A bench led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, was reviewing the issue of preventing sewage discharge into the rivers.
Prayagraj: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been informed that the water quality of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj is not fit for bathing due to high levels of faecal coliform, a sign of sewage contamination. This information was shared through a report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Monday.
Faecal coliform levels should not exceed 2,500 units per 100 ml, as per CPCB standards. However, during the ongoing Mahakumbh, multiple locations in Prayagraj have failed to meet this benchmark.
A bench led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, was reviewing the issue of preventing sewage discharge into the rivers.
The CPCB’s report, dated February 3, revealed that water quality was repeatedly failing to meet bathing standards.
The report stated, “The river water quality was not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to faecal coliform (FC) at all the monitored locations on various occasions. A large number of people bathe in the river at Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh Mela, including on auspicious bathing days, which eventually leads to an increase in faecal concentration.”
The tribunal also pointed out that the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) had not followed its earlier directive to submit a detailed action taken report. Instead, the UPPCB had merely submitted a covering letter along with some water test reports.
The NGT bench observed, “Even upon reviewing the documents enclosed with the covering letter dated January 28, 2025, sent by the in-charge of the central laboratory, UPPCB, it is reflected that high levels of faecal and total coliform have been found at various locations.”
In light of these findings, the tribunal has granted the counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government one day to review the CPCB’s report and submit a response.
The tribunal has also ordered top UPPCB officials and state authorities responsible for maintaining the river’s water quality to appear virtually at the next hearing.
The tribunal stated, “Member Secretary, UPPCB, and the concerned state authority responsible for maintaining the water quality in the river Ganga at Prayagraj are directed to appear virtually at the next hearing, scheduled for February 19.”
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