The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has raised serious concerns regarding the water quality of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh 2025. The report highlights dangerously high levels of faecal coliform bacteria, making the water unfit for bathing and posing a health risk to millions of devotees.
"Water quality at all monitored locations failed to meet primary bathing standards due to excessive faecal coliform levels." – CPCB Report
The report, submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on February 3, 2025, revealed that water samples collected from key bathing sites showed alarming contamination.
The NGT, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Sudhir Agarwal, and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, responded with strict directives:
"CPCB and UPPCB must conduct water quality tests twice a week and publish reports online."
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The court also instructed authorities to:
- Ensure proper sewage treatment to prevent untreated wastewater from entering rivers.
- Implement stricter solid waste management at Maha Kumbh sites.
- Monitor the performance of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and filtration systems.
Despite these orders, the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) failed to submit a comprehensive action report, leading to further scrutiny by the tribunal.
CPCB’s report highlighted extremely high levels of faecal coliform at multiple locations, including:
- Sangam: 700,000 MPN/100ml (safe limit: 500 MPN/100ml)
- Deeha Ghat: 130,000 MPN/100ml
- Nagvasuki Temple: 130,000 MPN/100ml
Such contamination can cause severe waterborne diseases, including gastrointestinal infections and skin conditions.
While 10 sewage treatment plants (STPs) were inspected, one (Ponghat STP - 10 MLD) failed to meet environmental norms. Additionally, 7 geo-tube filtration sites meant to treat river water did not comply with quality standards.
"None of the geo-tube filtration sites met the prescribed norms." – CPCB Report
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The NGT expressed dissatisfaction over UPPCB’s inaction, stating:
"UPPCB has failed to fully comply with tribunal orders. The situation demands immediate corrective measures."
The court has summoned UPPCB officials to appear virtually and explain their failure in addressing water pollution.
To prevent further pollution and protect devotees, CPCB recommends:
- Upgrading sewage treatment plants and ensuring their proper functioning.
- Tightening pollution control at key Maha Kumbh sites.
- Strict monitoring of water quality throughout the event.
"A clean and safe Ganga should be a priority, especially during religious events like Maha Kumbh."