Central Pollution Control Board submits report to National Green Tribunal

Water at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam unsuitable for bathing and drinking

New Delhi – The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has stated that the water at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj is entirely unsuitable for bathing and unfit for consumption. The board has submitted its report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), highlighting that the level of faecal coliform bacteria in the Sangam’s waters has significantly increased.

The CPCB’s research team collected water samples from multiple ghats in Prayagraj. Upon testing, the samples showed high levels of pollutants. It is suspected that the continuous influx of crores of devotees bathing in the Sangam daily may have contributed to the increased levels of faecal coliform bacteria.

A petition regarding the cleanliness of the water was filed in the National Green Tribunal before the commencement of Maha Kumbha. Following the report submission, the NGT has summoned the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and the Secretary for the next hearing.

Editorial Perspective

Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbha Mela has witnessed over 55 crore devotees taking a holy dip. During this period, two institutions claimed that the water at Triveni Sangam was not clean. However, in the past month, no infections have been reported due to this water.