Fecal coliform level in Ganga 12 times above permissible limits, reveals CPCB data

NEW DELHI: According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data on water quality of Ganga, fecal coliform level is found to be 3 to 12 times higher than the permissible level in the river at most inter-state boundaries.

Presence of higher level of fecal coliform bacteria, such as E.coli, indicates higher presence of fecal matter or untreated sewage. The permissible limit for fecal coliform bacteria is 2,500 MPN (most probable number) /100 ml, whereas, the desirable level is 500 MPN/100 ml.

In the Ganga, at Khagra in Berhampore in West Bengal has the highest fecal coliform level 30,000 MPN/ml which is 12 times more than the permissible limit and 60 times than the desired limit.

The CPCB released data on water quality of Ganga at nine inter-state boundaries passing through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand.

The data showed that at only two boundaries – Sultanpur in Uttarakhand and Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh had the faecal coliform level within the permissible limit.

As per the data, the other measures such as pH (power of Hydrogen), BOD (biological oxygen demand), dissolved oxygen level and conductivity, was found to be within the desired limits.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the CPCB to release the data on water quality of the Ganga river at boundaries of the said states on its official website.