Key Points:
- Massive Footfall: Over 25 million devotees bathed at the Sangam in Prayagraj by 3 PM on January 14 during the ongoing Mahakumbh.
- NGT Directives Unheeded: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandated the display of water quality reports for devotees, but these have not been made available.
- Pollution Levels Exceed Limits: The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) at the Sangam measured 4 mg/L higher than the permissible limit of 3 mg/L, signaling poor water quality.
- Transparency Concerns: Analytical data from sewage treatment plants (STPs) and water quality monitoring, ordered to be displayed online, remains missing from CPCB and UPPCB websites.
- Public Safety at Stake: The lack of transparency raises concerns for the health and safety of millions of pilgrims.
Prayagraj: Amidst the spiritual fervor of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, concerns over the cleanliness of the sacred Ganga waters have sparked controversy. By 3 PM on January 14, more than 25 million devotees had taken a holy dip at the Sangam, despite reports of water quality not meeting prescribed standards.
Pollution Levels Breach Safety Norms
Real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level at the Sangam stood at 4 mg/L by 2 PM on January 14. This exceeds the safe threshold of 3 mg/L for bathing, as recommended by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB). A higher BOD indicates elevated organic pollution, raising concerns about the safety of the waters for the millions of devotees.
NGT’s Unmet Directives
The NGT, in its December 2024 order, mandated several measures to ensure the availability of clean and adequate Ganga water in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh. Key directives included:
- Regular sampling and analysis of water quality by CPCB and UPPCB.
- Display of analytical reports from STPs and advanced oxidation ponds on their respective websites.
- Informing pilgrims about the water quality before they bathe.
Despite these clear instructions, the petition filed with the NGT alleges that these measures have not been implemented. As of January 14, no water quality data has been uploaded on the CPCB or UPPCB websites, nor has any information been made available to the public.
Health Risks for Pilgrims
The absence of timely water quality reports is particularly concerning given the vast crowds gathered during Makar Sankranti. Many smaller streams of the Ganga in the Prayagraj region remain untreated, further exacerbating the pollution levels. Pilgrims, unaware of the water’s condition, may be at risk of exposure to waterborne diseases.
Call for Transparency
The petition emphasizes the need for urgent action to safeguard the health of millions of devotees. It calls for the CPCB and UPPCB to immediately upload real-time water quality data and analysis reports on their websites, with prominent links for easy access.
The Ganga is revered as a lifeline of spirituality and sustenance for millions. Ensuring its sanctity during an event as significant as the Mahakumbh is a shared responsibility. Authorities must act swiftly to address the pollution concerns, adhere to NGT’s directives, and prioritize the safety of the pilgrims. Transparency and proactive measures will be crucial in restoring faith in the sacred river’s waters.
