21st February 2025 (11 Topics)
Watering down: On water quality at Prayagraj
Context
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has attracted nearly 45 crore visitors, one-third of India’s population. During the festival, millions of people bathe in the Ganga, leading to potential health risks due to the contamination of the water. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been monitoring the water quality, revealing fluctuating levels of pollution, especially during peak bathing days. Despite this, the Uttar Pradesh government has dismissed scientific findings on the water’s contamination.
Water Quality and Pollution Levels
- High Faecal Contamination: On January 14 (Makar Sankranti), faecal coliform levels were recorded at over 11,000 units at Sangam Ghat, four times the permissible limit. The Old Naini Bridge Ghat recorded 33,000 units.
- Fluctuations in Water Quality: Water quality fluctuated daily. On some days, faecal coliform levels dropped to 200-780 units, showing the impact of varying bathers and water dilution.
- Not Fit for Consumption: CPCB reports state that water was not fit for bathing or drinking on January 12-13, as faecal contamination was significantly high, though it reduced later due to freshwater influx upstream.
The Need for Long-term Solutions
- Call for Continuous Cleanup Efforts: The National Mission for Clean Ganga aims for long-term restoration, but effective cleanup measures need to be prioritized, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.
- Spiritual vs Scientific Approach: The government’s dismissal of scientific data in favor of spiritual and cultural importance of the Kumbh Mela puts public health at risk and undermines the credibility of pollution concerns.
- Urgency of Scientific Intervention: The festival underscores the need for long-term environmental solutions to preserve the river’s health, balancing both religious practices and public health concerns.
Practice Question
Q. Discuss the challenges in maintaining the water quality of the Ganga during large religious gatherings like the Kumbh Mela and the implications for public health. How can science and government policies contribute to the long-term restoration of the river?
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