The water at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge, has been declared ‘unsafe’ for bathing by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) due to elevated levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). This announcement comes amidst the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival, which began on January 13, 2025, and continues to attract millions of devotees to the sacred site.
BOD is a crucial water quality parameter that measures the oxygen needed by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in the water. A higher BOD level indicates a higher concentration of organic pollutants. The CPCB has set a BOD threshold of 3 milligrams per litre for river water to be considered safe for bathing. However, recent measurements at Sangam have consistently exceeded this limit.
According to the data provided by CPCB, the BOD levels at Sangam were as follows:
- January 13: 3.94 mg/l
- January 14: 2.28 mg/l
- January 15: 1 mg/l
- January 16: 5.09 mg/l
- January 18: 4.6 mg/l
- January 19: 4.29 mg/l
- January 24: 4.08 mg/l
- January 29: 3.26 mg/l
While there was a decrease in organic pollution after January 13 due to freshwater influx at upstream locations, the water quality did not meet the required standards for bathing in most areas of Prayagraj. A CPCB report submitted to the National Green Tribunal on February 3, 2025, confirmed that the water quality had improved post-January 13, but the water still failed to meet bathing criteria at certain locations, including the Lord Curzon Bridge on January 19.
To improve water quality and ensure it meets the prescribed standards, the Uttar Pradesh government has been releasing between 10,000 and 11,000 cusecs of freshwater into the Ganga river. This move aims to reduce the BOD levels and make the water safer for millions of pilgrims participating in the Maha Kumbh.
The ongoing Maha Kumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, continues to draw large crowds. As of now, over 54 crore (540 million) people have bathed in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam, according to Uttar Pradesh government officials. The festival, which will conclude on February 26, 2025, is a time of spiritual significance, and millions of devotees are flocking to Prayagraj to take part in the holy dip.
Despite the health concerns raised due to the BOD levels, authorities are taking steps to improve the water quality, ensuring that it meets the necessary standards for public safety. As the festival progresses, both local officials and environmental agencies continue to monitor the situation closely to protect the health of the millions of people visiting the region.
