But a video by a British biologist has raised questions on the actual condition of this holy river. Today, questions have been raised about the purity of the Ganga water with which we purify everything. The video going viral has created this controversy. What is the whole matter?
did chemical test
Jeremy Wade, who is famous for the show River Monsters, did a simple chemical test of Ganga water, the results of which shocked people. In the video, Wade compared Ganga water to mineral water. This chemical turns clean water pink while contaminated water turns brown. When tested, Ganga's sample turned light brown, which meant that fecal coliform bacteria were present in it. Wade said clearly, "It is contaminated with human waste." This test is a bacteria indicator, which shows the presence of bacteria coming from sewage or human feces. Fecal coliform (like E. coli) can spread diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A, gastroenteritis when present in water.
So now Ganga water is not safe
In the video, Wade said that bathing or drinking in the Ganga could cause dysentery or worse. CPCB reports reveal that fecal coliform levels during Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj were several times higher than the safe limit of 2,500 MPN/100ml. At some places the number had reached 11,000. Pollution increases due to weather and crowd. Wade respected religious sensitivities. He said that calling Ganga polluted may seem insulting to many Hindus. The problem of Ganga pollution is old. The river is polluted by sewage, industry waste, plastic and religious activities. Crores were spent in Namami Gange project, but fecal coliform is high in many places. Cities like Varanasi and Kanpur have maximum pollution.