Pollution in Ganga - Solutions for Sustainable Ganga Cleanup - UPSC Editorials

Context: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 at Prayagraj saw 45 crore people taking ritual baths in the Ganga, raising serious concerns over water quality and pollution levels. The event has highlighted the ongoing challenges in managing Ganga’s pollution, despite large-scale government initiatives like Namami Gange.

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Key Water Quality Concerns at Prayagraj During the Kumbh Mela

Water quality problems in Ganga river during Kumbh Mela are as follows:

Excessive Faecal Pollution

• Faecal coliform level at Sangam Ghat was 11,000 units per 100ml on peak days (Makar Sankranti), 4 times above the permissible limit (2,500 units).
• Indicates severe contamination due to human and animal feces, making the water unfit for bathing and drinking.

Fluctuating Water Quality

• Water quality varied suddenly between low pollution (~200 units) and extreme pollution on various days.
• Indicates seasonal and festival-related effects on pollution levels.

High Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

• Variation in BOD indicated varying extents of organic pollution, affecting the level of oxygen available for aquatic life.

Not for Bathing & Drinking

• Reports by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) stated that the water was not safe for ritual bathing during the festival even when tolerance limits were increased for bathing water.
• Microbial pollution increased due to the large-scale number of pilgrims bathing in the river.

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Challenges faced in controlling the pollution of river Ganga include the following:

Chronic Pollution Problem

• Regular CPCB monitoring shows that Ganga’s water remains polluted year-round, not just during festivals.
• Indicates that pollution is a long-term crisis, not a short-term festival-related issue.

Unregulated Sewage Disposal

• Towns & cities along the Ganga discharge untreated sewage directly into the river.
• Existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are insufficient or poorly maintained.

Industrial Effluent Discharge

• Industries dump toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and untreated waste into the river.
• Weaker enforcement of antipollution legislation enables factories to circumvent regulations.

Inefficiencies in Cleanup Programs

• Even with the ₹20,000 crore Namami Gange Mission, there is slow movement owing to bureaucratic holdups and poor monitoring.

Cultural & Religious Practices

• Mass bathing, idol immersions, and ritual offerings are the main causes of pollution.
• Increased microbial and solid waste contamination affects water quality.

Declining Water Flow & Over-Extraction

• Excessive water extraction for agriculture and urban use reduces the river’s ability to dilute pollutants.
• Dry-season flow reductions worsen pollution levels.

Coordination & Governance Issues

• Multiple agencies (Central, State, & Local) manage the river, leading to overlapping responsibilities & ineffective action.
• Government denial of scientific reports (e.g., Yogi Adityanath dismissing CPCB findings) weakens efforts to address real pollution concerns.

Short-Term Solutions Instead of Long-Term Change

• Festival-specific interventions do not address the larger pollution crisis in the river.
• Requires continuous, year-round water management efforts.

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The following suggestions can be adopted for controlling the pollution of the river Ganga:

Strengthening Sewage & Wastewater Treatment

• Expand and upgrade STPs to handle larger volumes of sewage.
• Ensure proper maintenance & monitoring of treatment plants.
• Introduce decentralized sewage treatment systems in smaller towns.

Strict Industrial Regulation & Real-Time Monitoring

• Strict penalties for industries polluting the Ganga.
• Use AI and satellite-based monitoring to track illegal discharge points.
• Promote cleaner production technologies in industries near the river.

Sustainable Water Management Practices

• Regulate groundwater abstraction to ensure ecological flow.
• Encourage rainwater harvesting & water conservation.
• Rehabilitate wetlands & natural filtration areas to enhance water quality.

Public Awareness & Community Engagement

• Launch awareness campaigns regarding pollution impacts.
• Promote green religious rituals, e.g., idol immersion substitutes.
• Involve local communities in river conservation efforts.

Strengthening Governance & Coordination

• Create a single agency to govern Ganga.
• Improve coordination among central, state, and local governments.
• Incorporate scientific professionals in policy-making.

Long-Term Commitment to River Cleanup

• Shift from festival-based interventions to a year-round cleanup approach.
• Provide stable funding and regular policy reviews.
• Foster political will for long-term river conservation efforts.

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Conclusion

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has again laid bare the long-standing pollution problem in the Ganga. Short-term cleanup efforts are not enough—India requires sustained, science-based interventions to revive the health of the Ganga. Only a combination of strict regulations, improved sewage treatment, and community involvement can ensure that the Ganga remains clean, sacred, and life-giving for future generations.

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UPSC Practice Questions

Despite various government initiatives, the Ganga River continues to face severe pollution challenges." Discuss the key factors contributing to the pollution and suggest long-term measures for effective river conservation. (Ink in 150 words)