In Haridwar, people bring Ganga river water home in bottles or cans, so that the house can be cleaned with its pure water. Ganga water has also been used in many religious functions over the years. There is nothing purer in Hinduism than Ganga water. But in the last several years, such reports have come out in which it has been said that the number of bacteria present in Ganga water which makes it pure is now decreasing.
Meanwhile, a report of Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board has also come out. It has been said in this report that the water of Ganga river in Haridwar has been found in B category. This water cannot be considered safe for drinking. However this water can be used for bathing. It is noteworthy that Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board tests the water of Ganga every month at about eight places around Haridwar.
During the recent testing, the water of river Ganga was found to be of ‘B’ category for the month of November. River water is divided into five categories, with ‘A’ being the least toxic, which means the water can be used as a drinking source after disinfection and ‘E’ being the most toxic.
In a special conversation with ANI, UKPCB regional officer Rajendra Singh said, ‘The Central Pollution Control Board has divided the quality of water into five categories. On the basis of four parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, organic oxygen and total coliform bacteria), the quality of Ganga has been found to be in ‘B’ category. This means that the water of Ganga is suitable for bathing.
Local priest Ujjwal Pandit also expressed concern over the increase in water pollution and said that the purity of Ganga water is being affected due to human excreta. He said, “Just by bathing with Ganga water, the diseases of our body go away. It cures diseases like cancer. We claim that if you take Ganga water now and test it after 10 years, you will not find any impurity in it.” Whatever is being said about the purity of Ganga water is because of human excreta and we need to change it.”
Meanwhile, pollution in India’s river bodies, especially the Yamuna River in Delhi, has been a cause of serious concern for the past few years. On 1 December a thick layer of toxic foam was seen floating on the surface of the Yanuma River, raising concerns about a potential health risk.
