New Delhi: A report submitted to the National Green Tribunal by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revealed that high levels of faecal coliform (microbes present in human and animal excreta) were found in the same river water in which devotees are bathing during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
“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,” said an NGT order dated February 17 that quoted the CPCB report, reported The Hindu.
The CPCB had submitted its report to the NGT on February 3.
“On the perusal of the documents enclosed along with the covering letter dated January 28, 2025 sent by the in-charge of Central Laboratory, UPPCB [Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board], it is reflected that the high level of faecal and total coliform has been found in various locations,” said the NGT order.
The NGT has also observed that the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has not filed a comprehensive report as per the directions of the court. The NGT directed the member-secretary of the UPPCB to appear virtually on the next date of hearing on February 19.
