The NGT was hearing a plea that alleged the discharge of untreated sewage into the Ganga and Yamuna, with respect to the Kumbh Mela.
The NGT referred to a report filed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In the report, the CPCB flagged a high concentration of faecal bacteria, claiming, “River water quality was not conforming with the primary water quality for bathing with respect to Faecal Coliform (FC) at all the monitored locations on various occasions. A huge number of people taking a bath at Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela in the river, including on auspicious bathing days, eventually leads to an increase in faecal concentration.”
The CPCB, as per the Environment Protection Amendment Rules of 2000, has prescribed that levels of faecal coliform should be no higher than 2500 MPN/100 ML for organised outdoor bathing.
According to the CPCB report, on January 13, the levels at Shringverpur Ghat were 23,000 and at Deeha Ghat were 33,000. On January 14, the levels at Old Naini Bridge were 33,000. The levels spiked to 49,000 at the Sangam on January 20.
The NGT recorded that the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Boar (UP PCB) is non-compliant with its order and has not submitted any action taken report.
The NGT has now directed the Member Secretary of UP PCB and the “concerned authority who are responsible for maintaining the water quality” to appear virtually on the next date of hearing.
The NGT will hear this case on February 19.
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(Edited by : Anand Singha)
First Published: Feb 18, 2025 5:21 PM IST
