The Science Behind Maha Kumbh 2025 Waters : Purity Or Pollution?

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The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj draws to a close, the sacred Ganga river remains at the centre of discussions about its water quality. Over the past weeks, millions of devotees have taken a holy dip, believing in its divine ability to cleanse sins and purify the soul. But beyond faith, a scientific debate has emerged-does the Ganga truly possess a self-purifying mechanism that keeps it clean despite such massive human activity.

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The Science Behind The Ganga's 'Self-Purification'

In an intriguing twist, a Padma Shri award-winning scientist, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sonkar, has now claimed that the Ganga possesses a unique self-purification mechanism, supported by microscopic research. But does this claim hold up against pollution reports from environmental bodies?

Dr. Sonkar's recent findings, as highlighted by the Uttar Pradesh government, suggest that despite millions of devotees bathing in the river, its water remains untainted. His microscopic examinations of samples collected from key pilgrimage sites during the Maha Kumbh revealed no bacterial growth or pH variation.

The key to this phenomenon, he asserts, lies in the presence of approximately 1,100 types of bacteriophages, viruses that specifically target and destroy bacteria. These 'bacteria-eating' agents are believed to play a vital role in keeping the Ganga's waters naturally clean.

The idea of the Ganga's extraordinary cleansing power is not new. Historical and scientific studies have long praised its exceptional water quality. The Charak Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text, describes the river's unmatched ability to maintain purity.

A study by scientist D.S. Bhargava highlighted that the Ganga's dissolved oxygen levels can be up to 25 times higher than those of other rivers, enhancing its natural purification. Even British bacteriologist Ernest Hankin, in the late 19th century, observed that Ganga water could destroy cholera-causing bacteria.

Contradictory Reports : Pollution vs Purity

Despite these promising claims, findings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) present a starkly different picture. A report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on February 3, 2025, indicated that the river's water at key bathing points exhibited high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), a marker of organic pollution. Additionally, fecal coliform levels were significantly above safe limits, raising concerns about bacterial contamination.

This contradiction between the river's supposed self-purification ability and clear signs of pollution has sparked debate among scientists and environmentalists. While bacteriophages might contribute to bacterial control, they do not eliminate pollutants such as industrial waste, plastics, and untreated sewage, which continue to threaten the Ganga's ecosystem.

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The Role Of Flow And Oxygenation

One of the key factors behind the Ganga's famed self-purification is its high flow rate, particularly in the upper reaches. Fast-moving water naturally oxygenates itself, enhancing the breakdown of organic matter. However, in recent decades, excessive water extraction for agriculture, industry, and human consumption has significantly reduced the river's flow. This has weakened its ability to cleanse itself naturally, particularly in the plains and lower reaches where pollution levels are at their worst.

Recognising these challenges, the Indian government has long attempted to rejuvenate the Ganga. The NGT has consistently emphasized the need for an uninterrupted flow to maintain the river's natural cleansing properties. Various government-led initiatives, including the Namami Gange Programme, aim to reduce pollution and restore the river's health. However, challenges such as untreated sewage discharge, industrial waste, and encroachments continue to undermine these efforts.

A Sacred Duty To Protect The Ganga

The Ganga is not just a river-it is a lifeline for millions and a sacred entity revered across generations. While science supports claims of its unique self-purification ability, modern pollution levels tell a different story. The reality is that the river's natural cleansing properties cannot counteract the overwhelming impact of human-induced pollution.

Photo Credit: PTI

Ensuring the Ganga's health requires collective responsibility. Both scientific innovation and stringent environmental policies must go hand in hand with public awareness and action. Only through a holistic approach can the Ganga reclaim its legendary purity, remaining a symbol of life, faith, and sustainability for future generations.