NGT slams UPPCB over old water reports at Mahakumbh

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for submitting outdated water quality reports from the Sangam in Prayagraj. The issue was highlighted after a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report found high levels of faecal coliform bacteria, indicating sewage contamination in the river water. This is a serious concern as millions of devotees are taking a holy dip in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.

The UPPCB defended its water quality assessment, stating that the rivers met the required bathing standards, except at one bridge. However, the NGT was not convinced and criticized the board for submitting water sample reports from January 12, before the Maha Kumbh had even started.

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The CPCB report stated that water at several locations in Prayagraj did not meet the required bathing standards due to the presence of faecal coliform bacteria. This contamination is a result of untreated sewage mixing with river water.

The NGT also noted that the UPPCB had not followed its earlier orders to submit a detailed action-taken report. Instead, the board only submitted a covering letter and certain test reports, which still showed high levels of bacterial contamination.

During a hearing on February 17, the UPPCB assured the NGT that new water samples had been collected and that a fresh report would be submitted within a week. The Uttar Pradesh government also promised to analyze the CPCB report and take necessary corrective measures.