The Ganga, or Ganges, River holds a special place in the hearts of millions worldwide. Revered as a goddess in Hindu culture, the Ganga is believed to have the power to cleanse sins and purify the soul. But beyond its spiritual significance, a growing body of scientific evidence supports the purity and unique properties of Ganga water. The timeless purity of Ganga continues to inspire devotion and reverence, embodying both spiritual significance and natural wonder.
In this blog, we delve into the science behind the purity of the Ganga, exploring the exceptional properties that set it apart from other rivers and the challenges threatening its sanctity today.
Read Also: The Sacred Ganga: Lifeline of India
The Unique Self-Purification Ability of the Ganga
The Ganga’s ability to remain pure has been studied for centuries. Here’s what makes it special:
1. Presence of Bacteriophages
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. The Ganga is rich in these natural antimicrobial agents.
- Scientific Evidence:
- An 1896 study by British bacteriologist Ernest Hanbury Hankin found that Ganga’s water killed cholera bacteria in less than 3 hours, while other waters took much longer or failed entirely.
- Modern studies confirm that bacteriophages in the Ganga help maintain its microbiological purity.
- Bacteriophage concentration: Up to 10 times higher than other global river systems.
- Bacterial elimination rate: Significantly faster compared to other water bodies.
- Pathogen reduction: Remarkable self-purification capabilities
2. High Oxygen Retention Capacity
The Ganga’s water has an extraordinary ability to retain dissolved oxygen, even in stagnant conditions.
- Scientific Evidence:
- Researchers have measured the Ganga’s dissolved oxygen levels to be higher than other rivers, even at polluted sites.
- This property ensures the survival of aquatic life and aids in breaking down organic pollutants naturally.
3. Medicinal Properties
The water of the Ganga has been found to contain unique antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Scientific Evidence:
- Studies at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in Nagpur revealed that the Ganga water resists microbial decay longer than other waters.
- These properties come from Himalayan sediments and natural minerals dissolved in the river.
Scientific Evidence of Purity
- Presence of Bacteriophages: Studies conducted by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) have found that Ganga water contains unique bacteriophages—viruses that infect and destroy bacteria. These bacteriophages help reduce bacterial contamination, contributing to the river’s self-purifying properties.
- Higher Dissolved Oxygen Levels: According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Ganga River has higher levels of dissolved oxygen than other rivers. This aids in maintaining water quality and supports aquatic life.
- Beneficial Mineral Content: Research by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee indicates that Ganga water contains beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, known for their health benefits. These minerals contribute to the water’s medicinal properties.
- Self-Purifying Properties: Studies by NEERI suggest that Ganga water can naturally purify itself faster than other rivers. This self-purifying capability is attributed to the river’s unique microbial diversity and natural filtration processes.
- Antimicrobial Action: The Journal of Environmental Biology has found that Ganga water has natural antimicrobial properties, reducing harmful microorganisms. This makes the water less prone to contamination and supports its reputation for purity.
- Low Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): The CPCB report indicates that the Ganga has a relatively low BOD, which means there is less organic pollution in the water. This further supports the river’s ability to maintain its purity despite external influences.
- Microbial Diversity: Research by the Indian Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) highlights that unique microbial life forms in the Ganga help in biodegradation and maintaining water purity. These microbes play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and preventing pollution.
- Natural Filtration: According to NEERI, sediments and aquatic plants in the river act as natural filters, enhancing the water quality of the Ganga. This natural filtration system helps remove impurities and maintain the river’s purity.
Historical Anecdotes Supporting Ganga’s Purity
The Ganga’s purity has been celebrated for centuries, with numerous historical accounts highlighting its unique qualities:
- Mughal Era Records:
- Mughal emperors like Akbar and Aurangzeb valued Ganga water for its purity and longevity. Akbar reportedly insisted on Ganga water being carried during military campaigns, as it remained fresh for extended periods.
- British Observations:
- In 1896, British bacteriologist Ernest Hanbury Hankin noted that Ganga water killed cholera bacteria within hours, showcasing its remarkable antimicrobial properties.
- Pilgrim Traditions:
- For centuries, pilgrims have collected Ganga water for religious rituals. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the water stored for years remained free of decay and bad odor, unlike ordinary water.
- Cultural Practices:
- Ancient scriptures describe the Ganga as a purifier, with people using its water to cleanse impurities both physically and spiritually.
Threats to the Ganga’s Purity
Despite its unique self-purifying properties, the Ganga is under significant environmental and ecological threat due to human activity and modern challenges. Here are the major threats to its purity:
1. Industrial Pollution
- Thousands of industrial units, including tanneries, paper mills, and chemical plants, discharge untreated or partially treated effluents directly into the river.
- Around 2.9 billion liters of wastewater are discharged daily into the river, overwhelming its natural purifying capacity.
- Impact: These effluents add heavy metals, dyes, and other toxic chemicals, affecting the river’s water quality and aquatic life.
- Impact on Aquatic Life: Over 140 fish species and 90 amphibian species rely on the Ganga. Pollution disrupts these habitats, threatening biodiversity.
2. Domestic Sewage
- Cities and towns along the Ganga generate billions of liters of sewage daily, much of which is released untreated due to inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure.
- Impact: This leads to eutrophication, depleting oxygen levels, and endangering aquatic ecosystems.
3. Agricultural Runoff
- Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides from agricultural fields drain into the Ganga, introducing harmful chemicals.
- Impact: These pollutants disrupt the river’s ecosystem, harming aquatic organisms and contaminating drinking water sources.
4. Plastic Waste
- Large amounts of plastic and non-biodegradable waste are dumped into the river by individuals and industries.
- Impact: Plastic blocks water flow, degrades habitats, and releases microplastics, threatening biodiversity and human health.
5. Sand Mining and Dredging
- Excessive sand mining for construction disrupts the riverbed and alters natural flow patterns.
- Impact: This increases erosion, damages habitats, and affects groundwater recharge in surrounding areas.
6. Dams and Barrages
- Structures like the Farakka Barrage alter the river’s natural flow and sedimentation patterns.
- Impact: These disruptions affect aquatic ecosystems, reduce sediment transport, and lower water levels downstream, impacting agriculture and livelihoods.
7. Religious and Cultural Practices
- Ritualistic practices, including immersion of idols, ashes, and flowers wrapped in plastic, contribute to pollution.
- Impact: These practices introduce harmful materials like paints and plastics into the river.
8. Climate Change
- Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns are reducing the flow of glacial meltwater feeding the Ganga.
- Impact: Lower water volumes exacerbate pollution concentrations and affect the river’s ability to self-purify.
Scientific Efforts to Preserve the Ganga
To restore and preserve the river’s purity, several initiatives have been undertaken:
- Namami Gange Program: A flagship program by the Indian government focusing on:
- Sewage treatment plants.
- Riverfront development to prevent waste dumping.
- Public awareness campaigns.
- Research Collaborations:
- Indian and global scientists are studying bacteriophages in the Ganga to develop advanced water purification technologies.
The Way Forward: Protecting Ganga’s Legacy
- Community Involvement: Educating local communities about sustainable practices and their role in keeping the river clean.
- Industrial Regulation: Strict enforcement of laws to minimize industrial discharge into the river.
- Scientific Monitoring: Expanding research into the Ganga’s unique properties to leverage its potential while safeguarding its ecosystem.
Recent Studies and Findings
Recent studies have further validated the purity of Ganga water. A study by IIT Kanpur tested water samples from the Ganga on 28 parameters set by the Bureau of Indian Standards and found certain stretches of the river fit for drinking. Additionally, a viral video by Ashu Ghai showed microscopic examination and lab tests of Ganga water from Haridwar, revealing no visible impurities or microorganisms.
Conclusion
The Ganga is more than a river, it is a testament to nature’s extraordinary capabilities. Its self-purifying properties, backed by science, make it unique among the world’s rivers. However, its survival depends on our collective efforts to curb pollution and restore its natural flow.
As we unravel the scientific mysteries of the Ganges, we are reminded of the delicate balance between human activity and natural ecological systems. Protecting and understanding this extraordinary river is not just an environmental imperative but a testament to the incredible complexity of our natural world.
Let us honor the timeless purity of the Ganga and work together to keep this natural wonder thriving.
Read Also
- The Sacred Ganga: Lifeline of India
- River Delta Ecosystems
- Coastal Landscapes of Indian States and the Nation
- Soils of India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. The Ganga is considered pure due to its unique self-purifying properties, such as the presence of bacteriophages (viruses that kill harmful bacteria), high dissolved oxygen retention, and natural minerals from the Himalayan region. These factors help maintain its water quality despite external pollutants.
A. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and destroy bacteria. The Ganga’s water is rich in these microorganisms, which prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, contributing to its antimicrobial properties and maintaining its purity.
A. The Ganga retains higher levels of dissolved oxygen compared to other rivers, even in stagnant conditions. This property enhances its ability to support aquatic life and naturally break down organic pollutants.
A. 1896: Ernest Hanbury Hankin demonstrated the Ganga’s ability to kill cholera bacteria rapidly.
Modern studies by institutions like the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) confirm its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
A. The Namami Gange Program is a flagship initiative by the Indian government to restore the Ganga’s purity. It focuses on building sewage treatment plants, reducing industrial waste, creating riverfront projects, and raising public awareness.