Maha Kumbh 2025 Health Concerns: The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has already seen about 45 crore people, which is almost one-third of India’s population. So many people together can easily spread diseases. At Kumbh, devotees take a holy bath in the Ganga and even drink its water. But is the water clean and safe?

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) checks the water quality. On January 14, during Makar Sankranti, a very important bathing day, the level of pollution in the water was very high. The faecal coliform count (which shows pollution from human and animal waste) was 11,000 units at Sangam Ghat. The safe limit is 2,500 units. At Naini Pul Ghat, the pollution was even worse, at 33,000 units. However, on other days, the numbers dropped a lot, showing big changes in water quality.

What Are Faecal Coliform Bacteria?

Faecal coliform bacteria live in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals. They are commonly used as indicators of water contamination because their presence suggests that the water may also contain harmful germs like viruses, parasites, or other bacteria from fecal matter.

Health and environmental experts test for faecal coliforms in water to check if it’s safe for drinking, swimming, or other activities. If these bacteria are found, it could mean the water has been polluted with sewage or animal waste, posing potential health risks.

A report sent to the National Green Tribunal on February 3 said that on January 12-13, 2025, the water was not even safe for bathing, let alone drinking. Still, the report mentioned that fresh water from upstream helped reduce some pollution. The CPCB found that, especially on big festival days, water pollution increased because so many people bathed in the river.

This is not just during Kumbh Mela. Regular tests show that the Ganga water in Prayagraj is not safe to drink at any time. Whether the river is good for bathing depends on water flow and dilution. 
Despite these facts, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called these pollution reports “baseless.” However, the government should focus on long-term cleaning solutions for the river instead of ignoring the problem. The Kumbh Mela reminds us why cleaning the Ganga should always be a priority. Science and faith should work together, not against each other.