A recent video shared online is now gaining widespread attention, when Jeremy Wade, a British biologist’s has done a simple experiment that raised general concerns about the poor quality of Ganga River. The clip, posted by Wade shows a basic test and the results have sparked widespread debate across social media.
British Biologist Tests Water Quality of Ganga River
Wade, who has travelled the world studying rivers and aquatic life, evaluates the quality of Ganga’s river water. Instead of lab equipment, the test relies on colour changes to indicate pollution. In the video, Wade uses a simple chemical test to demonstrate the difference between clean and contaminated water. In his experiment, Wade tests bottled, mineral water first; it turns pink – indicating high-quality (clean) water – when tested using the same method by which he tests the Ganga River water.
Unlike bottled mineral water (which turned pink), the Ganga sample was light brown, indicative of faecal coliform bacteria, organisms commonly linked to untreated sewage and human waste, which has led to a significant amount of online interest.
A Sensitive Issue for Many
Wade is aware that the subject of water quality can be sensitive as for many due to the religious/cultural significance of the Ganga River system to many people across the world; highlighting the level of pollution in the river system may be uncomfortable and/or offensive for a number of persons of faith.
Wade also acknowledges that the subject is sensitive, as the Ganga holds deep religious and cultural significance for millions of people. He notes that highlighting pollution in the river can be uncomfortable or even offensive for some believers.
During the clip, he meets a holy man who invites him to take part in a ritual bath. Wanting to be respectful, Wade agrees to enter the river but chooses not to drink the water.
A Reminder that has drawn Mixed Reactions Online
The video spread rapidly online, drawing mixed reactions. Some viewers criticised blind faith and called for greater awareness and responsibility, while others shared personal experiences of avoiding bathing in certain stretches of the river due to visible pollution.
According to environmental experts, the concerns raised in the video are not new. Many reports issued by both government departments and pollution control boards have identified high levels of faecal contamination in different areas of the Ganges, particularly in urban centres where untreated sewage is discharged into the water.
Although the testing depicted in the video is not an in-depth laboratory analysis, many see it as a powerful reminder of a long-standing issue. The viral clip highlights once again how urgent it is to spread public awareness to protect the river by improving our waste management systems and treat sewage effectively before discharging it into the Ganges that supports millions of lives across India.
