ddt (dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane) content in fish stocks from Ganga is 16,000 times more than the permissible limit. This was revealed during a study conducted by R K Sinha, a senior investigator of the Ganga pollution-monitoring project. The Patna University, Bihar, is coordinating the project. "I found that the fish contained very high concentrations of the pesticide. This can prove hazardous to human health when consumed for a prolonged period," says Sinha. The use of ddt for vector control purposes is yet to be banned in the country. "All our rivers are highly contaminated. This study should be an eye-opener for all those who pollute the rivers. The government should take up a thorough investigation of what affects these pesticides can have on human health. Just by saying that the use of pesticides causes cancer and other ailments won't be sufficient unless it is thoroughly investigated," added Sinha.
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