In an ambitious step towards understanding the biological health of its major waterways, the government has sanctioned a project to study the microbial diversity across the entirety of the river Ganga. Spanning a vast 2,500 km stretch, this initiative also aims to investigate the presence of microbes that might potentially contribute to antibiotic resistance. Various renowned scientific institutions and start-ups, including the Motilal Nehru Institute of Technology, Allahabad; the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur; Sardar Patel Institute of Science and Technology, Gorakhpur, and two genome sequencing start-ups, are at the forefront of this operation.
The mission, as outlined by the National Mission for Clean Ganga, is multifaceted. Not only does it aim to identify the type of pollution – whether sewage or industrial in origin – but it also seeks to evaluate its impact on human health. There is specific focus on the occurrence of antibiotic resistance and the identification of a bacteria known as Escherichia Coli, which resides in the gut flora of humans and animals. The timeline for completion of this comprehensive project is estimated to be around two years.
Insights from Previous Studies
In the past, several important studies have been conducted related to this research. For instance, in April 2019, a study commissioned by the Union Water Resources Ministry shed light on some “unique properties” of the river Ganga. The Ganges was found to harbor organisms with powerful antibacterial properties, significantly higher than in other rivers.
Moreover, a collaborative study in 2014 by researchers from IIT-Delhi and Newcastle University, UK found that during the pilgrimage period of May and June, river Ganga exhibited levels of ‘superbug’ resistance genes that were 60 times higher than those recorded in other months. Superbugs refer to strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotic drugs.
| Study | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Union Water Resources Ministry, 2019 | Ganga river contains organisms with high antibacterial properties |
| IIT-Delhi and Newcastle University Collaboration, 2014 | ‘Superbug’ resistance genes amplify 60 times during May-June |
Looking Into the Future
The alarming contamination of global rivers with dangerous levels of antibiotics has been a topic of concern in recent researches. Repeated exposure to these antibiotics can lead bacteria species to develop resistance, rendering them impervious to medication. This poses a serious threat to human health, as these resistant forms are no longer responsive to traditional medication.
According to estimates from the UN, the increase in antibiotic resistance could potentially culminate in 10 million fatalities by the year 2050. With India reporting one of the highest antimicrobial resistance rates worldwide, this comprehensive study on the microbial diversity in Ganga is expected to provide valuable insights and pave way for further research to combat this concerning phenomenon.
