The National Green Tribunal (NGT) sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government regarding open defecation at the Maha Kumbh Mela. A petition was filed demanding Rs. 10 crore as environmental compensation for inadequate sanitation facilities. The plea argues that the government’s failure to provide proper amenities has harmed the environment. The tribunal directed the state to clarify its stance on the issue.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh Government, Prayagraj Mela Authority, and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UP PCB) regarding claims that inadequate sanitation facilities at the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 have resulted in open defecation along the banks of the Ganga River.
A bench led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. A Senthil Vel requested responses from the involved authorities, directing them to submit their replies one week prior to the next hearing, scheduled for February 24.
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The application, filed by Nipun Bhushan, alleges that,
“Lakhs of ordinary people and families are forced to defecate in the open on the bank of the river Ganga due to a lack of adequate facilities.”
The NGT noted that Bhushan included a pen drive containing videos to support his claims.
He is seeking Rs.10 crore in environmental compensation from the Uttar Pradesh government, arguing that the state has failed to prevent significant pollution resulting from insufficient sanitation at the Kumbh Mela site. Bhushan cites the “polluter pays principle,” which holds that those responsible for pollution should bear the costs of environmental damage.
Additionally, he claims a violation of Article 48A of the Constitution, which mandates the state to protect and improve the environment. Allowing mass open defecation and failing to prevent pollution is seen as a breach of this constitutional duty.
Despite official assurances regarding the installation of bio-toilets, many pilgrims reportedly have to defecate in the open due to a lack of clean or functional facilities. Even if the 150,000 bio-toilets provided are operational, they are likely inadequate for the large number of attendees.
The application references videos taken by visitors that allegedly show human waste accumulating along the riverbanks, raising serious concerns about public health and environmental safety.
Also Read: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 | “Pilgrim Safety at Risk as Orders Go Ignored”: Plea Filed In NGT
It also cites a November 2024 water quality test indicating Fecal Coliform levels at the downstream Sangam at 3,300 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100 milliliters, which exceeds the permissible limit of 2,500 MPN/100 ml established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Such contamination poses risks of diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, and polio, threatening millions of devotees who come to take a holy dip in the Ganga.
Earlier this month, a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlighted alarmingly high levels of Fecal Coliform, rendering the Ganga’s water unsuitable for bathing. The plea also points out that the UP PCB has not published updated water quality data, raising concerns about transparency.
The world’s largest spiritual and cultural event, Maha Kumbh, commenced in Prayagraj with the Amrit Snan on Paush Poornima. Millions of devotees, pilgrims, and visitors are participating in the holy dip at various ghats of the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge.
The grand event will continue until Mahashivaratri on February 26. This year’s Maha Kumbh is especially significant due to a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years. Yesterday, nearly 50 lakh devotees took a dip at the Triveni Sangam.
Mauni Amavasya is one of the most auspicious days in the Maha Kumbh Mela, attracting millions of devotees from across the country. Such a large crowd often causes traffic congestion and logistical issues in Prayagraj. To address these challenges, the courts and bar associations have taken steps to ensure smooth functioning without causing inconvenience to litigants and lawyers.
Case Title: Nipun Bhushan v. Government of Uttar Pradesh & Ors
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