Maha Kumbh 2025: The National Green Tribunal has raised concerns over the “high level of faecal bacteria” in Ganga in Prayarag as crores of people have taken sacred baths there during the Maha Kumbh Mela since January 13.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) informed the NGT in a report that various locations in Prayagraj were not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing.
Faecal coliform is a marker of sewage contamination and has a permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml, as per CPCB.
What Did The CPCB Report Say?
“The river water quality was not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to faecal coliform (FC) at all the monitored locations on various occasions. Many people bathe in the river at Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh Mela, including on auspicious bathing days, which eventually leads to an increase in faecal concentration,” the CPCB report said.
A bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A Senthil Vel was hearing the issue of preventing sewage discharge into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj.
The bench said the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) had not complied with the tribunal’s earlier direction to file a comprehensive action taken report. The tribunal observed that the UPPCB had only filed a cover letter with certain water test reports.
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“Even upon reviewing the documents enclosed with the covering letter dated January 28, 2025, sent by the in-charge of the central laboratory, UPPCB, it is reflected that high levels of faecal and total coliform have been found at various locations,” it said.
The NGT allowed one day for the counsel for the state of Uttar Pradesh to examine the report and file a response.
“Member Secretary, UPPCB, and the concerned state authority responsible for maintaining the water quality in the river Ganga at Prayagraj are directed to appear virtually at the next hearing, scheduled for February 19,” the tribunal said.
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