The Ganga river water in Haridwar has been classified as ‘B’ category by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB), indicating it is unsuitable for drinking but safe for bathing.
The findings are part of the UKPCB’s monthly testing of Ganga water at eight locations near the Uttar Pradesh border. Water quality is graded into five categories, with:
- ‘A’: Safest, drinkable after disinfection.
- ‘E’: Most toxic, unfit for human or animal use.
Expert Insights:
- Rajendra Singh, regional officer of UKPCB, explained:“Based on four parameters—pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, and total coliform bacteria—the Ganga water was found to be in the ‘B’ category, suitable for bathing.”
- Ujwal Pandit, a local priest, voiced concerns over pollution from human waste affecting Ganga’s purity:“The Ganga’s water has healing properties, curing diseases like cancer. However, increasing pollution is harming its purity. We must address waste management to restore its sanctity.”
Broader Pollution Issues:
The pollution of India’s rivers remains a pressing issue:
- In Delhi, toxic foam on the Yamuna River was observed on December 1, raising health concerns and highlighting the ongoing challenges of river pollution.
Efforts to clean the Ganga, including the Namami Gange Programme, aim to improve water quality and curb pollution. However, continuous monitoring and public cooperation are critical to achieving sustainable results.