As millions gather for the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj’s Sangam, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious concerns regarding the alarming levels of faecal coliform bacteria found in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The issue has garnered attention following a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which, on February 3, revealed dangerously high concentrations of faecal bacteria in water samples from both rivers. This problem has become especially prominent on Shahi Snan days, when millions take a ritual dip in these waters, raising questions about water quality and public health.
What is Faecal Coliform, and Why Does it Matter?
Faecal coliform bacteria are a group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Their presence in water indicates contamination by human or animal waste, often as a result of untreated sewage or runoff from agricultural activities. Coliform bacteria are used as an indicator to assess the water’s safety for consumption or recreational activities.
When these bacteria are found in high levels in rivers, it signals the potential presence of harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which are responsible for a range of waterborne diseases. Common illnesses linked to such contamination include typhoid, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and diarrhea—diseases that affect millions each year, particularly in developing countries with poor sanitation infrastructure.
Health Hazards and Ecological Impact
The dangers of consuming or coming into contact with water contaminated by faecal coliform cannot be overstated. For the millions of devotees who bathe in the Ganga and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh, exposure to such contaminated water increases the risk of contracting various waterborne diseases, some of which can be fatal. Typhoid fever, caused by the Salmonella bacteria, gastroenteritis, and dysentery, can spread rapidly, leading to public health crises, particularly when sanitation and medical resources are overwhelmed.
But the issue is not limited to human health. High levels of faecal matter introduce excess organic material into the water. As this organic material decays, it depletes oxygen levels in the water, creating a hostile environment for aquatic life. This process, known as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), leads to a decline in water quality, affecting both biodiversity and the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.
Monitoring and Regulatory Standards
The CPCB report from January 12-13, 2025, confirmed that the water quality in both rivers did not meet the standards required for bathing in terms of both biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and faecal coliform levels. According to the guidelines laid out by the Ministry of Urban Development in 2004, the maximum permissible limit for faecal coliform in river water should be capped at 2,500 Most Probable Number (MPN) per 100 milliliters (MPN/100ml) of water, with the desirable limit set at 500 MPN/100ml.
However, the latest data paints a worrying picture. On February 4, 2025, the faecal coliform levels at key monitoring points were found to be far higher than acceptable levels. For instance, at the Shastri Bridge over the Ganga, just 2 kilometers upstream from the Sangam, the reading was a staggering 11,000 MPN/100ml. The Sangam itself recorded 7,900 MPN/100ml. Similarly, the Yamuna near the Old Naini Bridge, just before it meets the Ganga at the Sangam, showed a reading of 4,900 MPN/100ml. These levels far exceed the permissible limits, indicating significant contamination and posing a serious health threat to the public.
The Challenge of Sewage Treatment
Despite the operational sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Prayagraj, the problem persists, suggesting that current waste management infrastructure is inadequate to handle the immense volume of wastewater generated during the Kumbh Mela. The growing population and large-scale gatherings exacerbate the pressure on already overstretched facilities. There is also the issue of untreated sewage being directly discharged into the rivers, further compounding the problem of faecal contamination.
Urgent Action Needed
The issue of faecal contamination in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers is not new, but the current situation during the Maha Kumbh highlights the urgent need for effective action. More stringent monitoring of sewage discharge and an expansion of sewage treatment facilities are critical. Additionally, authorities must invest in improving sanitation infrastructure to ensure that wastewater is adequately treated before being released into the rivers.
At the same time, public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate pilgrims about the risks of bathing in contaminated water, encouraging the use of alternative water sources where possible. While the spiritual significance of bathing in the Ganga and Yamuna cannot be downplayed, the need for public health safety must remain a priority.
The presence of high levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers near Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh poses a severe public health risk. Addressing this issue requires not just better waste management and sewage treatment but also a collective effort from both authorities and citizens to reduce contamination and protect the health of millions. If these issues are left unchecked, the consequences could be dire, not only for human health but also for the delicate ecosystems that these sacred rivers support.
