The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday expressed severe disapproval towards the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) regarding the alarming levels of water pollution detected in Prayagraj during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela. The tribunal scrutinized the UPPCB after a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlighted critical levels of faecal coliform contamination.
During the hearing, a bench led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, addressed the significant public health concern of sewage discharge into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The issue came under the spotlight with the CPCB’s findings showing that the river water did not meet the primary water quality standards for bathing, particularly concerning faecal coliform levels, which far exceeded the permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml.
The Additional Advocate General Garima Prashad, representing UPPCB, contested the findings by questioning the transparency of the CPCB’s sample collection process. However, the NGT dismissed these objections, stating there was no statutory obligation for the CPCB to inform the state board about the specific locations from where samples were collected.
Justice Shrivastava’s bench criticized the UPPCB’s approach, emphasizing that the exact points of sample collection were irrelevant when the entire stretch of the river was affected by pollution. The discussion also highlighted that the action-taken report submitted by UPPCB on February 18 was inadequate, as it failed to address the faecal coliform levels and only covered actions prior to January 12.
The tribunal’s stern dialogue with the UPPCB reflected the urgency of addressing water pollution, especially given the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela, where millions of devotees take holy dips in the river. These activities significantly contribute to the escalation of faecal matter in the water, posing serious health risks.
Advocate Saurabh Tiwari, representing the petitioner, reinforced the need for immediate and effective measures to combat the pollution, particularly during such a significant religious gathering.
