By Shubhangi Chauhan
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) states the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj has been declared unsafe for bathing because of elevated Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels.
Microorganisms need a certain level of oxygen to decompose organic matter as a fundamental measurement of water quality known as BOD. The water is accepted as safe for bathing when the BOD count measures less than 3 milligrams per litre. Recent CPCB data reveals that the BOD level at Sangam has remained above the permitted limit for bathing throughout past weeks. The values measured on February 16 stood at 5.09 mg/L which increased to 5.29 mg/L on February 19.
Multiple bathing locations in Prayagraj did not reach proper standards because measurements of faecal coliform contamination exceeded acceptable limits according to data from the CPCB presented to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The Uttar Pradesh government reported that water releases between 10,000 to 11,000 cusecs at present aim to decrease pollution in the Ganga river.
More than 54 crore pilgrims have visited Sangam for their ritual bath since January 13 when the Maha Kumbh began and the event ends on February 26. Over 50 lakh to 1 crore individuals visiting Mahakumbh Nagar produce 240 million litres of greywater plus 16 million litres of human excrement on a daily basis. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh of Uttar Pradesh emphasized that the state added 1.5 lakh new toilets along with two faecal sludge treatment plants during the period from 2019.
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath disputed CPCB’s findings which stated Sangam’s water unsafeness. During his state assembly speech he declared that the water showed less than 3 mg/L BOD level and a range of 8-9 mg/L dissolved oxygen which satisfies drinking water standards.
Environmental specialists state that consuming unsafe water creates substantial hazards for contracting infections. According to Himanshu Thakkar from South Asia Network on Dams Rivers and People the government exposed itself to criticism regarding its statements about the need for sanitary water for pilgrims.