Ganga’s Unique Self-Purifying Ability Confirmed by Scientific Study
A recent study has shed light on the extraordinary self-purifying ability of the Ganga River, particularly during the Maha Kumbh, a time when millions take a holy dip. Despite concerns raised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding water quality, research reveals that the river remains germ-free due to the presence of powerful bacteriophages.
Natural Cleansing Power of Bacteriophages
Padma Shri awardee Dr. Ajay Sonkar, a distinguished scientist, has discovered that Ganga water contains around 1,100 types of bacteriophages—viruses that target and eliminate harmful bacteria. These bacteriophages are capable of neutralizing bacteria 50 times greater than their own count by infiltrating and altering their RNA, making them highly effective in purifying the water.
Self-Cleansing During Maha Kumbh
During the Maha Kumbh, millions of devotees bathe in the sacred river, releasing various microorganisms into the water. However, the bacteriophages naturally activate and neutralize these germs, ensuring that the river remains clean and safe. Unlike chemical disinfectants, bacteriophages selectively destroy only harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial microorganisms.
Scientific Backing and Global Recognition
Dr. Sonkar, known for his contributions to cancer research, genetic coding, cell biology, and autophagy, has worked with prestigious institutions like Wageningen University, Rice University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Harvard Medical School. His research highlights how the Ganga’s self-purification process mirrors oceanic mechanisms that naturally cleanse seawater.
Additionally, Dr. Sonkar emphasizes the potential medical applications of bacteriophages, suggesting they could be used to combat bacterial infections without harming the body’s beneficial microbes.
Government and Expert Reactions
Amid CPCB’s concerns about water quality during the Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government, citing Dr. Sonkar’s findings, reaffirmed the purity of the Ganga. The statement referred to the river’s water as “alkaline” and capable of maintaining its cleanliness despite the massive influx of devotees.
Dr. Sonkar believes that the Ganga’s natural purification process serves as a lesson for humanity—to live in harmony with nature. He warns that if humans continue to disrupt natural ecosystems, nature will inevitably take its own corrective course.
The discovery of bacteriophages in the Ganga offers scientific validation of its self-cleaning properties. While concerns about pollution persist, this study provides strong evidence of the river’s remarkable ability to maintain purity, even during large-scale religious gatherings like the Maha Kumbh. This research not only deepens our understanding of natural water purification but also opens doors for future applications in medicine and environmental conservation.
