The water quality of the Ganga at Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela has become a major health concer
Health at Risk: NGT Calls for Strict Action Over Faecal Coliform in Prayagraj Waters latest news: NGT orders UPPCB member-secretary to attend hearing virtually on Feb 19. The water quality of the Ganga at Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela has become a major health concern, with recent CPCB tests revealing dangerously high levels of faecal coliform bacteria. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has now directed authorities to respond to these findings, amid concerns for the safety of crores of devotees taking the holy dip.
The CPCB submitted a report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on February 3, detailing their findings from water quality tests conducted at various locations in Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh Mela is taking place.
The report informed the tribunal of the presence of high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the water, where crores of devotees have already taken a holy dip, and many more are yet to, raising serious health concerns.
After reviewing the report, the NGT granted the counsel representing Uttar Pradesh one day to review the CPCB’s findings and file a response. It also directed the Member Secretary of UPPCB and the relevant state authority overseeing water quality in the Ganga at Prayagraj to attend the next hearing virtually on February 19, as per a report published in Firstpost.
What is faecal coliform?
Fecal coliforms are a subset of coliform bacteria that specifically originate from the intestines of warm-blooded animals (including humans). Their presence in water is a strong sign of recent fecal contamination and potential harmful pathogens.
Why is Fecal Coliform Important?
Indicates Water Contamination – Their presence means the water may have human or animal waste.
Health Risk – Can signal the presence of harmful pathogens like Salmonella, Shigella, and Hepatitis A.
Used in Water Quality Testing – High fecal coliform levels mean water is unsafe for bathing
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted a report analyzing the Ganga's water quality, stating, “The river water quality was not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to faecal coliform (FC) at all the monitored locations on various occasions. A large number of people bathe in the river at Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh Mela, including on auspicious bathing days, which eventually leads to an increase in faecal concentration.”
According to the bathing water criteria listed on the CPCB website, fecal coliform levels in river water should ideally be limited to 500 MPN/100ml, with a maximum permissible limit of 2,500 MPN/100ml for discharge into the river. However, the latest data recorded on February 4, reported faecal coliform levels in the Ganga at 11,000 MPN/100ml near Shastri Bridge and 7,900 MPN/100ml at Sangam.
“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,” According to an NGT order dated February 17, which cited the CPCB report, The Hindu reported.The CPCB had submitted its report to the NGT on February 3.
According to news agency PTI, Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati stated, "The National Green Tribunal had highlighted this even before the Kumbh started that the quality of Ganga and Yamuna waters was not good for bathing. They had also issued certain directions, especially on controlling the flow drains into the river. 40-50 crore people are taking bath there, it is being advertised all over the world, but the basic facilit .. of clean water for bathing is not being provided."
Doctors have also voiced their concerns on social media platforms
Dr. Dipshikha Ghosh, a medical practitioner, took to her social media handle on X to respond to a post by TheLiverDoc, who stated:
"I got abused and harassed by certain groups of doctors, including very junior ones on Twitter, for stating facts based on scientific acumen, which now has objective evidence."
In response, Dr. Ghosh wrote:
"I have a patient right here with a severe lung infection caused by water from the Kumbh entering her nostrils while she was taking a dip. She is now unable to breathe on her own and has been put on a ventilator and proned. Religion is important, yes, but please don’t undermine science. Be aware. Be cautious."
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