Maha Kumbh 2025: Success in Ganga Water Quality

The water quality of the Ganga river was successfully maintained during and after the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, as per a statement by the Jal Shakti ministry on Thursday. Extensive monitoring by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at eight crucial spots, including Shringverpur Ghat, Sangam, and Deeha Ghat, confirmed that important parameters like pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, and Faecal Coliform stayed within permissible limits throughout the event, the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, revealed in a Lok Sabha reply.

The data, gathered from January 12 to February 20, 2025, encompassed the Amrit Snan days. Midway through the monitoring, the CPCB expanded its observation posts from five to eight, ensuring comprehensive analysis. The Ministry of Jal Shakti linked these positive outcomes to effective sanitation and wastewater management applied during the Mela, featuring a 250 km temporary drainage network, bioremediation ponds, and temporary sewage treatment facilities. After the festival, these systems were carefully dismantled and stored for reuse.

The Namami Gange Programme continues to make strides with 502 projects sanctioned, of which 323 are completed, 150 are ongoing, and 29 are open for bidding, the Minister stated. A third-party review by the Administrative Staff College of India highlighted the programme's significant advances in pollution control, river flow improvement, and community engagement.

(With inputs from agencies.)