The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has submitted a report to the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal, highlighting alarming concerns about river water quality in Prayagraj (UP) amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. 

According to the report, water testing at various locations, where devotees from across the country are taking a holy dip, revealed high levels of fecal coliform, indicating contamination from human or livestock excreta.

The CPCB's report reveals that the river water did not meet the primary quality standards for bathing at any of the monitored locations during the event, primarily due to elevated faecal coliform (FC) levels.

“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 the river, including auspicious bathing days which eventually leads to an increase in fecal concentration,” CPCB's report states.

The CPCB's report, dated February 3, 2025, was submitted to 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 currently hearing a plea filed by Varanasi-based Advocate Saurabh Tiwari, raising concerns about the water quality of the Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj.

It is also examining allegations regarding the discharge of untreated sewage into these rivers through drains, particularly in connection with the Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela.

“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”

“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 observed that even upon reviewing the documents enclosed with the covering letter from the In-charge of the Central Laboratory, UP PCB, it was evident that high levels of faecal and total coliform were detected at multiple locations.  

In light of these findings, the NGT directed the Member Secretary of the UP PCB and the relevant State Authority responsible for maintaining water quality in the Ganga at Prayagraj to appear virtually today.