Is the Maha Kumbh Dip Safe? Alarming Bacteria Levels in Ganga Waters Raise Concerns

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the most significant and sacred gatherings for millions of Hindus, is currently ongoing at Prayagraj, where devotees from across India and the world gather to take a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers at the Sangam. This dip is believed to purify the soul and wash away sins. However, a recent report has raised serious concerns about the safety of these holy waters. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), faecal coliform bacteria levels in the Ganga waters at Prayagraj are alarmingly high, particularly at the Sangam, leading to fears over the potential health risks posed by this contamination. So, how dangerous is it for millions of devotees taking a dip in the sacred river? Is the water at the Sangam truly safe, or are there hidden dangers that people need to be aware of?

Understanding Faecal Coliform Bacteria

Faecal coliform bacteria are microorganisms that naturally live in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. While these bacteria themselves are not directly harmful, their presence in water is a serious warning sign. It indicates that the water may contain other harmful pathogens, such as viruses, parasites, and bacteria, that can cause waterborne diseases. The presence of high levels of faecal coliform in water is often associated with contamination due to human or animal waste, and it is used as a standard indicator of water safety.

Water bodies like rivers, lakes, and streams are regularly tested for faecal coliform levels to assess whether they are safe for activities like swimming, bathing, or drinking. According to the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the maximum permissible limit for faecal coliform in water for bathing is 2,500 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100 ml. If the levels exceed this limit, the water is considered unsafe for recreational use, and potential health risks such as skin infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and respiratory issues may arise.

The CPCB’s Alarming Report on Ganga Water Quality

The recent report from the CPCB, which analyzed the water quality at various locations in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela, paints a grim picture. The data, collected on February 4, 2025, revealed that the faecal coliform levels in the Ganga at Sangam and nearby locations were far above the safe limit. Specifically, the water at Sangam had faecal coliform levels of 7,900 MPN per 100 ml, and near the Shastri Bridge, the levels reached a staggering 11,000 MPN per 100 ml. In comparison, the permissible limit is just 2,500 MPN per 100 ml. The Yamuna River, which meets the Ganga at Sangam, also showed concerning levels of contamination, with faecal coliform levels of 4,900 MPN per 100 ml.

These findings raise significant concerns about the health risks posed to the millions of pilgrims who gather at the Sangam to bathe. While the water may appear clean and inviting, the presence of such high levels of faecal bacteria suggests that it may be contaminated with harmful pathogens that can lead to various health issues.

Health Risks of Contaminated Water

The primary health risks associated with contaminated water include waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, vomiting, typhoid, and cholera. These diseases are caused by harmful pathogens that can enter the body through ingestion or contact with contaminated water. Skin diseases, eye infections, and respiratory problems can also occur due to exposure to waterborne contaminants.

Dr. Atul Kakar, Senior Consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, emphasized that the high levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga waters at Prayagraj indicate inadequate sanitation and waste management. The bacteria from human and animal waste are entering the river, and this contamination poses a significant risk to public health. He further warned that even bathing in such contaminated water can lead to infections and gastrointestinal illnesses.

The contamination of the Ganga also affects local communities that rely on the river for drinking water, cooking, and daily activities. Continuous exposure to polluted water can lead to chronic health problems, including skin rashes, respiratory infections, and digestive disorders. The impact of this pollution extends beyond the pilgrims and poses a serious concern for the residents of Prayagraj and surrounding areas.

The Role of Sanitation and Waste Management

The increased faecal coliform levels in the Ganga during the Maha Kumbh Mela are primarily attributed to the massive influx of people and inadequate waste management systems. As millions of devotees take a dip in the river, the water quality is affected by the large amounts of organic matter, including human waste, that enter the river. The lack of proper sanitation facilities, open defecation, and insufficient sewage treatment contribute to the contamination of the river.

The situation is further exacerbated by the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste into the river. The Ganga, once considered a holy and pristine river, is now one of the most polluted rivers in India. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been working to address this issue by monitoring water quality and implementing various measures to reduce pollution. However, the findings of the latest report indicate that much more needs to be done to ensure the safety of the river water for both religious and recreational purposes.

The National Green Tribunal’s Concern

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), which is responsible for overseeing environmental issues in India, has also expressed concern over the high levels of contamination in the Ganga. The NGT recently reviewed the findings of the CPCB report and criticized the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for failing to submit a comprehensive action report on the state of the river’s water quality. The tribunal noted that the UPPCB had not taken sufficient action to address the pollution and improve the water quality, despite repeated warnings.

The NGT has directed the UPPCB and the concerned state authorities to appear before the tribunal and provide a detailed response to the findings. The tribunal’s intervention highlights the urgency of addressing the pollution in the Ganga and ensuring that the river is safe for bathing and other activities.

The Uttar Pradesh Government’s Response

Despite the alarming findings of the CPCB report, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has dismissed the concerns, stating that the water at the Sangam is safe for both bathing and ritual drinking (aachman). According to the Chief Minister, the state government and the CPCB have been continuously monitoring the water quality, and recent reports confirm that the water at the Sangam is within the acceptable limits for bathing and drinking.

Adityanath acknowledged that the levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the river may be higher due to factors such as sewage leakage and animal waste but emphasized that the levels were still within the permissible range of 2,500 MPN per 100 ml. He also dismissed the report as misleading and claimed that the water at the Sangam was clean and fit for religious rituals.

However, the discrepancy between the state government’s claims and the CPCB’s findings has raised doubts about the accuracy of the monitoring process and the effectiveness of the measures being taken to improve water quality. The contrasting statements from the government and independent agencies highlight the complexity of addressing the pollution problem and the challenges involved in ensuring the safety of the Ganga for millions of devotees.

Is It Safe to Take a Dip?

The presence of high levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga waters at Prayagraj, as revealed by the CPCB report, is a cause for concern. While the Uttar Pradesh government maintains that the water is safe for bathing, the findings of the report suggest otherwise. The high contamination levels pose a significant health risk to the millions of devotees who are taking a dip in the river at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

It is essential for authorities to take immediate action to address the pollution in the Ganga and ensure that the water is safe for religious and recreational purposes. This includes improving waste management systems, reducing industrial discharge, and monitoring water quality more effectively. Until these measures are implemented, it is advisable for pilgrims to be cautious and aware of the potential health risks associated with bathing in contaminated water.

In conclusion, while the Ganga remains a symbol of faith and devotion for millions of Hindus, its current state of contamination calls for urgent attention. The safety of millions of people should be the priority, and steps must be taken to restore the river to its original state of purity.