Analysis reveals concerning spikes in pollutants such as BOD and fecal coliform, raising health concerns for pilgrims at sacred bathing spots during major festivals

Water quality in the River Ganga, particularly at key pilgrimage sites such as Kuresar Ghat and Sangam, has shown alarming deviations from the standard outdoor bathing criteria, raising concerns for the health and safety of thousands of pilgrims who bathe in these waters during auspicious occasions.

The water quality at Kuresar Ghat has exceeded the permissible pH limit for outdoor bathing during Makar Sakranti, when the pH reached 8.64, surpassing the designated best-use standard of 6.5-8.5. On other occasions, however, the water quality remains within the acceptable range. Fecal coliform (FC) levels breached the safe limit of 2500 MPN/100 ml during Pre-Makar Sakranti, Pre-Basant Panchami, and Basant Panchami, suggesting contamination during those peak times.

At Sangam, where the largest number of pilgrims take a bath, water quality monitoring conducted in both morning and evening hours revealed consistently high levels of BOD and fecal coliform. The pH levels during the morning readings exceeded outdoor bathing norms on several key festivals like Makar Sakranti, Mauni Amawasya, and Basant Panchami. While the DO levels remained within safe limits, BOD levels fluctuated from 2.1 to 7.7 mg/L, surpassing the acceptable limit on nearly every occasion except Pre-Makar Sakranti and Basant Panchami. Similarly, fecal coliform levels spiked during Makar Sakranti, Post Maha Shivratri, and other significant events, with concentrations of up to 13,000 MPN/100 ml in the morning.

The report have raised alarms about the health implications of such pollutant levels, especially given the rising number of pilgrims bathing in the river during religious festivals. Authorities are urged to take immediate action to monitor and mitigate the pollution levels at these sacred bathing locations to safeguard public health and ensure the Ganga remains a safe and revered site for millions of devotees.