Bacteria from human and animal waste found in Ganga river as devotees take holy dip during Maha Kumbh

A shocking report revealed that the Ganga river in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, where thousands of devotees took a dip during the Hindu festival, is contaminated with bacteria found in human and animal waste.

The report, prepared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), found high levels of faecal coliform bacteria, indicating significant sewage contamination in the river.

Faecal coliform is a group of microorganisms present in human and animal intestines, and its presence in water suggests contamination with sewage. Such bacteria can lead to the spread of viruses and other harmful pathogens, raising serious health concerns.

"The river water quality did not meet primary bathing standards with respect to fecal coliform at all monitored locations. A large number of people bathe in the river at Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela, especially on auspicious bathing days, which leads to an increase in fecal concentration," the report stated.

The findings were submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which is addressing the issue of sewage discharge into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj.

Read more: Man snatches reporter’s mic during live coverage at Maha Kumbh Mela in India

During a hearing, the tribunal criticized the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for failing to take action against sewage contamination and for providing little information beyond water test results. The bench then granted the UPPCB one day to submit a detailed report on the issue.

Meanwhile, a Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, told Indian media that several people returning from the Maha Kumbh Mela reported health issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.

However, he maintained that the situation remains under control and that the number of cases is not unusually high.