Kumbh Mela, a grand confluence of devotion and faith, witnesses millions of pilgrims taking a dip in the sacred Ganga. However, this massive congregation significantly impacts the water quality of the river. A recent study by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revealed that the coliform bacteria levels in the Ganga have risen to dangerous levels, posing a severe threat to the river's purity.
During the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, millions of pilgrims enter the river simultaneously, leading to contamination through discarded clothes, flowers, plastic bottles, and other waste. Additionally, sewage and industrial waste from nearby areas flow into the Ganga, further degrading its water quality.
CPCB’s inspection found that coliform bacteria levels in several pilgrimage sites along the Ganga have reached alarmingly high levels. When these bacteria enter the human body, they can cause severe health issues, making it a critical concern.
As a result of this pollution, people who bathe in the Ganga or use its water face serious health risks. Coliform bacteria can lead to diseases like diarrhea, indigestion, and high fever. Moreover, the river’s biodiversity is also severely affected. The decreasing oxygen levels in the water make it difficult for aquatic life, including fish, to survive, leading to mass deaths.
Furthermore, since millions of people rely on the Ganga for drinking water, its contamination exacerbates the crisis of clean water availability. If pollution continues unchecked, the Ganga may eventually become a lifeless, stagnant water body.
To address this issue, both the government and pilgrims must take responsibility. Pilgrims should be strictly prohibited from throwing flowers or using plastic in the river. Special water purification systems should be set up exclusively for Kumbh Mela.
Additionally, CPCB, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), and central and state governments must enforce stricter pollution control laws. It is also essential to ensure that water quality is tested and secured before pilgrims enter the river.
Kumbh Mela is not just a spiritual festival; it also carries the responsibility of protecting the Ganga. Understanding the necessity of clean water and fostering an attitude that balances devotion with environmental conservation is the only way to preserve the Ganga for future generations.
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