Mahakumbh Mela 2025 | High Levels of Faecal Bacteria in Prayagraj’s Sacred Waters
Mahkumbh Mela 2025 :The recent National Green Tribunal (NGT) report on the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has been nothing short of an eye-opener, or rather, an “Eye WASH” for all those who have been turning a blind eye to the dire state of our sacred rivers. The findings are stark – high levels of faecal matter in the waters where millions take a holy dip, believing in the sanctity and purifying essence of the Ganga.
The faecal coliform levels in Prayagraj’s river water during the Maha Kumbh Mela have exceeded bathing quality standards, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have noted in a report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
While the government had incorporated a ‘zero tolerance approach’ to open defecation, this news clearly shows the reality of what has happened.
Mahkumbh Mela 2025 :The CPCB sets a limit of 2,500 units of faecal coliform per 100ml of bathing water. However, test reports from Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela exceeded this limit, indicating severe pollution. This poses a significant risk of waterborne illnesses, especially with millions of people bathing. Untreated sewage from nearby areas further contaminates the water, making it unfit for human contact and increasing the risk of disease transmission.The Maha kumbh mela is expected to host around 450 million people
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Accountability:
Where does the buck stop when our rivers, revered as holy, are nothing more than conduits for sewage? The NGT’s report is a clarion call for accountability. It’s time
Mahakumbh Mela 2025
Government Bodies: Why hasn’t the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ensured that the river water meets basic bathing quality standards? Who will be held responsible for the failure to manage sewage discharge effectively during one of the world’s largest human gatherings?
Local Authorities: The state of Uttar Pradesh, hosting the Maha Kumbh, must explain the operational status of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and the management of the extensive drain network that pours untreated waste into the rivers.
Festival Organizers: With the influx of millions, the responsibility to provide safe, clean environments for religious practices is paramount. Was enough done to mitigate the environmental impact?
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Mahakumbh Mela 2025
The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a spiritual event; it’s a colossal test of our commitment to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Here’s what needs urgent attention
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Water Quality Monitoring:
Continuous and transparent monitoring of water quality should be non-negotiable, especially during such mass gatherings. Real-time data should be accessible to the public to ensure informed decisions about their health.
Sanitation Infrastructure: The sheer volume of people necessitates an overhaul or at least a significant upgrade in sanitation facilities. Portable toilets, proper waste disposal systems, and on-site treatment of greywater and faecal sludge must be prioritized.
Hygiene Awareness: Public health campaigns should be ramped up to educate pilgrims on hygiene practices, reducing the risk of outbreaks from contaminated water.
Sustainable Practices: Moving forward, we need to integrate sustainable practices into the planning of such events. This includes sustainable waste management, reducing plastic use, and ensuring that the event leaves a lighter footprint on our already burdened ecosystems.
Eye WASH:
The term “Eye WASH” here is not just metaphorical. It’s a demand for clarity, for no more illusions about the state of our rivers or the sincerity of our efforts towards their preservation.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has filed a report before the National Green Tribunal’s Principal Bench revealing concerning findings regarding the river water quality at Prayagraj (UP) during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.