Water quality at Maha Kumbh found unfit for dips on many days: Graphics

CPCB data reveals high fecal coliform levels in Ganga water during Maha Kumbh bathing, despite large devotee turnout.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released data on the assessment of water quality at five different locations in and around the confluence (Sangam) in Prayagraj, and two further away from Prayagraj on Ganga. High levels of faecal coliform (microbes from human and animal excreta) were found in river water in which people took holy dip during the Maha Kumbh, according to a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by the CPCB. Over 55 crore people have visited the Maha Kumbh.

In the 24 days between January 12 and February 4, data was released for 13 of those days, as shown in the graphics below. The major bathing dates that fall in this period are January 13 (Paush Purnima), January 14 (Makar Sankrati), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya) and February 3 (Basant Panchnami). Data shows that the water was unfit for outdoor bathing on and around them in some of the areas where measurements were taken. However, a large number of devotees took the holy dip almost every day. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has dismissed these findings as ‘baseless allegations’ stating that, “When we make baseless allegations or spread fake videos against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, India, or the Maha Kumbh, it is like playing with the faith of these 56 crore people”.

Measurements shown in the subsequent graphics are that of the fecal coliform levels - measured in most portable number per 100 millilitres (MPN/100 mL) - and that of the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Another CPCB report titled ‘Water Quality Assessment of Water Bodies’ mentions that for outdoor bathing, the maximum permissible limit of fecal coliform should be 2500 MPN/100mL and BOD should be 3 mg/L.

Editorial | ​Watering down: On water quality at Prayagraj 

Other measurements that are taken into consideration while assessing water quality are pH levels and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels in water. Data from CPCB’s assessment shows that on each of the 13 days of measurement, the pH and DO levels were within the desirable limits, which are between 6.5 and 8.5 for pH levels, and over 5 (mg/L) for DO levels.

Data released by the CPCB shows that on January 13, on the occasion of Paush Purnima, the BOD levels exceeded the maximum permissible limits and on Makar Sankrati (January 14), the fecal coliform levels were over 4 times (11,000 MPN/100mL) the permissible limits. On January 20, the measurement was 49,000 MPN/100mL, over 19 times the permissible limit.

Measurements taken before and near the Sangam, on the Ganga and the Yamuna, also paint a similar picture.