Delhi : A Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report has come out with a shocking report according to which the river water at the place where lakhs of devotees are taking their holy dip at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is found to contain faecal coliform (bacteria from human and animal waste)—as much as 304 times more than acceptable limits.
Based on the findings of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the National Green Tribunal (NGT) said the water quality at all the sites that were monitored, did not meet the standards for safe bathing. The actual number of people who immerse themselves in the river especially on auspicious bathing days has led to a marked increase in contamination.
The report by the CPCB, which is up to the date of February 3, has detailed a severe pollution. Furthermore, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has also been facing backlash for not submitting an all-encompassing report which was ordered by the court in the past. On Wednesday, the NGT sought the appearance of the UPPCB member-secretary virtually before the tribunal on February 19 to dispose the issue.
Such use of heinous acts toward devotees who merely come with faith to cleanse their souls is raising a serious question over health and safety of devotees, who may be putting themselves into risk of life-threatening diseases. While efforts to cleanse the river are being made, these findings suggest a long way to go for keeping the Ganga pure and safe.
