Contaminated Faith: Alarming Levels of Fecal Bacteria Found in Ganga During Maha Kumbh
Pollution Crisis at Sangam Raises Serious Health and Environmental Concerns
Prayagraj, February 20, 2025 – The sacred waters of the Ganga, where millions of devotees have gathered for the Maha Kumbh Mela, have been found to be heavily contaminated with fecal bacteria, posing a severe health risk. A report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has revealed dangerously high levels of fecal coliform bacteria, far exceeding permissible limits. The findings have sparked outrage, raising critical questions about government negligence, environmental degradation, and public safety.
CPCB’s Findings: Ganga Waters Unfit for Bathing
The CPCB conducted multiple water quality assessments between January 12 and February 4, 2025, revealing shocking contamination levels in both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers at Prayagraj. Fecal coliform bacteria, which indicate the presence of untreated human and animal waste, were detected at levels up to 1,400 times higher than the acceptable standards.
As per CPCB guidelines, coliform levels in bathing water should not exceed 500 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100 ml. However, the tests found:
- 700,000 MPN/100ml in the Ganga near Sangam
- 330,000 MPN/100ml in the Yamuna
- 4,900 MPN/100ml in the Yamuna before its confluence with the Ganga
These readings indicate severe sewage contamination, making the water unsafe not only for bathing and ritual purification but also for those who depend on the river for drinking and daily use. The NGT has taken serious note of the findings and has summoned Uttar Pradesh government officials and pollution control authorities to explain their failure in preventing this crisis.
Health Hazards: A Looming Public Health Crisis
The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in water is a direct indicator of sewage pollution, bringing with it the risk of life-threatening waterborne diseases. Medical experts have warned that exposure to such contaminated water can lead to:
- Cholera and typhoid
- Gastrointestinal infections and dysentery
- Skin infections and respiratory illnesses
- Hepatitis A and severe diarrheal diseases
Dr. Atul Kakar, Senior Consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, expressed grave concern:
“The contamination levels suggest a complete breakdown of sanitation measures. Devotees who enter the river are unknowingly exposing themselves to serious health risks, including bacterial and viral infections.”
The impact is not limited to pilgrims—millions of people living along the Ganga rely on its water for drinking, cooking, and agriculture. Prolonged exposure to such contamination could have far-reaching consequences for public health.
NGT Criticizes Authorities for Negligence
The NGT has strongly reprimanded the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for failing to implement pollution control measures and ignoring repeated warnings. Despite being directed in December 2024 to ensure that untreated sewage does not flow into the river, authorities failed to act, allowing pollution to escalate.
The tribunal has now ordered:
- The Member Secretary of UPPCB to appear before it.
- A detailed action plan to be submitted immediately.
- Strict enforcement of pollution control laws to prevent further degradation.
Justice Prakash Shrivastava, leading the NGT bench, stated:
“The authorities have failed to protect the Ganga, allowing uncontrolled sewage discharge despite repeated warnings. Immediate corrective measures must be taken to ensure public safety.”
Government Denial vs. Scientific Evidence
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has dismissed concerns, claiming the water remains fit for both bathing and ritual drinking (aachman). Speaking in the state assembly, he stated:
“Reports of contamination are exaggerated and politically motivated. Continuous water monitoring confirms that the river is clean.”
His statement contradicts CPCB’s findings, drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists, health experts, and opposition leaders. The denial of a public health emergency has led to growing concerns about political interference in environmental governance.
Sources of Contamination: Sewage and Industrial Discharge
The uncontrolled discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste has been identified as the main reason behind the contamination crisis. Reports indicate that:
- Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Prayagraj are either non-functional or operating below capacity.
- Unregulated discharge from residential areas, unauthorized settlements, and industries is flowing directly into the river.
- Agricultural runoff and chemical waste are further contributing to pollution levels.
Experts from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) have pointed out that Prayagraj’s sewage management infrastructure is incapable of handling the waste generated during the Maha Kumbh, despite prior warnings.
Environmental Impact: A Dying River Ecosystem
Beyond the health crisis, the Ganga’s aquatic ecosystem is being severely damaged. High levels of organic waste and bacterial contamination are causing:
- Oxygen depletion in the water, leading to mass fish deaths.
- Toxic algal blooms, further worsening water quality.
- Threats to endangered species like the Gangetic dolphin, which relies on clean water to survive.
Despite receiving billions in government funding, the Namami Gange project has failed to deliver tangible results, as pollution levels continue to rise.
Urgent Calls for Action
With millions of devotees still expected to visit the Maha Kumbh, environmentalists, public health experts, and religious leaders are demanding immediate corrective measures. Key recommendations include:
- Immediate shutdown of all unauthorized sewage discharge points into the Ganga and Yamuna.
- Deployment of emergency water treatment facilities at major bathing sites.
- Real-time public water quality monitoring, with transparent reporting.
- Accountability for UPPCB and municipal authorities, including legal action for negligence.
- Stricter penalties for industries and municipalities violating pollution norms.
Faith vs. Pollution: A Test for Governance
The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a religious event but a global symbol of faith and purification. However, the reality of devotees bathing in sewage-contaminated water raises serious ethical and governance questions.
The failure to prevent pollution, despite advance warnings, reflects deep-rooted governance failures and misplaced priorities. As millions continue to flock to Prayagraj, the government faces mounting pressure to prioritize public health over political narratives.
The Ganga, revered as a sacred and life-giving force, is on the brink of an environmental and public health disaster. Immediate action is needed—not just to protect devotees, but to restore the river to its true, unpolluted glory.
The question remains: Will the government act, or will faith continue to be compromised by pollution and neglect?
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