A Geographical and Microbiological Assessment of Ganga Water in and Around Dakhshineswar Area, West Bengal

Abstract

Geographical and Microbiological study was done on river Ganga pollution in and around Dakhshineswar area and the magnitude of the pollution is being measured. River Ganga provides water to about 40% of population across the area and an extraordinary religious importance for Hindus. A large proportion of the sewage water with higher organic load in the Ganges is due to human waste, industrial waste and religious waste constantly being dumped in the river Ganga. A geographical analysis was done by questionnaire schedule for the study of people's perceptions, array and statistical analysis of the information was done. The river water samples were analyzed using standard laboratory procedure(MPN and Multiple tube Fermentation Technique) and it was found to contain a high percentage of disease causing species of Enterobacteriaceae (both fecal and non-fecal); leading to the belief Ganga water perhaps causes enteric diseases and waterborne infections. The pH of the water sample is 8.5 and the BOD was found to be greater than 5mg/ml which have a negative impact on normal micro flora like Hilsha and Ganges River Dolphin which is listed as an endangered species. The coliform number remained fairly constant throughout the four months of sampling indicating a constant coliform index. Local people are quite dependent on Ganga emotionally, ritually and even for living their life which includes local population as well as the tourist and the devotees of Dakhshineswar temple. Among them Gangasnan has been one of the vividly offered traditional activity which always has been a cause of concern. Unfortunately ritualistic waste like food residuals, flowers, leaves, ashes, plastic carry bags, are also being dumped which further worsen the entire scenario. Therefore our primary objective should be to raise basic awareness among the populace about their regular activities associated with river Ganga.