The report, filed on February 3, indicates a significant rise in faecal coliform bacteria during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Here's what 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
