Amidst the Maha Kumbh fervour, high fecal coliform levels raise concerns in Prayagraj: CPCB Report

A CPCB report revealed high fecal coliform levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh, indicating potential sewage contamination. The NGT ordered further action from UPPCB

Hyderabad: Have you ever witnessed the excitement around the Maha Kumbh, where people go to great lengths, often even risking overcrowding, to take a holy dip at the Sangam?

The fervour is palpable as thousands gather to bathe in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

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However, amidst this religious fervour, concerns about water quality have surfaced.

The National Green Tribunal was informed on Monday, through a report from the CPCB, that various locations in Prayagraj during the ongoing Mahakumbh were not meeting the necessary water quality standards for bathing, primarily due to high levels of feacal coliform.

Faecal coliform, a marker of sewage contamination, has a permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

What is faecal coliform?
Feacal coliforms are a group of bacteria that come from the intestines of warm-blooded animals, like humans, cows, and other mammals.

These bacteria are often used as an indicator to test water for contamination. If feacal coliforms are found in water, it means that the water might be contaminated with harmful germs, like those that cause stomach illnesses or infections.

In simple terms, the presence of feacal coliforms in water suggests that the water might not be clean or safe to drink. Scientists check for these bacteria in lakes, rivers, or swimming pools to make sure the water is safe.

The bench noted that the CPCB had filed a report dated February 3, pointing out certain non-compliances or violations.

“The river water quality was not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to faecal coliform (FC) at all the monitored locations on various occasions. A large number of people bathe in the river at Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh Mela, including on auspicious bathing days, which eventually leads to an increase in faecal concentration,” the report said.

The bench also noted that the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) had not complied with the tribunal’s earlier direction to file a comprehensive action taken report.

The tribunal observed that the UPPCB had only filed a covering letter with certain water test reports.

“Even upon reviewing the documents enclosed with the covering letter dated January 28, 2025, sent by the in-charge of the central laboratory, UPPCB, it is reflected that high levels of faecal and total coliform have been found at various locations,” it said.

The tribunal allowed one day for the counsel for the State of Uttar Pradesh to examine the report and file a response.

“Member Secretary, UPPCB, and the concerned State authority responsible for maintaining the water quality in the river Ganga at Prayagraj are directed to appear virtually at the next hearing, scheduled for February 19,” the tribunal said.