Fecal Coliform In Safe Limits, Higher Dissolved Oxygen: Big Takeaways From Mahakumbh Water Quality Report

Prayagraj: Sangam water at Mahakumbh is safe for bathing, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) observed in its water quality report based on several parameters including pH level, Colour, Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Turbidity (NTU), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Fecal Coliform.

In its report, the CPCB said that after analysing the water quality on a number of factors, their data suggests a noticeable improvement in several key water quality parameters which reflects the success of pollution control measures and enhanced treatment facilities.

The water quality monitoring was conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The monitoring covered Ganga and Yamuna rivers at multiple locations in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh 2025. The study focused on key water quality parameters to asses pollution levels and safety for pilgrims.

Big takeaways from CPCB report on Mahakumbh water quality management  

Higher Dissolved Oxygen

Higher dissolved oxygen ranging between 8.5 – 10.2 mg/L, significantly above the minimum required level (5 mg/L), was observed in the report ensuring better aquatic life support and improved water quality for rituals.

Marked Reduction in biochemical oxygen demand

The biochemical oxygen consistently remained within the safe bathing standards (2.5 – 3.2 mg/L), indicating reduced organic pollution and improved wastewater treatment.

Fecal coliform levels mostly within safe limits

In most monitored locations, fecal coliform levels ranged from 1200 – 2500 MPN/100 ml, meeting permissible limits and reflecting better sewage treatment and hygiene management.

Chemical oxygen demand under control

The Chemical oxygen demand was maintained at 10 – 15 mg/L, indicating effective reduction of industrial and chemical pollutants entering the river.

Improved water clarity

Turbidity levels stabilised with water visibility at above 40- 60 cm in some locations showed better sediment management and controlled wastewater discharge. However at various other locations water remained cloudy and murky as indicated by higher turbidity (NTU) of around 120-190 cm.

Monitoring of water quality

The minute-to-minute, round-the-clock monitoring of water quality at the Mahakumbh, ensured that pollution levels are neither unchecked nor ignored. This real-time surveillance across multiple locations by the management ensured that no part of the river goes unmonitored, directly countering concerns that pollution is spiralling out of control or being neglected.

Some notable incident and concerns

The CPCB in its report highlighted that the fecal coliform levels were maintained within the permissible limits. On some occasions, there were significant fluctuations in the water quality including on January 13, January 20 and January 24. However, authorities with their strong response system and effective use of technology, identified these fluctuations and took immediate measures to ensure that the FL remained within the safe limit.

The pollution control body listed out increased pilgrim activity, discharge of untreated wastewater, natural variations due to rainfall and sediment transport as factors for these fluctuations.

In entirety, during the course of the ongoing Mahakumbh, the dissolved oxygen witnessed a positive surge, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) remained below 3 mg/l for safe bathing standards, Fecal Coliform witnessed a significant decline, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) also remained controlled, and Turbidity & Suspended Solids were improved.