KKN Gurugram Desk | The Ganga river water at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj is currently unsafe for bathing, as it exceeds the prescribed limit for biological oxygen demand (BOD), a key parameter for assessing water quality. This is concerning during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, where millions of devotees take a holy dip in the river every day.

What is BOD, and Why Does it Matter?

BOD refers to the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to break down organic material in water. A higher BOD indicates a higher concentration of organic matter, which can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the water, affecting aquatic life. According to water quality standards, river water is considered safe for bathing if the BOD level is less than 3 milligrams per litre.

BOD Levels at Triveni Sangam Exceed Safe Limits

Recent government data reveals that the BOD level at the Triveni Sangam has surpassed the safety threshold for bathing. On February 16, 2025, at 5 AM, the BOD level at the Sangam was recorded at 5.09 milligrams per litre. By the evening of February 18, it had dropped slightly to 4.6 milligrams per litre, but on February 19, the level was back up to 5.29 milligrams per litre.

For comparison, the BOD level at Sangam was recorded at 3.94 milligrams per litre on January 13, 2025, when the Maha Kumbh began. Over the next few days, it improved to 2.28 milligrams per litre on Makar Sankranti (January 14) and even further to 1 milligram per litre on January 15. However, it rose again to 4.08 milligrams per litre by January 24 and remained high during the period of Mauni Amavasya (January 29) at 3.26 milligrams per litre.

Measures Taken by the Uttar Pradesh Government

To maintain water quality suitable for bathing, the Uttar Pradesh government has been releasing large quantities of water into the Ganga. Government sources reveal that about 10,000 to 11,000 cusecs of water are being released into the river to lower the BOD levels and ensure compliance with bathing standards.

Despite the increased water flow, concerns remain regarding the safety of river water. Uttar Pradesh government officials have acknowledged that the water quality at some locations in Prayagraj does not meet the primary water quality standards for bathing, particularly with regard to faecal coliform levels, which indicate the presence of harmful microorganisms.

The Importance of the Maha Kumbh and Its Impact on Water Quality

The Maha Kumbh is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. It began on January 13, 2025, and is set to conclude on February 26, 2025, coinciding with Maha Shivaratri. Over 54 crore people have participated in the sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam so far. The Maha Kumbh Nagar at Prayagraj is considered the world’s largest temporary city, housing between 50 lakh to 1 crore devotees at any given time.

With such a massive number of pilgrims, the waste generated is enormous. It is estimated that the pilgrims generate 16 million litres of faecal waste and 240 million litres of greywater daily from activities like cooking, bathing, and washing. Managing this waste is crucial to maintaining the river’s quality.

Improvement in Sanitation and River Water Quality Since 2019

In the aftermath of the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government has made significant efforts to improve sanitation and river water quality. According to Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, the state government has successfully improved sanitation and the quality of river water compared to previous years.

“Before 2019, there were no proper toilet facilities at the Kumbh. Officials would designate areas with red flags for open defecation. This year, however, we have built 1.5 lakh individual toilets, with two faecal sludge treatment plants to ensure hygiene,” he said. In addition, a 200-km long drainage network has been established to link treatment facilities and manage wastewater.

Concerns Over Unsafe Water and Infections

Despite the improvements in sanitation, Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers, and People (SANDRP), criticized the government’s claims that the water is safe for bathing, despite its high BOD levels. He emphasized the risks associated with bathing in water that exceeds safe quality parameters, stating, “It is the government’s moral duty to ensure that the water is clean for bathing. When the water quality is compromised, there is always a high risk of infections.”

The high BOD levels, combined with the significant increase in human waste from the massive influx of pilgrims, create a situation where water quality can deteriorate rapidly. As a result, the risk of waterborne diseases and infections remains high.

As the Maha Kumbh progresses towards its conclusion, authorities are under pressure to ensure that the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam remain safe for millions of devotees. While efforts have been made to improve sanitation and manage waste, the current high BOD levels in the Ganga raise serious concerns about the water’s fitness for bathing.

With BOD levels exceeding safe limits, it is essential for both the central and state governments to take further steps to address the issue. Ensuring clean water for the pilgrims is not just a matter of religious significance but also a public health priority. As the event continues, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be sufficient to meet the water quality standards needed to keep the Ganga safe for all who seek to bathe in its holy waters.