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The holy Ganga river holds a significant place for all the devotees. Recently, a new report by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board has put Haridwar's Ganga river water in the 'B' category. According to the report, the water in the river is no longer safe for drinking but suitable for bathing. While the water in the Ganga is often associated with religious sentiments, numerous devotees take a dip in the river every day.
Read on ahead to know more about the Ganga river and how water pollution can harm human beings.
Is Ganga Water Drinkable?
#WATCH | Haridwar: Rajendra Singh, Regional Officer, Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board says, " In Haridwar, to measure the quality of Ganga water, Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board has fixed 8 stations...as per that measure, we analyse the quality of the water...we have found… pic.twitter.com/YNQVVCNbSl
As per the recent report, the water from the Ganga river is no longer drinkable. The Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board checks Ganga water every month at about eight locations near Haridwar, close to the Uttar Pradesh border. In the latest tests done in November, the water was rated as 'B' category. The water is classified into five categories, with 'A' being the least polluted, meaning it can be used for drinking after disinfection, and 'E' being the most polluted.
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How Water Pollution Can Affect The Human Body
Water pollution poses significant risks to human health, affecting both individuals and communities. Contaminated water from rivers or any source can lead to a range of health problems. It causes waterborne diseases and skin irritations to serious long-term conditions like cancer and neurological disorders. From waterborne diseases and skin irritations to serious long-term conditions like cancer and neurological disorders.
According to a 2023 report by WHO, around 1.7 billion people use drinking water that is contaminated with faeces. Faeces are the solid waste expelled from the body after digestion, consisting of undigested food, bacteria, and waste products. Microbial contamination from faeces is the biggest threat to water safety. It can spread diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio, and is thought to cause around 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths every year.
Understanding these effects is crucial for taking steps to protect oneself and prevent the spread of pollution-related illnesses.
Below are a few serious effects on the human body, leading to health issues.
Waterborne Diseases
- Contaminated water is a breeding ground for pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
- Consumption or contact with such water can lead to serious illnesses, including cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and hepatitis.
- These diseases often result in severe gastrointestinal symptoms, which can be fatal, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly124.
Chemical Exposure
- Industrial and agricultural runoff introduces harmful chemicals into water bodies.
- Common contaminants include heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and arsenic) and pesticides.
- Prolonged exposure to these toxins can result in neurological disorders, reproductive issues, and cancers such as leukaemia and bladder cancer.
Skin Disorders
- Direct contact with polluted water can cause skin irritations, rashes, and infections.
- Pathogens in contaminated water of rivers can disrupt skin health, leading to chronic conditions like eczema.
Respiratory Problems
- Airborne pollutants from contaminated water sources can lead to respiratory issues when inhaled. This includes conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate from polluted water can significantly contribute to health problems. These chemicals are found in contaminated water, which can cause serious health problems when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed.
How To Prevent Water Pollution?
Preventing water pollution is important for protecting our environment and keeping people healthy. The process involves a combination of individual actions, community efforts, and government regulations.
- Simple actions like using fewer chemicals, disposing of waste properly, and avoiding single-use plastics, can have a big impact on the environment.
- Plant trees and green vegetation along riverbanks to prevent soil erosion and reduce runoff. This helps filter pollutants before they reach water sources.
- Choosing eco-friendly products, planting trees and plants near rivers and lakes, and supporting stricter environmental rules can help stop pollution at its source.
- Educate people and raise awareness about how pollution affects us all so that communities come together to take action.
By making these changes, we can keep our water clean and safe for ourselves and future generations.
Conclusion
With the official report stating that Ganga water is impure for drinking, devotees must reconsider their religious sentiments and avoid it. Water pollution leads to various medical illnesses. The recent classification of the Ganga river water in Haridwar as the 'B' category highlights a significant health concern. To protect both the sacred Ganga and public health, immediate action is necessary. This includes stricter waste disposal regulations, increased public awareness about pollution dangers, and sustainable practices to preserve water quality.
A collective effort is essential to restore the Ganga's purity for the well-being of current and future generations.