Ganga Water in Bihar ‘Unfit for Bathing’ reveals state Economic Survey

After the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found the presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the river water along various locations in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj during the recent Maha Kumbh 2025, Ganga water has been found unfit for bathing at several places in Bihar. This is mainly due to the presence of a high value of “bacteriological population”, according to Bihar Economic Survey 2024-25.

Important towns located on the banks of the river include Buxar, Chapra (Saran), Dighwara, Sonepur, Maner, Danapur, Patna, Fatuha, Bakhtiyarpur, Barh, Mokama, Begusarai, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Manihari, Munger, Jamalpur, Sultanganj, Bhagalpur and Kahalgaon.

Ganga Water Quality in Bihar

As per the Bihar Economic Survey report, “The water quality of Ganga indicates the presence of a higher value of bacteriological population (total coliform and faecal coliform). This is mainly due to the discharge of sewage/domestic waste water from cities located on the banks of Ganga and her tributaries. The other parameters… pH (acidity or basicity), dissolved oxygen and bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD) have been observed within the prescribed limit in the river and her tributaries in Bihar, indicating that water is fit for aquatic life, wildlife propagation, fisheries and irrigation.”

Reacting to the report, Bihar State Pollution Control Board Chairperson (BSPCB) DK Shukla told PTI that the presence of a higher value of bacteriological population in the Ganga river is a matter of concern. He said, “Faecal coliform bacteria are found in excreta that contaminates water through untreated sewage. The higher the level, the higher is the presence of disease-causing pathogens in water. According to the CPCB standards, the permissible limit of faecal coliform is 2,500 MPN/100 ml.”

At most places, the presence of total coliform and faecal coliform in the Ganga is much higher, indicating it is not fit for bathing, he further said assuring that the BSPCB is taking measures to ensure that sewage treatment plants (STP) in the state function properly.

Ganga Water Quality in Prayagraj

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) released a report on February 17 stating that water near multiple Maha Kumbh locations at Prayagraj have shown high levels of faecal coliform bacteria. The report created a nationwide panic with millions taking a dip at the Sangam. However Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed the claims saying that the water of the said location was “fit for drinking”.

As per a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), faecal coliform levels at all monitored locations were above the permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml, which point out that there is significant sewage contamination. This is alarming because Kumbh is known for witnessing the world’s largest human gathering where millions of devotees take ritual baths at the Sangam. The crowd is more especially on auspicious days, which leads to increased bacterial concentrations in the water.