Nueva Delhi: The Ganga river water has been found not suitable for bathing in various places of Bihar due to the presence of a high value of “bacteriological population”, according to the Bihar 2024-25 economic survey. This comes after Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that the quality of water in multiple locations in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh could not meet primary bath standards due to excessive levels of fecal coliforms.
“The quality of the bargain water indicates the presence of a greater value of the bacteriological population (total coliforms and fecal coliforms). This is mainly due to the discharge of wastewater from wastewater/domestic waters of the cities located on the banks of bargain and its tributaries,” said the report of the Bihar economic survey.
“The other parameters … pH (acidity or basicity), dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) have been observed within the limit prescribed in the river and its tributaries in Bihar, indicating that water is suitable for aquatic life, the spread of wildlife, fishing and irrigation,” he added.
Reacting to the report, DK Shukla, president of the BSPCB, told PTI: “Fecal coliform bacteria are in excrete that contaminates the water through non -treated wastewater. The higher the level, the greater the presence of the pathogens that cause diseases in the water. According to the CPCB standards, the permissible limit of Faecal is 2,500 MPN/100 MPN.
The notable cities located along the river include Buxar, Chapra (Saran), Dighwara, Sonepur, Modner, Danapur, Patna, Fatuha, Bakhtiyarpur, Barh, Mokama, Begusarai, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Manihari, Muger, Jamalpur, Sultanganj, Bhaganj, Bhaganj, Bhaganj, Khagagar.