Maha Kumbh – Managing India’s Largest Religious Gathering

The Maha Kumbh is the world’s largest religious event, set to commence in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on February 13, 2025. The event is expected to attract around 450 million pilgrims over 44 days. This immense gathering poses challenges, particularly regarding the cleanliness of the Ganga river, where devotees seek to perform holy rituals. The government is under pressure to ensure that the river remains clean for the pilgrims.

Challenges of Managing Large Crowds

The gathering of millions of devotees creates logistical challenges. The local infrastructure must handle an influx that is 20 times the city’s population. Four main bathing days are anticipated, each potentially drawing 50 million people. This will generate approximately 16.44 million litres of sewage daily, exacerbating existing pollution issues.

Sewage Management Strategies

Currently, Prayagraj generates about 471.93 million litres of sewage daily. Until recently, portion of this was untreated and directly discharged into the Ganga. The government has committed to improving sewage treatment in response to directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The plan includes connecting more drains to sewage treatment plants (STPs) and treating additional sewage generated during the Kumbh.

Current Status of Sewage Treatment

Of the total sewage, 293 million litres per day flows into 81 drains linked to the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Only 37 of these drains are connected to STPs, which treat 216.17 million litres. Additional capacity is needed to manage the expected increase in sewage during the Kumbh. The government claims that 87% of sewage will be treated at existing STPs, while 13% will undergo on-site treatment.

Water Flow Management for River Health

To maintain river health, improved water flow is essential. Increased water levels help dilute pollution and enhance the river’s self-cleaning abilities. The government has begun releasing water from various barrages to achieve this. For instance, the Tehri Dam has been releasing 2,000 cusecs of water daily since mid-December, with other barrages contributing .

Long-Term Solutions Required

While short-term measures are being implemented, the long-term health of the Ganga requires comprehensive solutions. Addressing chemical pollution, preserving biodiversity, and maintaining effective sewage treatment systems are crucial. Without these measures, the risk of untreated sewage entering the river remains high, potentially compromising the sanctity of the Kumbh for millions of devotees.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of large-scale religious gatherings on local infrastructure and ecology.
2. Explain the significance of the Ganga river in Indian culture and its current environmental challenges.
3. What are the implications of untreated sewage on public health and river ecosystems? Discuss with suitable examples.
4. With suitable examples, comment on the role of government policies in managing environmental issues during major public events.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of large-scale religious gatherings on local infrastructure and ecology.

1. Massive pilgrimages strain local infrastructure, including transportation, sanitation, and accommodation.
2. Increased footfall leads to rise in waste generation, particularly sewage.
3. Ecological disturbances occur due to pollution and habitat degradation from overcrowding.
4. Local resources, such as water supply and emergency services, become overstretched.
5. Long-term urban planning must consider periodic influxes to mitigate adverse effects.

2. Explain the significance of the Ganga river in Indian culture and its current environmental challenges.

1. The Ganga is considered sacred in Hinduism, symbolizing purity and spiritual cleansing.
2. It supports millions of livelihoods through agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
3. Pollution from industrial discharge and untreated sewage threatens its ecological health.
4. Water quality issues impact religious practices, including the ritual of bathing during events like the Kumbh.
5. Government initiatives are underway, but long-term solutions are needed to restore its sanctity.

3. What are the implications of untreated sewage on public health and river ecosystems? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Untreated sewage introduces pathogens, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
2. High levels of nutrients from sewage cause algal blooms, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life.
3. Example – The Ganga suffers from pollution, affecting both health and biodiversity.
4. Public health crises can arise during large events, as seen in past Kumbh gatherings.
5. Untreated sewage undermines the ecological balance, threatening fish populations and biodiversity.

4. With suitable examples, comment on the role of government policies in managing environmental issues during major public events.

1. Government policies, such as the National Green Tribunal’s directives, aim to enforce sewage treatment standards.
2. Examples include commitments to connect more drains to sewage treatment plants (STPs) during the Kumbh.
3. Policies must address both immediate needs and long-term ecological sustainability.
4. Effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms are critical to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
5. Past events show that proactive planning can mitigate environmental impacts, but enforcement remains a challenge.