Wed Feb 19 07:27:15 UTC 2025: ## Ganga, Yamuna Rivers Contaminated During Maha Kumbh: NGT Raises Alarm

**Prayagraj, India** – The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed serious concern over dangerously high levels of fecal coliform bacteria detected in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers during the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj. A report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed fecal coliform levels far exceeding safe limits, particularly during the “Shahi Snan” bathing days.

The CPCB report, filed on February 3rd, indicated that total coliform levels (including fecal and other coliforms) in the Ganga were approximately 1,400 times higher than acceptable standards at certain points, while the Yamuna showed levels 660 times the acceptable limit. Readings taken on February 4th, a day after one of the major bathing days, showed fecal coliform levels in the Ganga reaching 11,000 MPN/100ml near Shastri Bridge and 7,900 MPN/100ml at the Sangam confluence. The Yamuna registered 4,900 MPN/100ml near the Old Naini Bridge. The acceptable limit is 2,500 MPN/100ml.

This contamination poses significant health risks, including typhoid, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and other waterborne illnesses. Experts warn that even bathing in the contaminated water can lead to skin infections and gastrointestinal problems. The high organic load from untreated sewage depletes oxygen in the rivers, harming the aquatic ecosystem.

The NGT’s concerns highlight the failure of sewage treatment plants to adequately manage wastewater, despite their operation during the monitoring period (January 12-13). A lack of proper sewage treatment and inadequate bacteriological standards have long been linked to adverse health impacts, particularly among farmers using contaminated water for irrigation, according to a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report. Studies have shown a high prevalence of diarrheal diseases, skin infections, and parasitic infections in communities using untreated sewage water.

The NGT’s intervention underscores the urgent need for improved sewage management and water quality monitoring to protect public health and the environment, especially during large-scale religious gatherings. The issue highlights a larger problem of inadequate sewage treatment across India, impacting both public health and agricultural practices.

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