A report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), has concluded that the water quality of the Ganga during the recent Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj was suitable for bathing. The findings, based on water monitoring conducted twice a week from January 12 onwards, confirm that the water met the Primary Water Quality Criteria for bathing.
The report, dated February 28 and uploaded on the NGT’s website on March 7, highlighted that water quality at monitoring sites on both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers was within permissible limits during the auspicious bathing days of the 2025 Maha Kumbh. The CPCB’s analysis found the median faecal coliform (FC) level to be 1,400 MPN/100 ml, well below the acceptable limit of 2,500 MPN/100 ml. Other key water quality indicators such as dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) also met the required standards.
Variability in the data, in collected water samples
However, the report acknowledged significant “variability in data” in the water samples collected from the same locations on different days and from different spots on the same day. This variability, the CPCB noted, was influenced by factors like sewage drainage, tributary inflows, and weather conditions. Despite these fluctuations, the statistical analysis confirmed that the overall water quality was suitable for bathing during the Kumbh period.
Interestingly, just days before the report’s release, the CPCB had informed the NGT that water at several locations in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh did not meet the bathing criteria due to high levels of faecal coliform. This discrepancy was mainly attributed to untreated sewage from multiple drains entering the rivers.
In response to these concerns, authorities in Uttar Pradesh submitted an affidavit outlining efforts to maintain water quality during the Kumbh. The affidavit stated: “In view of Mahakumbh-2025, it has been ensured that a sufficient stock of chemicals, including chlorine, FeCl3, poly, lime, and defoamer, shall be available at all the STPs, as well as additional manpower deployment considering the increased population during Mahakumbh-2025.”
(With ANI Inputs)