Authorities recreate mythology for Mahakumbh 2025, reunite 3 Ganga streams in Prayagraj

In a historic effort which blends modern engineering with mythological inspiration, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have unified three distinct streams of the Ganga river to ensure uninterrupted water flow at the Sangam. For the unversed, the Sangam is the sacred confluence of the Yamuna, Ganga, and mythical Saraswati rivers. This initiative aims to enhance the spiritual experience for millions of devotees expected to attend the Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj, scheduled from January 13 to February 26.

Echoing the legend of Bhagirath

The project is seen as a modern-day parallel to the legend of Bhagirath, who, according to Hindu mythology, brought the sacred Ganga to Earth through his intense penance.

“The initiative echoes the mythological tale of Bhagirath. 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.

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Over time, the Ganga had split into three streams between Shastri Bridge and Sangam Nose, reducing its sanctity and complicating pilgrimage planning. The division disrupted fairground arrangements, limiting bathing space and creating logistical challenges for the Mahakumbh.

A unified flow restores the sacred experience

The Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department restored the Ganga’s original course by merging its three streams into one, expanding the bathing area and simplifying arrangements for pilgrims.

“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.”

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

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Overcoming technical challenges

The engineering feat involved deploying three massive dredging machines based on detailed surveys. However, stabilising the machines against the Ganga’s swift currents and high water levels proved to be a significant challenge. The strong flow frequently destabilised the heavy machinery, bending discharge pipes and damaging key components.

Engineers secured the dredgers with large anchors, pontoon bridges, and thick ropes to withstand the river’s force. “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 streams were successfully unified. To prepare the expanded fairground, over five lakh metric tonnes of sand were used to level the area, ensuring accessibility and readiness for the millions of devotees expected to gather.

Ensuring Ganga’s purity with advanced wastewater management

In addition to restoring the river’s course, the UP Jal Nigam (Urban) has taken measures to maintain the Ganga’s purity. A Rs 55 crore geotube technology-based treatment plant has been established in Salori to treat wastewater from 22 untapped city drains.

“The plant is currently undergoing trial runs and will be fully operational by January 1,” said Saurabh Kumar, Executive Engineer of Jal Nigam (Urban). Using geotube technology, the facility can treat 40-50 per cent of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and around 80 per cent of Total Suspended Solids (TSS). The water undergoes further purification through hydrogen peroxide and ozonation.

Ozonation replaces traditional chlorination to avoid harming aquatic life while effectively eliminating faecal bacteria. The entire treatment process is monitored using advanced OCEMS technology.

A sacred & sustainable Mahakumbh

With the unification of the Ganga’s streams and advanced wastewater management in place, Mahakumbh-2025 promises to be a more organized, sacred, and environmentally sustainable gathering.

“With these strategic measures in place, Mahakumbh-2025 is set to provide a more organised, sacred, and environmentally sustainable experience for millions of devotees gathering at Prayagraj’s revered Sangam,” Anand went on to add.