Scientist Ajay Sonkar reveals secret to Ganga’s 50X cleaning process despite hosting 600 million Maha Kumbh devotees

Published on Authored by C to I News Desk

A study done by Padma Shri Dr. Ajay Sonkar, a renowned scientist, has unveiled the natural purification power of the Ganga.

A man taking a dip in the Ganga. Representational image. Photo courtesy: Unsplash
A man taking a dip in the Ganga. Representational image. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

According to his study, the river is unique in its ability to remain virtually germ-free, even after hosting over 60 crore (600 million) visitors and countless holy dips during the Maha Kumbh festival — hailed as the world’s largest religious congregation. The Maha Kumbh, which takes place after every 144 years, will conclude on February 26, after running for 45 days in northern India’s Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

he Maha Kumbh Mela culminates on Wednesday with the Amrit Snan on Shivratri. Photo Courtesy: Yogi Adityanath X page
The Maha Kumbh Mela culminates on Wednesday with the Amrit Snan on Shivratri. Photo Courtesy: Yogi Adityanath X page

As per Sonkar’s study, this is due to the presence of 1,100 types of bacteriophages in Ganga’s waters. Bacteriophages are tiny but powerful entities that purify the water by targeting and eliminating harmful bacteria.

These microorganisms destroy bacteria by hijacking their RNA and ultimately causing their destruction. These bacteriophages are incredibly effective — 50 times more efficient at killing germs than their number — and are highly specialised, targeting only harmful bacteria.

This process of self-purification in Ganga is similar to the way the ocean cleanses seawater, making it a unique and natural mechanism.

Dr. Sonkar, an expert in cancer research, genetic code, and cell biology, explained that this self-cleaning system is not just a fascinating natural phenomenon but also a message from nature.

The researcher, who has collaborated with prestigious institutions like Wageningen University, Rice University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Harvard Medical School, highlighted the potential of bacteriophages in medicine, where they can selectively target harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial ones.

Meanwhile, not everyone is convinced by Sonkar’s findings.

Skeptics shared their views on social media, often referring to reports from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The CPCB report on water quality in the Ganga at Kumbh had said, “River water quality was not conforming with the primary water quality for bathing with respect to faecal coliform at all the monitored locations on various occasions. A huge number of people (are) taking a bath at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh Mela in the river, including auspicious bathing days, which eventually leads to an increase in faecal concentration.”