High levels of faecal coliform in Prayagraj river

PRAYAGRAJ'S river water is failing the basic hygiene test during the ongoing Mahakumbh, with alarming levels of faecal coliform detected at several locations, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported.

- SHEKHAR SINGH @ New Delhi

PRAYAGRAJ'S river water is failing the basic hygiene test during the ongoing Mahakumbh, with alarming levels of faecal coliform detected at several locations, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported. The revelation raises serious concerns over public health and environmental safety as millions take ritual dips in the Ganga and Yamuna.

The CPCB report, presented before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), highlighted that water quality at multiple sites does not meet the prescribed bathing standards. Faecal coliform, a key indicator of sewage contamination, must remain below 2,500 units per 100 ml—but test results suggested a troubling deviation.