The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported alarming levels of water pollution in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers at Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh Mela has been underway for the past month. Millions of devotees and saints from across the world have been taking holy dips at the Triveni Sangam.
In response to a petition seeking to prevent the discharge of sewage and waste into the rivers, a three-judge bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), comprising Justice Prakash Srivastava, Justice Sridhar Agrawal, and Justice A. Senthil Vel, reviewed CPCB’s findings. The report highlighted that several locations in Prayagraj showed high levels of water contamination, with excessive coliform bacteria—originating from human and animal waste—raising serious health concerns.
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Water Unfit for Bathing, Says CPCB Report
The CPCB’s report, submitted to the NGT, stated that the river water in Prayagraj does not meet the required standards for bathing. As per pollution control norms, water is considered safe for bathing if coliform bacteria levels remain within 2,500 per 100 milliliters. However, CPCB warned that exceeding this limit could lead to skin infections and other health issues.
The NGT bench, after reviewing the report submitted on February 3, criticized the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board for failing to regulate pollution effectively. The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing on the matter for February 19.
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