The Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has drawn millions of devotees. As of January 14, 2025, reports indicated that 25 million people had bathed at the Sangam. However, concerns regarding the water quality of the Ganga river have emerged. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandated that the water quality should be suitable for bathing and drinking. Despite this, monitoring has revealed troubling levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), indicating poor water quality.
Water Quality Monitoring
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitors the Ganga’s water quality. On January 14, 2025, BOD levels at the Sangam were recorded at four mg per litre. This is above the acceptable limit of 3 mg per litre. High BOD levels signify a high concentration of organic matter, which is concerning for public health.
NGT Directives
The NGT has previously ordered real-time updates on water quality for devotees. This includes information on BOD, fecal coliform, and dissolved oxygen levels. However, the relevant online platform is currently non-operational. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has not updated water quality data since November 2024.
Historical Context
Similar issues were raised during the 2019 Kumbh Mela. Reports indicated that water quality was poor, even during peak bathing days. The CPCB brought into light elevated BOD and fecal coliform levels, which exceeded acceptable limits. This pattern of poor water quality raises concerns about the effectiveness of sewage management in the region.
Pollution Sources
The primary sources of pollution in the Ganga include sewage discharge and inadequate sewage treatment facilities. The Kali River, a tributary of the Ganga, has been identified as particularly polluted. Despite efforts to improve water flow, the situation remains dire.
Monitoring Results
Water quality monitoring occurs twice daily at the Sangam. In the mornings, dissolved oxygen levels meet bathing standards, but BOD and fecal coliform levels often do not. In the evenings, while dissolved oxygen levels remain acceptable, BOD and fecal coliform levels frequently exceed limits. This inconsistency poses a risk to the health of the devotees.
Future Implications
As the Mahakumbh continues, the risk of deteriorating water quality increases. The conductivity of the river water is currently measured at 704 microsiemens per centimetre, which is acceptable. However, reduced water discharge could worsen the situation. The ongoing challenges highlight the need for effective pollution control measures.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of mass gatherings on water quality in religious festivals.
- Explain the significance of Biological Oxygen Demand in assessing water quality. What are its implications for public health?
- What are the challenges faced in managing river pollution in India? Comment on the role of government agencies.
- What is the importance of real-time water quality monitoring? How can it improve public health outcomes during large events?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of mass gatherings on water quality in religious festivals.
- Mass gatherings lead to increased waste and sewage discharge into water bodies.
- High foot traffic can disturb sediment, releasing pollutants into the water.
- Inadequate sanitation facilities during festivals exacerbate pollution levels.
- Monitoring systems often fail to keep up with the rapid changes in water quality.
- Historical data shows consistent deterioration of water quality during major events like Kumbh Mela.
2. Explain the significance of Biological Oxygen Demand in assessing water quality. What are its implications for public health?
- BOD measures the amount of organic matter in water, indicating pollution levels.
- High BOD levels can lead to oxygen depletion, harming aquatic life.
- Elevated BOD is associated with increased risk of waterborne diseases for humans.
- Monitoring BOD helps in assessing the effectiveness of sewage treatment processes.
- Regulatory standards for BOD are crucial for ensuring safe bathing and drinking water.
3. What are the challenges faced in managing river pollution in India? Comment on the role of government agencies.
- Inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure leads to untreated waste entering rivers.
- Regulatory compliance is often weak, with agencies lacking enforcement power.
- Public awareness and participation in pollution control are generally low.
- Coordination between various government agencies is often lacking, leading to fragmented efforts.
- Funding and resources for pollution management projects are frequently insufficient.
4. What is the importance of real-time water quality monitoring? How can it improve public health outcomes during large events?
- Real-time monitoring provides immediate data on water quality, allowing for timely interventions.
- It informs the public about potential health risks associated with bathing in polluted water.
- Continuous data collection helps in identifying pollution trends and sources effectively.
- Enhances accountability among government agencies to manage water quality proactively.
- Improved public health outcomes can be achieved through informed decision-making by event organizers and attendees.
