Levels of disease-causing ‘coliform’ bacteria in the Ganga River found to be 32 times higher

CAG report highlights administrative negligence

1. Only 16% of the funds under the Namami Gange initiative have been effectively utilized
2. 32% of sewage is being discharged directly into the Ganga without treatment

Gairsain (Uttarakhand) – Although the Namami Gange project was launched to clean the Ganga River, which is considered sacred by Hindus, it appears that the river continues to become increasingly polluted. A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has been presented, showing the condition of the Ganga’s water in the stretch from Devprayag to Haridwar.

The report found that the level of coliform bacteria, which create conditions for the spread of diseases, is 32 times higher than acceptable limits. It also revealed that several sewage treatment plants are not complying with the standards set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). This audit was conducted while reviewing the implementation of the Namami Gange initiative in Uttarakhand during the period 2018 to 2023.

Key findings from the report

• Around 32% of sewage is being discharged into the Ganga without proper treatment.
• Several components of the scheme have not been properly implemented in cities along the riverbanks.
• Progress in activities like afforestation under the project has also been inadequate. Only about 16% of the allocated funds have been effectively utilized.
• Contaminated water and poor sanitation can lead to serious diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, Hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio.

Editorial Perspectives

• This is disgraceful for the government administration ! The officials responsible for this should face strict action from the government, and the timeline for the purification of the sacred Ganga river should be clearly communicated to 100 crore Hindus.
• Why does the government not take strict action against establishments that discharge untreated sewage into the Ganga river ? If such negligence is occurring even through local self-governing bodies like municipal corporations, the government must also teach them a lesson !
• The 100 crore Hindus are equally responsible for the current state of the sacred Ganga ! They should at least now exert pressure on the government to ensure efforts are made to clean the river.
• Those who defile the Ganga – the very river that purifies all of humanity and absolves sins – are committing a grave sin. They must remember that such sins can never be washed away !