Concerns have been raised regarding Ganga’s water quality during Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, particularly at the Sangam, where 25 million worshippers took a dip on January 14, 2025. Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordering that devotees should receive real-time water quality reports, no such information has been provided.

According to the NGT’s December 2024 order, the water from the Ganga at Prayagraj must be fit for bathing, drinking, and sipping throughout the celebration. The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) at the Sangam on January 14 was 4 mg per liter; however, this exceeded the allowable limit of 3 mg per liter, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Higher BOD values indicate poor water quality because of the increased concentration of organic matter.

Historical and Current Challenges in Ganga Water Quality Management

Similar issues were brought up in the CPCB’s report on the 2019 Kumbh, Environmental Footprints of Mass Bathing on Water Quality of River Ganga during Kumbh Mela. The study discovered that BOD and fecal coliform levels, particularly in the mornings, were higher than the allowed limits on significant bathing days. The total water quality of the Ganga was further degraded by the discovery of severely contaminated tributaries, such as the Kali River.

Currently, poor results have been caused by inadequate sewage treatment, even when water is continuously discharged to boost river flow. The Sustainability of River Ganga Water platform, which is meant for real-time monitoring, is still not operational, and the UPPCB‘s guidelines for bathing water quality are not being fulfilled. Additionally, data on the UPPCB website is only available through November 2024.

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Implications and the Need for Effective Monitoring

The current Mahakumbh emphasizes the urgent need for improved water quality management and monitoring. As the NGT requires, real-time updates are essential to maintaining public safety and awareness. The CPCB’s historical data highlights the need for better sewage management and monitoring systems by demonstrating repeated failures to meet acceptable water quality criteria during major gatherings.

Although some measures, such as water conductivity, are currently within acceptable levels, declining discharge rates could exacerbate the problem. The challenges in maintaining the Ganga’s water quality during Mahakumbh stress the importance of preventive measures to protect the Ganga and its tributaries.

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