New Delhi: The Sangam waters, where millions of devotees have been taking a holy dip daily during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, have been found to contain alarming levels of fecal and total coliform bacteria, raising serious public health concerns. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has now summoned Uttar Pradesh government authorities over the issue.
A water quality assessment report submitted to the NGT by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on February 3 revealed severe contamination, with coliform levels—an indicator of untreated sewage and human/animal waste—exceeding safety limits by 1,400 times in the Ganga and 660 times in the Yamuna at certain stretches. The findings suggest that the river water is unfit for bathing.
According to CPCB standards, total coliform levels must not exceed 500 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100ml for safe outdoor bathing. However, by January 19, levels had surged to 700,000 MPN/100ml in the Ganga and 330,000 MPN/100ml in the Yamuna. CPCB analyzed samples collected on January 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19, and found that water quality never met the required standards.
The NGT’s principal bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, observed during a February 17 hearing that these findings indicate non-compliance with its earlier directives to maintain critical water quality standards. The tribunal also raised concerns over the risk of waterborne diseases due to fecal contamination and the threat to aquatic life from excessive organic pollution.
Adding to the issue, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has yet to submit a comprehensive action-taken report, despite being directed to do so in December 2024. In response, the tribunal has ordered the UPPCB’s member secretary and the state authority responsible for maintaining water quality in the Ganga at Prayagraj to appear virtually at the next hearing on February 19.
In its December order, the NGT had instructed CPCB and UPPCB to regularly monitor water quality, prevent untreated sewage discharge into the rivers, and ensure safe conditions for pilgrims. The agencies were required to test water samples at least twice a week, but the latest CPCB report confirms that water quality has consistently failed to meet bathing safety standards at all monitored locations.
With millions of pilgrims continuing to visit the Maha Kumbh, the situation underscores an urgent need for strict enforcement of pollution control measures to protect public health and environmental sustainability.
