A recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board has revealed alarmingly high levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga waters in Prayagraj, where millions are gathering to take a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

High levels of faecal bacteria found in river Ganges as millions take Kumbh dip - Pollution concerns rise as millions take ritual dips in the Ganges

As devotees flock to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh 2025, the CPCB report has raised alarm over high levels of faecal coliform bacteria in Ganga water, exceeding safe limits.

The National Green Tribunal has raised concerns over high faecal coliform bacteria levels in water near Sangam in Prayagraj. A report by the Central Pollution Control Board indicated high levels of faecal coliform amid the Maha Kumbh.

Ganga is considered sacred by many but high level of faecal coliform bacteria has raised concerns amid Maha Kumbh Melain Prayagraj.

"The reasons for increased faecal coliform can be several, such as sewage leakage and animal waste, but the amount of faecal coliform in Prayagraj is as per the standards," he added. He accused the opposition of running a "false campaign" to defame the Kumbh Mela.

The Ganga water at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where lakhs of people are taking a holy dip every day during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, is currently unsafe for bathing as it exceeds the prescribed limit for biological oxygen demand (BOD),

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.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in its recent report to the National Green Tribunal revealed that high levels of faecal coliform (mixing of human or livestock excreta) were found in its river water testing at locations where people from across the nation are taking a dip during the Maha Kumbh.