Maha Kumbh 2025: 3 streams of Ganga 'merged' into one, inspired by a mythological tale

In a significant move to ensure adequate water flow at the Sangam—the confluence of the Yamuna, Ganga, and mythical Saraswati rivers—the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department has unified three distinct streams of the Ganga river. The effort aims to enhance the bathing experience for millions of devotees expected to participate in the upcoming Maha Kumbh-2025 in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.

“The initiative echoes the mythological tale of Bhagirath, who brought the sacred river to Earth through intense penance for his ancestors' salvation. This project ensures uninterrupted Ganga water flow at Sangam, where over 400 million pilgrims will take a holy dip,” said Vijay Anand, Nodal Officer for Mahakumbh.

The Ganga had shifted its course, splitting into three streams between Shastri Bridge and Sangam Nose, reducing its purity and complicating Maha Kumbh arrangements. This division limited the fairground area and disrupted pilgrimage planning.

The Irrigation Department’s intervention restored the river’s original flow into a single, cohesive stream, expanding the bathing area and simplifying arrangements for devotees. “Linking the three streams into one was a challenging yet necessary task,” said Anand. “It ensures that pilgrims can bathe in the sacred waters without disruption, making their spiritual experience more fulfilling.”

“With the unification, we have created an additional 22 hectares of bathing space,” said Manish Srivastava, a technical advisor of the project. “This expansion allows thousands of devotees to bathe simultaneously at a central location, reducing congestion and ensuring a seamless experience.”

Overcoming technical challenges

The department deployed three massive dredging machines based on survey findings. However, stabilizing the dredgers against the Ganga’s swift current and high water levels proved challenging. The strong flow frequently destabilized the heavy machinery, bending discharge pipes and complicating operations.

Engineers employed large anchors, pontoon bridges, and thick ropes to secure the dredgers. Despite technical setbacks, including a damaged support pin and another dredger being pushed ashore, the team persevered.

“Restoring the river’s original course was a daunting task, but our team worked tirelessly, overcoming every challenge,” Srivastava added.

After continuous dredging in three shifts, the river’s three streams were successfully unified, creating an expansive and better-organized bathing area. To level the expanded area, five lakh metric tonnes of sand were arranged, ensuring a well-prepared and accessible fairground.

Wastewater management

To maintain Ganga’s purity, UP Jal Nigam (Urban) has established a Rs 55 crore geotube technology-based treatment plant in Salori. The facility will treat wastewater from 22 untapped city drains, ensuring no untreated water enters the Ganga, as directed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

“The plant is currently undergoing trial runs and will be fully operational by January 1,” said Saurabh Kumar, Executive Engineer of Jal Nigam (Urban). “Geotube technology treats 40-50% of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and approximately 80% of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) within the geotubes. The water is further purified using hydrogen peroxide and ozonation.”

Ozonation replaces chlorination to avoid harming aquatic life, effectively killing all faecal bacteria. The treatment process is continuously monitored using OCEMS technology.

“With these strategic measures in place, Maha Kumbh-2025 is set to provide a more organized, sacred, and environmentally sustainable experience for millions of devotees gathering at Prayagraj’s revered Sangam, Anand said.

Read more from our Maha Kumbh 2025 series

Mahakumbh 2025: A spectacle blending faith with economic prosperity

How Prayagraj is getting a world-class makeover for Mahakumbh 2025
How thousands of workers are giving shape to Maha Kumbh 2025: 'It’s a 24-hour mission'