New Delhi, March 11— The central government told Parliament that the water at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj met bathing standards during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh, citing a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, responding to a question from Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadauria and Congress MP K Sudhakaran, said the CPCB’s analysis showed that key water quality parameters—pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and faecal coliform (FC)—were within permissible limits for bathing at all monitored locations.
The CPCB had previously informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that water at several sites in Prayagraj did not meet the primary bathing water quality standard due to high faecal coliform levels. However, in a fresh report submitted on February 28, the board said statistical analysis indicated the water was fit for bathing.
“The variability in data from different samples collected on different dates and locations necessitated statistical analysis,” the report stated, adding that isolated readings did not accurately represent the overall river quality.
Yadav also mentioned that Rs 7,421 crore had been allocated to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) for 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 (until March 9) to support river cleaning efforts.
The NGT, in its December 23, 2024, order in the case of Kamlesh Singh vs. State of Uttar Pradesh & Others, had directed regular water quality monitoring of the Ganga and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh to ensure compliance with primary bathing water standards.
