Water At Triveni Sangam Was Fit For Bathing During Maha Kumbh–Says The Central Govt

The central government, on Monday, presented findings from a new report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Parliament, stating that the water quality at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj was suitable for bathing during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh.

Triveni Sangam is the sacred confluence where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers merge.

Additionally, the government disclosed that it had allocated a total of Rs 7,421 crore to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) over the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 (up to March 9) to support efforts in maintaining and improving the river’s cleanliness.

In response to a query raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadauria and Congress MP K Sudhakaran, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav informed Parliament that, according to the CPCB’s report, the median values of key water quality parameters—pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and faecal coliform (FC)—at all monitored sites remained within the permissible limits for bathing.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) refers to the concentration of oxygen available in the water, while biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) measures the amount of oxygen required for breaking down organic matter. Faecal coliform (FC), on the other hand, serves as an indicator of sewage contamination. These metrics are crucial in assessing overall water quality.

However, in an earlier report dated February 3, the CPCB had informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that water samples from several locations in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh did not meet the primary bathing water quality standards due to elevated fecal coliform levels.

In a subsequent report submitted on February 28, the CPCB clarified that a detailed statistical analysis indicated that he water quality during the Maha Kumbh was indeed fit for bathing. The report explained that data variability in samples collected from the same locations on different dates—and even from different points within the same location on a single day—necessitated statistical analysis to provide an accurate assessment of overall water quality throughout the river stretch.

The matter of water quality monitoring was highlighted in the case of ‘Kamlesh Singh vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Others’. In this case, on December 23, 2024, the NGT directed authorities to conduct regular and frequent monitoring of the Ganga and Yamuna water quality during the Maha Kumbh to ensure compliance with primary bathing water quality criteria.

In compliance with this directive, Yadav stated that the CPCB conducted water quality monitoring at seven locations, with testing carried out twice a week from Shringverpur Ghat to Deehaghat, including Sangam nose—the point where the Ganga and Yamuna converge. Monitoring commenced on January 12 and continued through the auspicious bathing days (Amrit Snan).

The CPCB’s initial monitoring report, submitted to the NGT on February 3, covered data collected from January 12 to January 26, 2025. This report also included findings from 10 sewage treatment plants (STPs) installed in Prayagraj, along with the operation of seven geosynthetic dewatering tubes (geo-tubes) used for wastewater filtration.

To further enhance the accuracy and availability of water quality data, the CPCB expanded its monitoring network to 10 locations and increased testing frequency to twice daily from February 21 onwards.

Yadav further detailed the measures undertaken by the Uttar Pradesh government to maintain water quality. Ten sewage treatment plants were set up specifically for the Maha Kumbh, ensuring wastewater met environmental safety standards before being discharged into the river. Additionally, seven geo-tubes were deployed as a temporary measure to filter wastewater from 21 untapped drains.

Moreover, three prefabricated temporary STPs, each with a capacity of 500 kilolitres per day (KLD), along with three faecal sludge treatment plants with a combined capacity of 200 KLD, were installed within the Mela premises to manage waste effectively.

To prevent untreated wastewater from contaminating the Ganga, the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam employed advanced oxidation techniques for wastewater treatment. In addition, adequate sanitation facilities, including toilets and urinals, were strategically installed throughout the mela area to accommodate the large influx of pilgrims. Waste disposal bins with liner bags were also placed at various points to ensure proper waste management.

Through these concerted efforts, authorities worked to maintain the water quality of the Ganga at acceptable standards during the Maha Kumbh, allowing devotees to partake in the sacred ritual of bathing at Triveni Sangam without concern.