A team from the Wildlife Institute of India is collecting samples from Bihar and four other states to study the cleanliness of the Ganga River and its tributaries. The study is being conducted under the Namami Gange Project to identify the real causes of water pollution.
Under the project, water and soil samples are being collected from the Ganga and its supporting rivers to assess pollution levels. Scientists are examining how pollution affects aquatic life, biodiversity, and human health. The study focuses on identifying pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and chemical contaminants present in river water and sediment.
In Bihar, samples are being collected not only from the Ganga but also from its major tributaries such as Gandak, Kosi, Son, and Punpun. The team has already collected samples from districts like Gopalganj, West Champaran, Valmiki Nagar, and Manjhi. Further sampling will be carried out at locations such as Revelganj, Sonpur, and Simaria Ghat.
According to scientists, the Ganga flows for about 2,525 kilometers from its source to the Bay of Bengal, and pollution levels vary at different points along its course. Samples are being collected from different regions including river origin points, urban stretches, and confluence zones.
Officials said the findings will help design effective strategies to make the Ganga and its tributaries clean and pollution-free. The final action plan will be prepared after laboratory analysis of all samples.
