Now We Can't Drink Ganga Water, Says Central Pollution Control Board – Only Safe for Bathing

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a stern warning regarding the water quality of the Ganga River in Haridwar. According to recent findings from the CPCB, while the water of the Ganga is safe for bathing, it is not fit for consumption. This revelation has raised concerns over the growing pollution in the holy river, which holds immense cultural and religious significance for millions of people in India.

Dr. Parag Dhakate, the Secretary of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, confirmed that the CPCB conducted a detailed study of the river water, sampling from 12 different locations across Haridwar. The results showed that the water met the standards required for bathing purposes but failed to meet the necessary quality for drinking. One particular location showed a slight deviation from the expected water quality norms, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining water purity in the region.

Ganga Water Safe for Bathing but Not Fit for Drinking in Haridwar

Despite the alarming findings, Dr. Dhakate emphasized that the authorities are continuously monitoring the situation. “The sewage treatment plants (STPs) are actively functioning, and their performance is regularly checked. All plants are operating according to the CPCB’s guidelines,” he stated. He also mentioned that regular water quality checks are conducted on a monthly basis to ensure the Ganga’s water is safe for its intended use, even though it may not yet be suitable for drinking.

The revelation has sparked widespread discussions, with many environmentalists urging for stricter measures to restore the purity of the river. The Ganga, often referred to as the lifeline of India, has been heavily polluted in recent decades, largely due to industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and religious practices that contribute to the pollution.

While the government has launched several initiatives to clean the Ganga under the Namami Gange Programme, this new report suggests that more needs to be done to ensure the long-term health of the river and the people who rely on it. Experts are calling for a multi-pronged approach that includes better waste management, improved sewage treatment systems, and stricter enforcement of pollution control regulations.