Prayagraj, the holy city where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers converge, has been in the spotlight due to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. However, a recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has raised serious concerns about the water quality of these sacred rivers. According to the report, the water is not suitable for bathing, posing health risks to the millions of devotees who have taken a dip during the religious festival.
Key Findings of the CPCB Report
The CPCB conducted water quality tests at 73 different locations in Prayagraj between January 9 and January 21, 2024. The samples were analyzed based on six key parameters: pH levels, fecal coliform bacteria, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). The findings revealed alarming levels of fecal coliform bacteria in most of the samples, far exceeding the permissible limits.
Fecal Coliform Bacteria: The presence of fecal coliform bacteria was found to be significantly higher than the acceptable limit of 100 bacteria per milliliter. For instance, a sample from the Yamuna River, collected just a day before the Amrit Snan (auspicious bathing day), showed 2,300 bacteria per milliliter. Similarly, samples from the Sangam area (the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna) revealed 2,000 bacteria per milliliter, while samples near the Shastri Bridge on the Ganga showed 3,200 bacteria per milliliter.
Other Parameters: While the water quality met the standards for five other parameters, the high levels of fecal coliform bacteria rendered the water unfit for bathing. The CPCB categorized the water under "Category C," which means it cannot be used for bathing without proper purification and disinfection.
Health Risks Associated with Polluted Water
Efforts to Clean the Ganga
Despite the alarming findings, authorities have been making efforts to maintain the cleanliness of the Ganga during the Maha Kumbh. The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation and the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam have been using geo-tube technology to treat wastewater from 23 untapped drains. Between January 1 and February 4, 2024, approximately 3,660 million liters per day (MLD) of treated water were released into the Ganga. However, these measures have not been sufficient to bring the water quality within safe limit.
Historical Context
This is not the first time such concerns have been raised during the Kumbh Mela. In 2019, a similar situation was reported, with fecal coliform and BOD levels exceeding permissible limits at key bathing ghats. During the 2019 Kumbh, over 13 crore devotees took a dip in the river, and the water quality was found to be particularly poor during major bathing days. The current report indicates that the situation has not improved significantly since then.
Conclusion
The findings of the CPCB report highlight the urgent need for more effective measures to address river pollution in Prayagraj. While the Maha Kumbh Mela is a time of spiritual significance for millions, the health and safety of devotees must not be compromised. Authorities must take immediate steps to ensure that the water quality is improved, not just for the duration of the festival but as a long-term solution to protect these sacred rivers.
The Ganga and Yamuna are not just water bodies; they are a part of India's cultural and spiritual heritage. It is imperative that we prioritize their conservation to ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from their sanctity and purity.
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Article by HyperX™
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