The water quality of the Ganga river at several locations in Bihar has been found unfit for bathing due to high levels of bacteriological pollution, according to the Bihar Economic Survey 2024-25. The report attributes this contamination to the discharge of untreated sewage and domestic wastewater from cities situated along the riverbanks.
This revelation follows a recent assessment by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which found that the Ganga’s water quality in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh failed to meet the primary bathing standards due to excessive faecal coliform levels.
Key findings of the Bihar Economic Survey
"The water quality of the Ganga indicates the presence of a higher value of bacteriological population, including total coliform and faecal coliform. This is primarily due to the discharge of untreated sewage and domestic wastewater from urban settlements along the river and its tributaries."
However, the report also notes that other water quality parameters—such as pH levels (acidity or basicity), dissolved oxygen (DO), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)—are within the prescribed limits. This suggests that while the water may not be suitable for bathing, it remains fit for aquatic life, wildlife propagation, fisheries, and irrigation.
Commenting on the findings, DK Shukla, chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), said: "Faecal coliform bacteria originate from human and animal excreta and enter water sources through untreated sewage. Higher levels of these bacteria indicate a greater presence of disease-causing pathogens in the water."
As per CPCB standards, the permissible limit of faecal coliform in bathing water is 2,500 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100 ml. Any level exceeding this threshold poses health risks to those who come into direct contact with the water.
Despite multiple efforts under the Namami Gange programme and various state-led initiatives, pollution in the Ganga and its tributaries continues to be a significant environmental challenge. The direct discharge of untreated sewage, coupled with industrial waste and agricultural runoff, remains a major obstacle in improving the river’s water quality.
Authorities have reiterated the need for effective sewage treatment infrastructure and stricter monitoring mechanisms to mitigate pollution levels and ensure that the Ganga remains a safe and sustainable water source for both human and ecological needs.
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