A new report has revealed that high levels of faecal coliform which are microbes from human and animal excreta were found in river water in which people took holy dip during Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj of Uttar Pradesh.
The report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revealed that “huge number of people taking bath at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh Mela in river, including on auspicious bathing days, eventually led to increase in faecal concentration.”
The CPCB report was submitted to the green court on February 3.
“River water quality was not conforming with the primary water quality for bathing with reference to Faecal 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 on auspicious bathing days, eventually led to increase in faecal concentration,” an NGT order dated February 17 quoted the CPCB report as reported by The Hindu.
“On the perusal of the documents enclosed along with the covering letter dated January 28, 2025 sent by the in-charge of Central Laboratory, UPPCB [Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board], it is reflected that the high level of faecal and total coliform has been found in various locations,” the order read.
The Principal Bench of the NGT comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A. According to The Hindu report, Senthil Vel was hearing a plea about the quality of Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj.
Reportedly, the green court also observed that the UPPCB has not filed a comprehensive report as directed by the court. The court has directed that the Member-Secretary of the UPPCB and the State authority concerned, who are responsible for maintaining the water quality in river Ganga at Prayagraj, to appear virtually on the next date of hearing on February 19, The Hindu reported.