NGT flags high level of fecal bacteria in Prayagraj's Ganga
What's the story
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed concern over the water quality of the Ganga River at Prayagraj amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.
A Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report, dated February 3, found a sharp rise in fecal coliform bacteria levels failing to meet bathing quality standards.
The CPCB observed that "the river water quality was not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to fecal coliform (FC) at all monitored locations on various occasions."
Devotee influx
Over 54.31 crore devotees bathe in Ganga
The CPCB report said that the large number of people taking bath in the Ganga during Maha Kumbh, particularly on auspicious days, resulted in a rise in fecal concentration.
Since January 13, over 54.31 crore devotees have bathed in the holy waters, with over 1.35 crore taking a dip by 8:00pm on a recent Monday.
The CPCB's standards permit a maximum of 2,500 units of fecal coliform per 100ml of water, but levels now exceed that.
Tribunal action
NGT summons UPPCB officials over rising pollution
Justice Prakash Shrivastava, heading the NGT bench, has summoned officials from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to explain their measures against rising pollution levels.
The tribunal slammed UPPCB for not submitting a comprehensive action report and only providing water test results showing high contamination.
The NGT had earlier mandated stricter monitoring and waste management controls in December 2024 to prevent untreated sewage discharge into rivers Ganga and Yamuna during religious events.
Time
Next hearing on Wednesday
The tribunal has permitted the counsel representing the state of Uttar Pradesh one day to review 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.