Maha Kumbh: Sangam water ‘unsafe’ due to high BOD level, CPCB drops fresh report after faecal bacteria findings

According to Central Pollution Control Board data, the BOD level at Sangam was 3.94 milligrams per litre on January 13, when the Maha Kumbh started.

Updated on: Feb 20, 2025, 08:29:44 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The water in the Ganga at Triveni Sangam, the river's meeting point with the Yamuna and the holy Saraswati rivers in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, is currently ‘unsafe' for bathing, as it exceeds the prescribed limit for biological oxygen demand (BOD), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Only a week to go before the closing of the grand Maha Kumbh Mela, and devotees are rushing to the Triveni Sangam, more than ever before, just to take a holy dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The festival has so far witnessed more than 52 crore devotees taking a dip at the Sangam. (PTI)

Also Read | 'Sangam water fit for drinking': UP CM Yogi calls faecal bacteria report ‘propaganda’ to malign Maha Kumbh

BOD, a key parameter to determine water quality, refers to the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to break down organic material in a water body. While a higher BOD level indicates more organic content in the water, river water is considered ‘fit’ for bathing if the BOD level is less than 3 milligrams per litre.

CPCB's data shows the Sangam water is currently exceeding this limit.

Date	BOD level (milligrams per litre; as per CPCB)
Jan 13	3.94
Jan 14	2.28
Jan 15	1
Jan 16	5.09
Jan 18	4.6
Jan 19	4.29
Jan 24	4.08
Jan 29	3.26

In a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal on February 3, the CPCB said the river water quality ‘did not meet’ bathing standards during monitoring on January 12-13 at most locations in Prayagraj.

“However, after that, organic pollution (in terms of BOD) started to decrease due to freshwater intrusion at upstream locations. After January 13, 2025, river water quality (is) conforming (to) the bathing criteria w.r.t. BOD except (at) Lord Curzon bridge on river Ganga on January 19, 2025,” the CPCB report read.

Uttar Pradesh government officials say10,000 to 11,000 cusecs of water is being released into the Ganga to ensure it meets bathing standards.

Maha Kumbh 2025

Currently, millions of people are taking a dip in the Sangam every day, at the ongoing Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 in Prayagraj and will conclude on February 26.

Also Read | Maha Kumbh: Surge in devotees leaves a trail of garbage in Ganga, Yamuna

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, more than 54 crore people have taken a dip in the sacred water of Triveni Sangam so far.

(With PTI inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.