When these bacteria are present in water bodies like rivers and lakes, it indicates that the water has been contaminated with animal or sewage waste. Although not every type of coliform bacteria poses a threat, their presence often suggests that other harmful pathogens, such as viruses, Salmonella, and E. coli, may also be present. These pathogens can cause various serious health issues, which is why finding them in the Ganga is especially concerning.
How Dangerous is the Contamination in Ganga at Prayagraj?
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the acceptable limit for faecal coliform bacteria in bathing water is 2,500 units per 100 millilitres. However, recent test results from various areas around Prayagraj, especially during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, show levels of faecal coliform far exceeding this limit. This indicates that the water in some areas of the Ganga is heavily contaminated, posing a significant risk to those who come into direct contact with it, including the millions of pilgrims who immerse themselves in its waters during the religious festival.
The contamination is made worse by untreated sewage from nearby settlements, which continues to flow into the river, further degrading the water quality. With millions of devotees entering the water during the festival, the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria and pathogens increases significantly. This is a particularly alarming situation, given the large number of people who are exposed to the water at once, as the bacteria can spread rapidly, leading to the potential for large-scale outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
