Bhubaneswar: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in its report to National Green Tribunal has revealed very BIG.
The apex pollution control body, under the Central government, has submitted a report to National Green Tribunal on the water quality at Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh.
In compliance of NGT orders, the CPCB report findings are as follows.
UNFIT FOR DIP!
CPCB has filed the report dated 03.02.2025 pointing out the following non-compliance/violations with reagard to the river quality in Ganga and Yamuna
- River Water Quality
With respect to Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), river water quality was not conforming with the bathing criteria during monitoring carried out on 12-13 January, 2025 at most of the locations,
- However after that organic pollution (in terms of BOD) started to decrease due to freshwater intrusion at upstream locations.
- After 13th January 2025, river water quality conforming the bathing criteria with respect to BOD except Lord Curzon bridge on river Ganga on 19th January, 2025.
- River water quality was not conforming with the primary water quality for bathing with resepect to Fecal Coliform (FC) at all the monitored locations on various occasions.
- The BIG: Huge number of people taking bath at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh Mela in river including auspicious bathing days which eventually leads to increase in fecal concentration.
- SEE the table below.
The top pollution control agency of the country has submitted its report on a case that raised grievances regarding the quality of the waters in both rivers.
The application at the NGT has charged that untreated sewage was being discharged through drains into the two rivers during the Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela.
UNTREATED SEWAGE In KUMBH WATERS?
THE CPCB report on the discharge of untreated sewage follows.
The CPCB in its report has found the charge untrue. The report findings are given below.
Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
- There are ten (10) Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) installed at Prayagraj with treatment capacity of 340 MLD.
- Seven (07) STPs discharge their treated wastewater into River Ganga
- While three (03) into River Yamuna.
- All STPs were found operational and samples from outlet of the STPs were collected.
- As per sample analysis report, all STPs are complying with stipulated norms notified by MoEF & CC except one (10 MLD STP, Ponghat).
- Disinfection facility at all STPs was found operational during visit.
- It was also observed that all the STPs were operational at more than its installed capacity except 14 MLD STP Salori.
However, the CPCB report highlighted the presence high faecal colifom in river water. How the fecal coliform is more despite STP s functioning normally.
HOW FECAL COLIFORM RISE IN RIVER WATER?
As per studied by CPCB, Fecal coliform bacteria can enter rivers through the direct discharge of
- Waste from mammals and birds,
- From agricultural and storm runoff,
- From untreated human sewage.
- But CPCB report submitted to NGT shows no untreated waste has been let into river Ganga and Yamuna.
- As per CPCB earlier studies, allowing animal wastes to wash into nearby streams or allowing livestock watering in streams, can all contribute to fecal coliform contamination.
- But in its report to NGT, CPCB said, the current rise in fecal coliform in river water is due to Huge number of people taking bath at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh Mela in river including auspicious bathing days which eventually leads to increase in fecal concentration
