Pollution and its consequences at Ganga Sagar mass bathing in India

Abstract

Sagar Island is the largest island of Indian Sundarban, which hosts Ganga Sagar Mela (GSM). GSM is the second largest gathering (mass bathing) in India after Kumbha Mela. The total population of Sagar Island is more than 2.12 lakh. During GSM, another 20 lakh visit the island to take holy dip at the confluence of the River Ganges at Bay of Bengal. Physicochemical and bacteriological analysis of water and soil was carried out to estimate the pollution caused by this mass gathering. This is the first report addressing the relationship between the soil qualities and nearby canal water qualities during Post-GSM period regarding pollution. Study illustrates a massive change in water quality characteristics in Post-GSM period compared to the Pre-GSM condition. Results of different parameters like dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate, phosphate, fecal coliform and total coliform indicate extreme level of water quality degradation on the beach and canal water caused by untreated sewage, organic waste materials and fecal matters. Different parameters and water quality index indicated that pollution of beach water caused mainly due to direct discharge of enormous volume of canal water into the sea during the Post-GSM and worst water quality noticed at Sagar Canal just beside the Kapil Muni Ashram. DO, BOD and total coliform values suggest that beach water is not suitable for outdoor bathing in Post-GSM. Also, health survey indicates an increase in bacteriological diseases immediately after Post-GSM period in the nearby villagers. A real concern with sustainable management strategies can only address this issue to protect the people and the ecosystem.