The water quality in Prayagraj’s rivers, where people took a holy dip during the Maha Kumbh, has raised concerns due to high levels of faecal coliform, a harmful bacteria found in human and animal waste. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted a report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on February 3, stating that the river water did not meet the standards required for safe bathing.
The report said, “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. The huge number of people taking a bath at Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela eventually led to an increase in faecal concentration,” as quoted in the NGT’s order dated February 17.
The NGT had asked the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to submit a detailed report on the water quality, but the court observed that the UPPCB had not complied fully with the instructions. “No comprehensive action taken report as directed by the Tribunal in December 2024 has been filed,” the court stated.
In response to the findings, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the water quality, saying, “More than 56.25 crore devotees have already taken their holy dip in Prayagraj… When we make any baseless allegations or show fake videos against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, or the Maha Kumbh, it is like playing with the faith of these 56 crore people.”
The NGT has ordered officials from UPPCB to appear virtually on the next hearing scheduled for February 19.
