Sanatan Prabhat > Post Type > News > National News > The Ganga River stays clean despite 46 crore devotees bathing during the Maha Kumbha Mela in Prayagraj

The Ganga River stays clean despite 46 crore devotees bathing during the Maha Kumbha Mela in Prayagraj

  • Report of the research conducted by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)

  • Germicidal ‘bacteriophage’ (virus that kills harmful bacteria) is found in abundance in the Ganga River

  • The water of the Ganga River remains unspoiled for many years even when stored

Nagpur – So far, 46 crore devotees have taken a dip in the Ganga River during the Maha Kumbha Mela, with the numbers increasing daily. Despite this, the river’s water remains unpolluted. This conclusion is based on research conducted by scientists at NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) in Nagpur.

The study found that despite crores of people bathing in it, the Ganga River naturally restores itself over time due to its self-purification ability. Up to 5 kilometres from the bathing site, the water appears completely pure and clean. Even in areas where large crowds bathe, the river purifies itself within 3–4 days. Furthermore, epidemic diseases never spread in these waters. Interestingly, Ganga water remains unspoiled even when stored for several years.

Key research findings

1. Under the National Mission for Clean Ganga, NEERI was entrusted with researching the river’s water quality. Over a span of two years, the institute conducted a three-phase study across 2,400 kilometres of the river’s course. The study covered 3 segments – Gomukh to Haridwar (source region), Haridwar to Pataliputra, Pataliputra to Jafarnagar (West Bengal).In the first segment (Gomukh to Haridwar), researchers identified three key components that help maintain the purity of the Ganga’s flowing water. These components not only keep the river’s water naturally clean but also ensure that stored Ganga water remains unspoiled for years.

2. During the research, water samples were collected from over 50 locations along the river. Scientists discovered the presence of bacteriophage, a type of virus known for its antibacterial properties. These bacteriophages have the ability to fight against disease-causing bacteria.

3. NEERI scientists also found dissolved oxygen in the Ganga’s water, which remains at levels close to purification standards. Additionally, up to 20 millilitres of oxygen was detected in the water. Scientists also identified a phytochemical compound from terpene salts in the water. These three elements play a crucial role in the river’s natural purification process.

Credits : UCN News

Editorial Perspective

Hopefully, this is an eye opener for all those who are ignorant about the sacredness of the holy Ganga River. However, it is equally necessary to continue efforts to prevent the factors that pollute the Ganga River in other ways.

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