In a significant turnaround, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has now deemed the water at Sangam in Prayagraj “fit for bathing” during the Maha Kumbh, contradicting its earlier assessment that declared it unsafe due to high faecal coliform levels.

In a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the CPCB stated that a statistical analysis of water quality parameters—pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and faecal coliform—showed that median values at eight key bathing sites remained within permissible limits throughout the religious gathering.

This contradicts previous CPCB data, which had shown that faecal coliform levels frequently exceeded both the “desired” and “maximum permissible” limits.

While the latest report cites a median faecal coliform level of 1,700 MPN/100 ml from January 12 to February 22—below the permissible limit of 2,500 MPN/100 ml—it acknowledges that on February 4, levels spiked to 11,000 MPN/100 ml in the Ganga and 7,900 MPN/100 ml at Sangam.

“There is significant variability in the values of pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand and faecal coliform for samples taken from the same location on different dates. These values reflect water quality at the exact time and place of sampling and may not fully represent the overall characteristics of the river,” the CPCB report stated.

The NGT, in its February 17 order, had noted that the river water failed to meet primary bathing quality standards on multiple occasions due to elevated faecal coliform levels, particularly on auspicious bathing days when large crowds gathered for a dip.

Amid concerns over water contamination, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had asserted on February 19 that the water was not just suitable for bathing but also safe for drinking.