CPCB report Declares Water Quality During Maha Kumbh Fit for Bathing, Cites 'Variability in Data'

New Delhi: A recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), has declared the water quality at the recently-concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj to be fit for bathing. The report, based on statistical analysis, provides evidence that the water met necessary safety standards for pilgrims participating in the largest religious event.

The report dated February 28 and uploaded on the tribunal's website on March 7 said the board had conducted water monitoring twice a week from January 12 onwards, including on auspicious bathing days, at five locations on the Ganga river and two locations on the Yamuna river.

‘Variability in Data’ But Water Quality Under Safe Limit

While the CPCB report highlighted that the water quality during the event remained within safe limits, it also noted the "variability in data," which suggests that readings taken at different locations and times during the festival showed some fluctuations, because of which these did not reflect the "overall river water quality throughout the river stretch."

Also read: 'Maha Yagya of Unity': PM Modi as Maha Kumbh 2025 Concludes

"There is a significant variability in the values on various parameters, viz pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and fecal coliform count (FC) for the samples taken from the same location on different dates. The values of the afore-mentioned parameters also vary at different locations for the samples collected on the same day," the report said.

The DO or the amount of oxygen in water, BOD, which measures the amount of oxygen needed to break down organic matter in water, and FC, a marker of sewage contamination, are key indicators of water quality.

Fecal Coliform Under Permissible Limit

According to the report, the median value for FC was 1,400 as compared to the permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml, while the DO was 8.7 vis-a-vis the stipulated norm of being greater than 5 milligrams per litre, and the BOD was 2.56 against the stipulated limit of less than or equal to 3 mg per litre.

This variability is often expected in such large-scale gatherings, as human activity, waste disposal, and local environmental factors can influence water quality.

Despite these fluctuations, the report assured that the water quality was overall deemed acceptable for the thousands of devotees who took part in the sacred rituals. The NGT, which oversees environmental safety, has urged authorities to continue monitoring water quality to ensure the health and safety of the public during such large-scale religious events.

(with PTI inputs)