A British biologist has sparked widespread debate on social media after posting a video in which he conducts a water quality test on the Ganges River and explains his findings. The video was uploaded to Instagram by Jeremy Wade, a well-known British TV presenter, author and biologist, best known for hosting the show River Monsters.
In the video, Wade performs a basic water test using a container treated with chemicals that react to contaminants by changing color. Explaining the process, he says, “Pink means the river is clean. Anything else means trouble.”
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To set the benchmark, he first tests bottled mineral water. The sample turns a darker pinkish-brown shade, which Wade says is the color expected from pure water.
The Ganges sample shows the presence of contamination
Wade then tests the water collected from the Ganges. Unlike mineral water, the river sample turns light brown. Holding up the container, he explains, “This is Ganga water. What does that mean? It means fecal coliform bacteria. Basically, the water here is full of human waste.”
The biologist also recognizes the cultural and religious sensitivities associated with the river, which holds deep spiritual significance for millions of Hindus. “To point out that the Ganga is impure is deeply offensive to many Hindus,” Wade says in the video.
He further recalls an interaction with a holy man who invited him to participate in a ritual bath in the river. Wade describes the situation as an “awkward dilemma” and says he decided to participate in the ritual so as not to cause offence.
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Ritual bath and personal experience
Footage in the clip shows Wade entering the river and attempting to copy the holy man’s actions. He later admits that he didn’t realize that swimming was part of the ritual. Reflecting on the experience, he notes, “It’s actually quite refreshing, although I try not to think about what I’m seeing around me, especially what’s floating on the surface and what I’m stepping on. It feels very soft and squishy.”
Stops in front of drinking river water
The video also shows the holy man drinking water directly from the river. However, Wade holds back, saying that he only brings the water to his lips. “I feel really fresh and ready for the day. Whether I get a dose of dysentery or something worse remains to be seen,” he adds.
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The video is generating strong reactions online
The post drew strong reactions from social media users, many of whom expressed concern about pollution and the role of faith.
“Religious beliefs are killing Ganga; education without wisdom is just another form of ignorance,” one user commented.
Another wrote: “The whole of India is throwing itself into ruin in the name of religion, no religion is better than another and no scripture can defeat science.
“Very unfortunate to see all the tax payers money being wasted in the name of cleaning our dear Ganga,” said a third user.
A fourth comment read: “Faith blinds people to the point where people are too busy worshiping to care about the well being of the river. And it’s still not a concern.”
