(Image source from: Oneindia.com)
On Monday, the National Green Tribunal received information from a report provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding several sites in Prayagraj where water quality during the ongoing Mahakumbh did not meet the required standards for bathing in terms of faecal coliform levels. The CPCB indicates that the permissible threshold for faecal coliform, which serves as an indicator of sewage pollution, is 2,500 units per 100 milliliters. The tribunal, led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, was addressing concerns regarding the prevention of sewage discharge into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj. The bench remarked on a report submitted by the CPCB on February 3 that highlighted certain instances of non-compliance or infractions.
The report stated, "The quality of river water fails to meet the essential bathing standards related to faecal coliform (FC) across all monitored sites at various times. A significant number of individuals bathe in the river in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh Mela, especially on auspicious bathing days, resulting in an escalation of faecal concentrations." Additionally, the tribunal pointed out that the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) had not adhered to previous directives from the tribunal to submit a detailed action taken report. The tribunal noted that the UPPCB had only provided a covering letter along with a few water test findings. "A review of the documents attached to the covering letter dated January 28, 2025, from the head of the central laboratory at UPPCB shows elevated levels of both faecal and total coliform at multiple sites," it stated.
The tribunal granted a single day for the counsel representing the state of Uttar Pradesh to analyze the report and prepare a response. Furthermore, the tribunal instructed the Member Secretary of UPPCB and the relevant state officials responsible for ensuring the water quality in the Ganga River at Prayagraj to attend the next hearing virtually, which is set for February 19.
