High levels of microbes from human, animal excreta found in river water at Maha Kumbh: report

High levels of faecal coliform (microbes from human and animal excreta) were found in river water in which people took holy dip during Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. File photo
| Photo Credit: ANI

High levels of faecal coliform (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, according to a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

“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.

Also read: Mahakumbh: Five things to do at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj 

The CPCB report was submitted to the green court on February 3.

“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. Senthil Vel was hearing a plea about the quality of Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj.

‘No comprehensive report’

The green court also observed that the UPPCB has not filed a comprehensive report as directed by the court.

“So far as the UPPCB is concerned no comprehensive action taken report as directed by the Tribunal in paragraph 19(viii) of the order dated December 23, 2024 has been filed. Along with the covering letter addressed to the Registrar General dated January 28, 2025 the In-charge, Central Laboratory, UPPCB 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 UPPCB,” the order said.

The court has directed 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.