Ganga's Dirty Secret: Government Hides Pollution Data Despite Spending Thousands of Crores on Clean-Up

New Delhi: Yesterday, Dr. V. Sivadasan raised a crucial question in the Rajya Sabha regarding pollution levels in the Ganga, specifically at various ghats in Prayagraj, including Triveni Sangam, Dashashwamedh, and Saraswati Ghats. He sought detailed data on key water quality parameters such as pH levels, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fecal coliform (FC) bacteria, particularly during the Kumbh Mela bathing stages. However, the response he received was vague—an assertion that the water was 'Safe for Bathing'—without any supporting data, scientific evidence, or concrete records to substantiate the claim.
Despite the gravity of the issue, the response from the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, was equally disappointing and lacked substance. Rather than providing specific figures or reports, he merely stated that the water quality at monitored locations remained "within permissible limits for bathing." This lack of transparency raises serious questions about the credibility of pollution assessments, especially when independent studies and environmental watchdogs have consistently reported alarming contamination levels in the Ganga. The absence of hard data suggests that pollution levels may be understated, despite the government's substantial expenditure on river cleaning efforts.
This disconnect between official claims and independent findings becomes even more concerning in light of the massive financial investment in the Namami Gange project. Launched in 2014 with a budget exceeding Rs. 20,000 crore, the Namami Gange project was intended to reduce pollution, improve water quality, and restore the river’s ecological balance. Yet, nearly a decade later, and after spending Rs. 12,833 crore by 2023, the river remains heavily contaminated. A 2025 report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed fecal coliform levels in the river at Prayagraj—11,000 MPN per 100 ml near Shastri Bridge and 7,900 MPN per 100 ml at Sangam—both far above the permissible limit of 500 MPN per 100 ml for bathing.
During the Kumbh Mela, when millions of pilgrims gather to take a dip at the Sangam, environmental concerns escalate. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised alarms over dangerously high fecal coliform bacteria levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj, particularly during the Maha Kumbh. A Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report filed on February 3 confirmed hazardous bacterial contamination at multiple locations along both rivers, with levels spiking further on Shahi Snan days.
With millions relying on the Ganga for drinking water, bathing, and daily activities, the ongoing contamination presents a severe public health risk. High concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria—originating from human and animal waste—can cause severe waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Elevated biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels also signal the presence of organic pollutants that deplete oxygen in the water, endangering aquatic life. Instead of implementing effective waste management and pollution control measures, the government continues to withhold critical water quality data, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability.
At the core of the issue lies not just ineffective execution but also broader concerns of mismanagement and corruption. Reports of fund misallocation and project inefficiencies have led to widespread criticism. Sivadasan has demanded a thorough investigation into alleged corruption in the project, calling it "one of the biggest scams the country has ever seen."