The Ganga River remains germ-free even after hosting 60 crore visitors during Mahakumbh, thanks to 1,100 types of bacteriophages acting as natural "security guards." These microscopic entities eliminate pollution and harmful bacteria by altering their RNA and multiplying rapidly. Dr. Ajay Sonkar, praised by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, highlights their unique host-specific purification process, likened to seawater. This discovery underscores Ganga’s medical and ecological significance, serving as a symbol of nature’s resilience and a reminder to live harmoniously with the environment.
The sacred Ganga River continues to astonish the world with its unparalleled self-purifying abilities. Even with over 60 crore visitors and countless holy dips during the Mahakumbh, the Ganga remains germ-free, maintaining its pristine state. A groundbreaking study has revealed that this remarkable phenomenon is driven by nature’s own microscopic warriors—bacteriophages.
Padma Shri Dr. Ajay Sonkar, a globally acclaimed scientist praised by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, has shed light on this incredible discovery. Dr. Sonkar explains, "Ganga is the world's only freshwater river where 1,100 types of bacteriophages naturally purify the water by eliminating pollution and killing 50 times more germs than their number, even altering their RNA." These bacteriophages, often referred to as Ganga’s "security guards," act as nature’s vigilant protectors, instantly purifying the river by targeting and neutralizing harmful bacteria.
Dr. Sonkar, a leading researcher in cancer, genetic coding, cell biology, and autophagy, has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Rice University, and Wageningen University. His study highlights the incredible potential of bacteriophages, which are 50 times smaller than bacteria yet possess extraordinary capabilities. These microscopic entities infiltrate harmful bacteria, alter their RNA, and ultimately destroy them.
During the Mahakumbh, when lakhs of devotees take a holy dip, the river’s bacteriophages detect germs released by the human body as potential threats. These phages then spring into action, rapidly multiplying to neutralize harmful bacteria. Each bacteriophage produces 100 to 300 new ones, ensuring a continuous purification process. Remarkably, they are host-specific, targeting only harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial microorganisms. This self-cleaning mechanism mirrors the natural purification process seen in seawater, further underscoring Ganga’s unique properties.
Dr. Sonkar emphasizes the medical potential of bacteriophages, which could play a vital role in combating harmful bacteria without disrupting beneficial ones. "Ganga’s ability to safeguard itself is a profound message from nature," Dr. Sonkar states. "Just as the river protects its existence, humanity must learn to live in harmony with nature, or risk facing nature’s corrective actions."
Dr. Sonkar’s contributions to science extend far beyond this study. He has worked extensively on cell biology and autophagy alongside Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi, the 2016 Nobel Laureate from Tokyo Institute of Technology. Additionally, he has twice collaborated with Harvard Medical School on projects related to cognitive fitness and gut health.
This discovery reaffirms the Ganga’s extraordinary role, not just as a spiritual symbol but as a testament to nature’s ingenuity. The river’s ability to purify itself, even under immense human activity, serves as an inspiration for sustainable coexistence with the natural world.
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