The release claimed that the scientist has debunked doubts about Ganga’s purity with scientific evidence, challenging sceptics. “He has issued an open challenge, inviting anyone with even the slightest doubt to bring Ganga water before him and verify its purity through laboratory testing,” the release further claimed.
Dr. Sonkar, known for challenging Japan’s dominance in pearl farming, collected Ganga water samples from five ghats, including Sangam and Arail. After three months of rigorous research, he confirmed that Ganga water remains the purest, posing no risk to bathers. Laboratory tests have further validated that, due to the presence of bacteriophages, Ganga water retains its extraordinary self-purifying ability in every way, according to the press release.
The scientist Dr Ajay Kumar Sonkar collected water samples from five major bathing ghats, including Sangam Nose and Arail in Mahakumbh Nagar. These samples were then subjected to microscopic examination in his laboratory. “To his surprise, despite crores of devotees bathing in the river, there was no bacterial growth or decline in the water’s pH level,” the release further mentioned.
According to the release, Dr Sonkar’s research revealed that Ganga water contains 1,100 types of bacteriophages—natural viruses that eliminate harmful bacteria. This self-purifying mechanism ensures that the river remains uncontaminated even after 57 crore devotees have taken a dip, the release said.
Despite media reports and claims by specific organizations suggesting that Ganga water is unfit for “Achman” and “bathing”, Dr Sonkar’s findings have completely disproved these assertions. He confirmed that the river’s pH level, ranging between 8.4 and 8.6, is better than normal and that no foul smell or bacterial growth was detected.
