The dangerously high levels of faecal coliform bacteria detected in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj have raised serious concerns about public health and environmental sustainability. With millions of devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam, the risk of waterborne diseases has escalated, prompting the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to take note of the alarming situation. A report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), based on water quality monitoring conducted on January 12-13, found that the river water did not meet the prescribed bathing criteria due to excessive biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and faecal coliform (FC) contamination. The pollution levels were found to be particularly high on Shahi Snan days, when the highest number of pilgrims participate in ritual bathing.
Faecal coliform bacteria, which originate from human and animal excreta, serve as a crucial indicator of microbial contamination in water. Their presence in elevated concentrations suggests the likelihood of disease-causing pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio cholerae. These pathogens can cause severe gastrointestinal infections, including typhoid, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, and other enteric diseases. According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the presence of faecal coliform in river water signals the intrusion of untreated sewage and wastewater, which poses a severe threat to both human health and aquatic ecosystems.
As per environmental guidelines, the maximum permissible limit of faecal coliform for safe bathing is 2,500 MPN (most probable number) per 100 millilitres of water. However, the latest CPCB readings from February 4, a day after Basant Panchami, revealed shockingly high contamination levels. The Ganga’s water at Shastri Bridge, located about 2 km upstream of the Sangam, registered a faecal coliform count of 11,000 MPN/100ml, while at the Sangam itself, the level stood at 7,900 MPN/100ml. The Yamuna, before merging with the Ganga at Sangam, recorded 4,900 MPN/100ml near the Old Naini Bridge. These figures indicate that the water quality is far from safe, and bathing in it carries significant health risks.
Dr Atul Kakar, Senior Consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, has warned that exposure to such highly contaminated water can lead to a variety of infections. “The bacteria from our stool are entering the water due to inadequate sewage treatment. This makes the water unsafe, not just for drinking but even for bathing,” he explained. People who bathe in polluted water risk contracting diseases through ingestion, inhalation, or contact with open wounds. According to KnowYourH2O, a US-based water research initiative, bathing in water with high faecal coliform levels can lead to fever, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, ear infections, and severe gastrointestinal illnesses.
One of the primary causes of this pollution is the inadequate treatment of sewage. Despite the presence of sewage treatment plants (STPs), untreated wastewater continues to enter the Ganga and Yamuna, exacerbating bacterial contamination. The CSE report points out that no city in India has been able to fully address its sewage treatment problem. The lack of proper wastewater management has also been linked to health risks for farmers who rely on untreated sewage for irrigation. A study conducted in Varanasi during the 1990s revealed a high prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases, parasitic infections, and skin ailments among agricultural workers exposed to contaminated water. Stool examinations showed a significant presence of hookworms, roundworms, and Giardia lamblia, further underscoring the dangers posed by faecal contamination.
The environmental impact of untreated faecal matter in rivers extends beyond human health concerns. According to KnowYourH2O, the excessive organic load introduced by untreated sewage depletes dissolved oxygen levels in water, which can be detrimental to aquatic life. Fish and other aquatic organisms rely on dissolved oxygen for survival, and a decrease in oxygen levels can lead to large-scale fish mortality and biodiversity loss. Moreover, the accumulation of faecal bacteria in river sediments can contribute to long-term contamination, making water quality restoration a complex and challenging task.
The Maha Kumbh, expected to attract even larger crowds in 2025, presents a significant challenge for authorities striving to maintain water quality and prevent disease outbreaks. The CPCB’s Maha Kumbh 2025 dashboard highlights the need for urgent measures to control faecal contamination and ensure safer bathing conditions. Experts recommend a multi-pronged approach, including strengthening sewage treatment infrastructure, enforcing stricter waste management regulations, increasing real-time water quality monitoring, and raising public awareness about the risks associated with polluted water. Additionally, the implementation of decentralized wastewater treatment systems and bioremediation techniques could help mitigate bacterial contamination and improve river health.
The spiritual significance of the Maha Kumbh and the tradition of ritual bathing in the Ganga are deeply ingrained in Indian culture. However, the current state of river pollution underscores the urgent need to balance religious practices with public health priorities. Without immediate and effective interventions, the high levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga and Yamuna could pose a serious public health crisis, not only for pilgrims but also for the millions who depend on these rivers for their daily water needs. The government, environmental agencies, and local authorities must work together to ensure that the sacred rivers remain clean and safe, preserving both their religious sanctity and ecological integrity for future generations.
