High Levels Of 'Faecal' Bacteria In River Water At Prayagraj Maha Kumbh : CPCB Tells NGT

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has filed a report before the National Green Tribunal's Principal Bench revealing concerning findings regarding the river water quality at Prayagraj (UP) during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. It reported that high levels of faecal coliform (mixing of human or livestock excreta) were found in its river water testing at locations where people from across the nation are taking a dip during the Maha Kumbh. The CPCB's report highlights that the river water failed to meet the primary water quality standards for bathing, particularly concerning faecal coliform (FC) levels, at all monitored locations during the event. “River water quality was not conforming with the primary water quality for bathing w.r.t. Fecal Coliform (FC) at all the monitored locations on various occasions. Huge number of people taking bath at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh Mela in river including auspicious bathing days which eventually leads to increase in fecal concentration,” CPCB's report states. The CPCB's report, dated February 3, 2025, was submitted before the Principal Bench of the NGT, comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal, and Expert Member A. Senthil Vel. The bench is presently hearing a plea moved by Varanasi-based Advocate Saurabh Tiwari, raising a grievance about the quality of water in river Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj. The bench is also examining the allegation of the discharge of untreated sewage through the drains in river Ganga and Yamuna with reference to Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela. The report by CPCB has been filed pursuant to a direction issued by the NGT (vide order dated December 23, 2024) to CPCB and UP PCB. The order of the NGT reads thus: “The CPCB and UPPCB will take the water samples from river Ganga and Yamuna from the points atleast twice a week at regular intervals by avoiding duplicacy of sample on the same day and will display the sample analysis report on the website of UP PCB and CPCB. The report will also include performance of STPs and geo-tubes” However, on Monday (February 17), the bench noted that UP PCB did not find any comprehensive action taken report as directed by the Tribunal. “Along with the covering letter address to the Registrar General dated 28.01.2025 the In-charge Central Laboratory, UP PCB has enclosed certain water test reports. Thus, we find that the order of the Tribunal to file comprehensive action taken report has not been complied with by the UP PCB,” the bench observed in its order. The bench, however, noted that even on the perusal of the documents enclosed along with the covering letter sent by the In-charge Central Laboratory, UP PCB, it revealed that High levels of faecal and total coliform had been found in various locations. Against this backdrop, the NGT directed the Member Secretary, UP PCB and the concerned State Authority who is responsible for maintaining the water quality in river Ganga at Prayagraj, to appear virtually today.Click here to read the order

High Levels Of 'Faecal' Bacteria In River Water At Prayagraj Maha Kumbh : CPCB Tells NGT

Sparsh Upadhyay

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