The remarkable ability of the Ganga River to exhibit antibacterial properties has intrigued scientists and devotees alike for over a century. This mystery was first observed in 1891 by British bacteriologist Ernest Hankin, who noted an unusual phenomenon while studying cholera outbreaks along the riverbanks. Despite being exposed to contamination from sewage and corpses, the spread of cholera in areas surrounding the Ganga was not as rampant as expected. Hankin speculated that an unidentified agent in the river water destroyed cholera-causing bacteria before they could lead to widespread infection.
Rising Concerns Over Water Quality
Fast forward to the present, the debate between faith and science has intensified following a recent report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which detected alarmingly high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga at Prayagraj. This discovery is particularly significant because it coincides with the Maha Kumbh festivities, during which more than 50 crore devotees take a ritualistic dip in the river, believing in its sacred and purifying properties.
Fecal coliform bacteria, found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans, indicate water contamination. Their presence suggests that human and animal waste has entered the water, potentially bringing harmful pathogens such as viruses, parasites, and other disease-causing microorganisms. Exposure to such contaminated water could pose serious health risks, raising concerns about the safety of millions of pilgrims participating in the holy dip.
The Case for Ganga’s ‘Self-Purification’ Ability
Amidst these concerns, a recent study suggests that a unique biological phenomenon may be responsible for naturally purifying the Ganga’s waters. The research, led by Dr. Ajay Sonkar, highlights the role of bacteriophages—viruses that selectively infect and destroy bacteria—as a key factor in maintaining the river’s antibacterial properties. These bacteriophages, often referred to as nature’s “security guards,” specifically target and eliminate harmful bacteria, including those introduced by the millions of bathers at the Maha Kumbh.
Unlike chemical treatments that can disturb beneficial microbial communities, bacteriophages are highly selective in their action. They attack only harmful bacteria while leaving beneficial microbes intact. This property has made bacteriophages a promising subject of study in medical advancements, particularly in phage therapy—a potential alternative to antibiotics that could combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Tracing the Scientific Legacy of Ganga’s Antibacterial Properties
The fascination with the Ganga’s self-purifying ability dates back to Ernest Hankin’s early observations. However, it was not until 1917 that French scientist Félix d’Hérelle identified the mysterious agent responsible for the antibacterial properties of the Ganga. His groundbreaking discovery of bacteriophages confirmed Hankin’s hypothesis and laid the foundation for phage therapy, a field of study that explores how these viruses can be harnessed for medical purposes.
D’Hérelle’s research demonstrated that bacteriophages played a significant role in neutralizing harmful bacteria in the Ganga’s waters. Since then, numerous studies have explored the potential applications of bacteriophages in treating bacterial infections, especially as antibiotic resistance continues to pose a global health challenge.
The Conflict Between Pollution and Purification
Despite its historical reputation for self-purification, the Ganga is currently facing severe environmental challenges. Industrial waste, untreated sewage, and chemical effluents have significantly contributed to the river’s pollution. While the presence of bacteriophages may help control bacterial contamination, their effectiveness against large-scale pollution remains a subject of debate among scientists.
The CPCB’s recent findings indicate that fecal contamination levels in the river are dangerously high, raising questions about whether Ganga’s natural purification mechanisms are sufficient to counteract modern pollution levels. The presence of bacteriophages may provide some defense against bacterial contamination, but they cannot neutralize heavy metals, toxic chemicals, or other non-bacterial pollutants that enter the river from industrial and urban waste.
Faith vs. Science: An Ongoing Debate
With growing concerns over pollution, the age-old debate between faith and science continues. For millions of devotees, the Ganga remains sacred and eternally pure, regardless of scientific evidence pointing to contamination. Ritualistic dips in the river during religious festivals symbolize spiritual cleansing and divine blessing, reinforcing a belief in the river’s inherent ability to purify itself and those who bathe in it.
On the other hand, environmentalists and scientists stress the urgent need for pollution control measures to protect the river’s ecosystem and ensure the safety of those who rely on it for drinking water and daily needs. While the discovery of bacteriophages provides a fascinating insight into the river’s unique biological properties, it does not diminish the pressing issue of large-scale pollution.
Is the Ganga Still Self-Purifying?
The debate over whether the Ganga is still capable of self-purification in the face of increasing pollution is far from settled. While the presence of bacteriophages explains some of the river’s historical antibacterial properties, their effectiveness is not absolute, especially when confronted with the overwhelming volume of industrial and human waste being discharged into the water daily.
If the Ganga is to retain its legendary purity, efforts must be made to reduce pollution through strict regulations, wastewater treatment facilities, and sustainable environmental practices. Only through a balanced approach—one that respects both faith and scientific inquiry—can the sacred river be preserved for future generations.
