Water Quality Concerns at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj: High Faecal Coliform Levels Found

During the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, water quality at several locations has failed to meet the primary bathing standards due to high levels of faecal coliform, a group of bacteria commonly associated with contamination from sewage or animal waste. This issue has come to light in a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which was shared with the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

What is Faecal Coliform?

Faecal coliform refers to bacteria that are typically found in the intestines of humans and animals. Their presence in water suggests contamination from sewage or animal waste. The issue is significant because, although not all coliform bacteria are harmful, their presence indicates the potential for harmful pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and other viruses, which can lead to various waterborne diseases.

What Are Safe Levels of Faecal Coliform?

A committee formed by the Ministry of Urban Development in 2004 recommended that the desirable limit for faecal coliform in water should be 500 MPN/100ml (MPN stands for Most Probable Number per 100 millilitres). The maximum permissible level for river discharge should be 2,500 MPN/100ml.

The CPCB’s Maha Kumbh 2025 dashboard states that water quality should have faecal coliform levels less than or equal to 2,500 MPN/100ml. However, recent data from February 4 showed alarming levels:

• Ganga: 11,000 MPN/100ml near Shastri Bridge, and 7,900 MPN/100ml at Sangam.
• Yamuna: 4,900 MPN/100ml near the Old Naini Bridge, before its confluence with the Ganga.

These measurements were recorded just a day after Basant Panchami, which is one of the Shahi Snan days during the Kumbh Mela.

Why Is Faecal Coliform Dangerous?

While faecal coliform bacteria itself does not directly cause illness, its presence signals the potential for harmful pathogens in the water, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. This contamination can lead to serious waterborne diseases such as:

• Diarrhoea, vomiting
• Typhoid, cholera
• Skin diseases
• Hepatitis, dysentery

According to Dr. Atul Kakar, Senior Consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, the situation indicates a lack of proper sanitation and contaminated water, which is unsafe for consumption or even bathing. He emphasized that waterborne diseases could spread due to this contamination.

NGT's Intervention and Concern

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT), led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, reviewed the situation and expressed concern over the violations of water quality standards. The CPCB’s report pointed out that the water in the Ganga and Yamuna around Prayagraj did not meet primary bathing standards due to the high faecal coliform contamination. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) was also criticized for failing to submit a comprehensive action report on the issue.
• The NGT has given the Uttar Pradesh authorities a day to examine and respond to the CPCB’s findings. The state’s relevant authorities are required to attend a virtual hearing on February 19 to provide further updates on measures being taken to address the situation.

Sewage Treatment Plants at Maha Kumbh

• In response to concerns about water contamination, unique sewage treatment technologies have been deployed at the Maha Kumbh site. The Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) and Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR) have pioneered Hybrid Granular Sequencing Batch Reactors (hgSBR) technology. These plants use microbes to treat polluted water and are often referred to as Fecal Sludge Treatment Plants.
• These treatment plants set up along the banks of the Ganga can process up to 1.5 lakh liters of sewage per day at the Kumbh site. This technology aims to reduce the contamination levels and improve water quality, though concerns remain regarding the overall effectiveness and monitoring during such large-scale events.

Conclusion

The high levels of faecal coliform in the waters of Prayagraj, especially during the Maha Kumbh, pose a significant public health risk. While efforts like sewage treatment plants are underway, the issue of untreated sewage and contamination from human and animal waste continues to challenge the quality of water. The NGT and CPCB have highlighted the need for better enforcement of water quality standards and improved sanitation measures to ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims and the long-term health of the rivers.