Ganga Water At Mahakumbh Sangam Safe On Several Key Parameters, Data Shows

Prayagraj: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which has been monitoring the water quality of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers at multiple locations during the Mahakumbh 2025, observed in its report that the Ganga water at Mahakumbh Sangam was safe for bathing, based on multiple key parameters. Several strategic measures including enhanced sewage treatment infrastructure, use of Geo-Tube filtration and Bioremediation, controlled industrial and municipal discharges, focus on public awareness and pilgrim engagement, played a pivotal role in enhancing water quality during the Mahakumbh.

In one of the big takeaways which the CPCB observed in its Mahakumbh water report was the reduction in biochemical oxygen demand which consistently remained within the safe bathing standards — 2.5 to 3.2 mg/l, indicating reduced organic pollution and improved wastewater treatment.

The central pollution control body analysed the quality of water at Mahakumbh Sangam based on factors including: 

• pH level 
• Color 
• Dissolved Oxygen 
• Temperature 
• Turbidity (NTU)
• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
• Fecal Coliform 

What CPCB observed during its quality check exercise of Mahakumbh water?

The Central Pollution Control Board, based on its study of river water in Mahakumbh, observed the following trends: 

pH Levels

The pH levels remained within the permissible limit (6.5 – 8.5) across most locations.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

The dissolved oxygen remained consistently above the minimum required level (≥5 mg/L), indicating sufficient oxygen for aquatic life.

Turbidity

Turbidity fluctuated significantly, especially at locations like Shringverpur Ghat and Sangam, indicating variable sediment load. However, effective measures ensured that the turbidity levels were brought down to permissible limits.    

COD and BOD

COD values showed higher organic pollution at certain points, such as Deeha Ghat and Lord Curzon Bridge. BOD values remained within acceptable limits (<3 mg/L) in most locations. After observing higher organic pollution, required measures were put in place to maintain them within the allowed limits. 

Fecal Coliform

At some locations, like Deeha Ghat and Sangam, it reported high-fecal coliform counts, exceeding safe limits on certain dates. Here also, effective measures were implemented by the authorities and fecal coliform levels were brought down within the permissible limits.

How sewage treatment plants ensured quality of water at Mahakumbh?

According to CPCB report, an online continuous effluent monitoring system monitored the performance of sewage treatment plants.

Geo-tubes were used for wastewater treatment to reduce pollution load before release into the river. After these measures were implemented, some locations showed improved water quality after treatment.

What measures implemented for water quality improvement during Mahakumbh?

• Authorities operated 12 major STPs at full efficiency, treating 1500+ MLD (million liters per day) of wastewater before discharge.
• Upgraded facilities with tertiary treatment, ensured reduced organic load in effluents.
• Geo-tube technology deployed at key bathing ghats to filter contaminants before reaching the mainstream river flow.
• Bioremediation techniques using microbial cultures implemented to break down organic pollutants, particularly at Sangam, Curzon Bridge, and Deeha Ghat.
• Strict enforcement of effluent norms for industries along the Ganga basin, led to a 30 per cent reduction in chemical pollutants.
• Dedicated waste collection systems for temporary settlements, prevented direct waste disposal into the river.
• Massive cleanliness drives were carried out involving 10,000+ volunteers to prevent plastic and organic waste accumulation.
• Dedicated awareness campaigns encouraging pilgrims to avoid using detergents and synthetic materials while bathing were also carried out. 

Sangam water fit for bathing, ritual drinking, says UP CM Yogi Adityanath  

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath a coupled of days ago had dismissed Opposition claims who were trying to defame Mahakumbh and alleged that the water quality at Sangam was polluted and not fit for bathing.

CM Yogi had said that all the pipes and drains in and around the Sangam were taped and the water was being released in to the river only after purification. The Chief Minister further added that CPCB and Uttar Pradesh authorities were constantly keeping a check at the water quality at the Sangam which is now fit for bathing and ritual drinking purposes.

Opposition continues to defame Mahakumbh 

Since the beginning of one of the largest Sanatan gathering – Mahakumbh – in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, various opposition leaders have tried to defame the holy festival on multiple occasions. Opposition leader raised doubts and questioned how crores of devotees were attending the attend while many doubted the administration that it was failing to control such a large crowd. There were some others who got irked by union ministers, CMs and influential people taking bath in Mahakumbh waters saying taking ‘dip in Ganga won’t eradicate poverty’ whereas SP Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan went up to the extent of saying that bodies of victims who died in the stampede were being thrown in the river, making the water polluted.

All these claims were busted by the Yogi government and his administration. In fact, even after repeated attempts of the Opposition to downplay the management at Mahakumbh didn't affect the morale of devotees who continued to visit the sangam in record numbers. As per reports, more than 45 crore people have already taken a dip in Mahakumbh and the count is just going to rise.