Summary – According to the CAG report, despite the ‘Namami Gange’ project, the water of Ganga is not even fit for bathing. Coliform bacteria is 32 times more from Devprayag to Haridwar. The main reason for this is 32% STP releasing untreated dirty water directly into the river.
New Delhi: A report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) tabled in the budget session of the Uttarakhand Assembly has revealed the truth that raises concerns about the cleanliness of the Ganga river. Despite crores of rupees being spent on the ‘Namami Gange’ project, the water of Ganga is not even fit for bathing, leave alone drinking. This shocking revelation has been made in the CAG report.
32 times more dirt!
According to the CAG report, the amount of coliform bacteria in the water of the holy Ganga river from Devprayag to Haridwar has been found to be 32 times more than the prescribed limit. This audit conducted between 2018 and 2023 has revealed that untreated dirty water getting into the river is the biggest reason for this terrible pollution.
Treatment plants are ignoring the rules
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made strict rules to clean water, but many sewage treatment plants (STP) in the state are not following these rules. According to the report, about 32 percent STPs are releasing dirty water directly into the Ganga without any cleaning. For this reason the holy river is becoming more poisonous day by day.
Plans reduced to paper
The report also says that out of the budget received for the ‘Namami Gange’ project, only 16 percent of the money has been utilized properly. Plans for tree planting (afforestation) are also going on very slowly. Not only this, the cremation grounds built under the State Clean Ganga Mission are also not being used due to lack of awareness and are lying idle.
What diseases are caused by dirty water?
Drinking or using this polluted water of Ganga can have serious effects on health. Mainly… Stomach diseases: Diseases like cholera, typhoid and diarrhea can spread. Skin problems: Bacteria present in water can cause itching, allergies and skin infections. Hepatitis: Dirty water affects the liver, which can lead to diseases like jaundice (hepatitis A and E). Other infections: High levels of coliform bacteria can cause stomach pain and vomiting.
After this report came out, the pressure on the government to actually clean the Ganga has increased.