Ganga Pollution: High Bacteria at Prayagraj | Kumbh Dip

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• High levels of faecal bacteria in the Ganga River at Prayagraj raise concerns for NGT.
• The increased number of bathers during the Maha Kumbh contributed to pollution.
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted a report on the pollution levels.
• The NGT has requested a response from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB).
• Increased monitoring of sewage and waste management in Prayagraj is expected.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised concerns about high levels of faecal bacteria in the Ganga at Prayagraj, following a report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This Ganga Pollution issue is a significant challenge for the region.

CPCB Report: Key Findings

The report, filed on February 3, indicates a significant rise in faecal coliform bacteria during the Maha Kumbh Mela. The CPCB report said:

• The river water quality did not conform with the bathing criteria with respect to biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) during monitoring carried out on January 12-13.
• The river water quality did not conform with the primary water quality for bathing with respect to Fecal Coliform (FC) at all monitored locations on various occasions. FC is a crucial indicator to measure Ganga Pollution.
• The report also said that a huge number of people taking bath in Ganga during Maha Kumbh, especially on auspicious days, led to an increase in faecal concentration. While sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the area were generally operational, the report noted that contamination levels spiked during the Shahi Snans and other key rituals of the festival.

NGT Action

The tribunal, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, former Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, reviewed the findings and summoned officials from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to appear virtually on Wednesday. The officials are required to explain the measures taken in response to the rising pollution levels. The NGT is proactive in addressing Ganga Pollution.

Previous Proceedings

The tribunal had previously ordered the UPPCB to submit a detailed compliance report, but the board only provided water test results showing high faecal contamination. As a result, the NGT has given the UPPCB additional time to submit a comprehensive report and has instructed key officials to attend the next hearing on February 19.

Increased Monitoring

The ongoing monitoring and treatment of sewage and waste management systems at Prayagraj has been under scrutiny since December 2024, when the NGT called for stricter controls to ensure water quality during religious events.

Earlier Orders

The tribunal had earlier ordered stricter monitoring of water quality, sewage treatment, and waste management in Prayagraj in December, following concerns about untreated sewage being discharged into rivers Ganga and Yamuna. Concerns about Ganga Pollution have been ongoing.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Faecal bacteria levels are high in the Ganga at Prayagraj.
• The Maha Kumbh Mela contributed to increased pollution.
• A CPCB report detailed the pollution levels.
• The NGT has demanded a response from the UPPCB.
• Increased monitoring of sewage and waste management will occur in Prayagraj.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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