Ganga water unfit for bathing at several places in Bihar due to bacteriological population:
The Bihar Economic Survey 2024-25 has revealed that the water of the Ganga River in Bihar is largely unfit for bathing due to the presence of an elevated level of bacteriological contamination, including total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria. This contamination poses significant health risks and raises concerns about water safety in the state.
The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) conducts fortnightly assessments of Ganga’s water quality at 34 locations across the state. These tests are intended to track changes in pollution levels and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
According to the Economic Survey report, recently presented in the Bihar Assembly, the primary cause of bacterial contamination in the river is the discharge of untreated sewage and domestic wastewater from cities and towns situated along its banks. The survey emphasized that while other water quality indicators—such as pH levels (acidity or basicity), dissolved oxygen (DO), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)—fall within the permissible limits, making the river suitable for aquatic life, fisheries, and irrigation, the bacterial contamination renders it unsafe for human activities like bathing.
Several important towns are located along the Ganga River in Bihar, contributing to its pollution. These towns include Buxar, Chapra (Saran), Dighwara, Sonepur, Maner, Danapur, Patna, Fatuha, Bakhtiyarpur, Barh, Mokama, Begusarai, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Manihari, Munger, Jamalpur, Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, and Kahalgaon. The discharge of untreated sewage from these densely populated urban areas has significantly deteriorated the river’s water quality.
Speaking on the issue, Bihar State Pollution Control Board Chairman D.K. Shukla acknowledged that the high levels of bacteriological contamination in the Ganga river are deeply concerning.
“Faecal coliform bacteria originate from human and animal excreta, which contaminate water through the release of untreated sewage. The higher the level of these bacteria, the greater the presence of disease-causing pathogens in the water, increasing health risks for individuals who come into contact with it,” Shukla explained.
As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, the permissible limit of faecal coliform bacteria in bathing water is 2,500 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100 ml. However, testing across multiple locations in Bihar has shown that the coliform count far exceeds this limit, making the water unsafe for human use.
To combat the rising pollution levels, the BSPCB has been actively working to ensure that Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in the state function efficiently.
“We have issued directives to the concerned authorities to expedite the construction and operationalization of STPs that are still under development. Once fully functional, these plants will help in reducing the discharge of untreated sewage into the Ganga,” Shukla stated.
Additionally, the BSPCB is continuously monitoring the quality of wastewater and industrial effluents being released into the river. So far, 2,561 samples of water, effluents, and sewage have been collected from various sources across Bihar to assess pollution levels.
With the Ganga being one of India’s holiest and most important rivers, its pollution has significant environmental, cultural, and public health implications. Despite several government initiatives aimed at cleaning the river, including the Namami Gange Programme, the situation in Bihar indicates that more stringent measures are required to ensure sustainable water management.
Experts emphasize the need for improved sewage treatment infrastructure, stricter enforcement of pollution control norms, and community awareness programs to protect the Ganga’s water quality for future generations.
