New Delhi:  The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the river water at multiple locations in Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh does not meet the primary water quality standards for bathing due to high levels of faecal coliform (microbes from human and animal excreta). The findings were presented in a report submitted on Monday.

Faecal coliform, an indicator of sewage contamination, has a permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml, according to CPCB norms. The CPCB report, dated February 3, stated, "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." It further highlighted that the presence of a large number of devotees bathing in the rivers Ganga and Yamuna, particularly on auspicious days, had led to an increase in faecal concentration.

What did the tribunal say?
A bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal, and Expert Member A Senthil Vel reviewed the CPCB report and took note of violations. The tribunal also observed that the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) had not complied with its earlier directive to submit a comprehensive action taken report.

The tribunal noted that UPPCB had only submitted a covering letter with some water test reports, rather than a full compliance report. "Even upon reviewing the documents enclosed with the covering letter dated January 28, 2025, sent by the in-charge of the central laboratory, UPPCB, it is reflected that high levels of faecal and total coliform have been found at various locations," the tribunal said.

What happens next?
The NGT has given one day for the counsel representing Uttar Pradesh to review the CPCB report and file a response. It also directed, "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."

With PTI inputs