High levels of microbes found in river water at Maha Kumbh: Report
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Prayagra: High levels of bacteria from human and animal excreta have been detected in the river water where pilgrims take their holy dip during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The NGT is currently hearing a petition concerning the water quality of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh pilgrimage. On February 3, the CPCB submitted a report to the tribunal, highlighting significant water contamination, which the NGT took note of in its order on February 17.
The report from the CPCB stated, “The river water quality did not meet the primary bathing water quality standards in terms of Fecal Coliform (FC) at all monitored locations on various occasions. The massive number of people bathing in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela, especially on auspicious bathing days, has led to increased fecal concentration in the rivers.”
Fecal coliform bacteria are microorganisms typically found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and are present in their excreta.
The CPCB also reported that the river’s biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) did not meet the bathing criteria on January 12 and January 13 at most locations. BOD measures the amount of oxygen microorganisms consume while decomposing organic matter in water. Higher BOD levels indicate greater pollution. However, the report noted that following January 13, the organic pollution levels began to decrease, likely due to freshwater intrusion from upstream sources.
“By January 13, 2025, the river water quality began to conform to the bathing criteria concerning BOD, except at the Lord Curzon Bridge on the Ganga on January 19, 2025,” the CPCB said.
Despite improvements, the NGT noted that the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board had failed to comply with a December 23 order to submit a report on actions taken to address water pollution. On February 17, counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government requested a day to review reports on water pollution in the Ganga and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh and to submit a response.
The tribunal will resume hearing the case on February 19.
The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, more than a crore people have bathed in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers each day during the pilgrimage, as reported by the Hindustan Times.