Mahakumbh: High faecal bacteria levels in Prayagraj river water, fails bathing standards, says Pollution Control Board

LUCKNOW, FEB 18 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has summoned Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) officials to appear virtually before the Tribunal for failing to submit the ‘action taken report (ATR)’ on improving the water quality in Prayagraj for Mahakumbh-2025.

Notably, the NGT principal bench had directed both the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the UPPCB on December 24, 2024 to take water samples, display the result on their website and send the report to the NGT registrar general on January 31 and February 28.

“We find that the order of the Tribunal to file comprehensive action taken report has not been complied with by the UPPCB,” said the order by the NGT principal bench comprising chairperson Justice Prakash Srivastava, judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel.

Member Secretary, UPPCB, and the State Authority concerned responsible for maintaining the water quality in river Ganga at Prayagraj are directed to appear virtually on the next date of hearing on February 19,” the order of NGT principal bench said.

However, the CPCB filed a report on February 3, pointing out non-compliance/violations on the part of UPPCB.

According to CPCB report, the river water quality was not conforming to primary water quality for bathing with respect to Faecal Coliform (FC) at all the monitored locations on various occasions.

CPCB report highlighted alarming levels of water pollution in Ganga and Yamuna at Prayagraj, particularly during the events like Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela. The findings indicate non-compliance with critical water quality standards, raising concerns over public health and environmental sustainability.

“Huge number of people bathing during Mahakumbh Mela in river, including auspicious bathing days, has eventually led to increase in faecal concentration,” said the CPCB report.

As per the CPCB report, it had taken water samples on January 12, 13, 15, 19, 20 and 24 from various locations along the Ganga and the Yamuna.

The CPCB report also pointed out non-compliance in the Geosynthetic Dewatering Tubes.

The report said: “Seven Geosynthetic Dewatering Tubes (geo-tube) filtration sites were operational at Prayagraj. All seven geo-tubes were monitored and sample was collected and analysed in Lucknow Lab. As per sample analysis results, all were found not complying with regard to prescribed norms for pH (6.5-8.5), dissolved oxygen (5.0 mg/l), total suspended solids (50 mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (100 mg/l), biochemical oxygen demand (30 mg/l) and Faecal Coliform (230 MPN/100ml).”

The report also highlighted the absence of flow meters at the inlet and outlet points of key drains.

The report added that Prayagraj has 10 operational STPs with a total treatment capacity of 340 MLD. Seven STPs discharge treated wastewater into the Ganga, while three discharge into the Yamuna.

Sample analysis revealed compliance with stipulated norms except for the 10 MLD STP at Ponghat, which failed to meet regulatory standards. Most STPs were running beyond their installed capacity, except for the 14 MLD STP at Salori.

Disinfection facilities at all STPs were found operational.

“Even on the perusal of the documents enclosed along with the covering letter dated January 28, 2025 sent by the In-charge Central Laboratory, UPPCB, the presence of high level of faecal and total coliform at various location is reflected,” said the order from the principal bench.

The Tribunal allowed a day’s time to the counsel for the state of Uttar Pradesh to file the response.

Meanwhile, the Mela management authorities claimed that they were treating wastewater from over 1.5 lakh toilets, on premises, daily ensuring zero discharge into the river.

“In a major step towards river conservation, three temporary and three permanent sewage treatment plants are working to prevent pollution,” said Mahakaumbh Special Executive Officer Akanksha Rana.

-PTI