Maha Kumbh: Faecal bacteria levels in Ganga and Yamuna cross safety limits

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the faecal coliform levels in river water at various locations in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela do not meet bathing water quality standards.

This report is of particular importance as millions of devotees continue to gather at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj to take a holy dip in the river during the Maha Kumbh Mela.

According to mela officials, over 54.31 crore devotees have bathed in the sacred waters since 13 January. By 8 p.m. on Monday, 17 February, more than 1.35 crore devotees had bathed in the Triveni Sangam.

Faecal coliform, a key indicator of sewage contamination in water, has a permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml of water, according to CPCB standards.

The NGT bench — comprised of chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A. Senthil Vel — was hearing a petition on prevention of sewage discharge into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj.

In a report dated 3 February, the CPCB outlined the poor quality of river water in Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. The report highlighted several violations.

“The large number of people bathing in the river at Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela, particularly on auspicious bathing days, results in increased faecal contamination,” the CPCB stated.

The NGT bench also observed that the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) had failed to meet its earlier directive to submit a comprehensive action report.

The tribunal noted that the UPPCB had only provided a cover letter with certain water test reports. “Upon reviewing the documents attached to the letter dated 28 January 2025 from the in-charge of the central laboratory at UPPCB, it was found that high levels of both faecal and total coliforms had been detected at various locations,” the bench noted.

The tribunal has granted one more day for the counsel representing the state of Uttar Pradesh to examine the CPCB report and provide a response.

“Member secretary, UPPCB, and the relevant state authorities responsible for maintaining water quality in the Ganga at Prayagraj are directed to appear virtually at the next hearing on 19 February 19,” the tribunal stated.