In a shocking development, microbes from human and animal excreta have been found in high levels have been found in river water in which people are taking a holy dip at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, a mega event which draw millions of pilgrims from India and the world daily.
These microbes known as faecal coliform are present in the river water along various locations in Prayagraj, as a result of which the water does not meet bathing quality standards – as per a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to a report by the CPCB, faecal coliform levels at all monitored locations were above the permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml, which point out that there is significant sewage contamination. This is alarming because Kumbh is known for witnessing the world’s largest human gathering where millions of devotees take ritual baths at the Sangam. The crowd is more especially on auspicious days, which leads to increased bacterial concentrations in the water.
Maha Kumbh Footfall
The number of devotees taking a dip at the Maha Kumbh crossed a record 50 crore till the evening on Friday February 14. According to the state government, over 92 lakh devotees had taken a dip till 6 pm on Friday alone, taking the overall footfall at Maha Kumbh above 50 crore.
On Tuesday February 18, the total number of people taking a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh till 6 pm was over 1.15 crore.
The government of Uttar Pradesh has stated that the ongoing mega fair Maha Kumbh is the “largest congregation” in human history for any religious, cultural, or social event.
Sanitation workers create Guinness World Record at Maha Kumbh
Meanwhile, in a remarkable achievement, 300 sanitation workers at Maha Kumbh 2025 have secured a Guinness World Record for the first-ever coordinated river cleaning effort. This historic feat took place across multiple Ganga sectors during the festival.
According to Maha Kumbh Mela CEO Akanksha Rana, this marks the world’s first Guinness record for a large-scale river cleaning event involving 300 workers. She also indicated that more records will follow as part of the ongoing cleanliness campaign. A total of 15,000 sanitation workers are expected to join the effort in the coming days.
Waste management at Maha Kumbh
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Culture talking about cleanliness efforts at the ongoing Maha Kumbh, “The event is setting new global benchmarks in waste management, river conservation, and eco-friendly practices. The state government has implemented a comprehensive sanitation plan to ensure a Clean Maha Kumbh.
With innovative waste management systems, strict regulations on single-use plastics, and widespread awareness campaigns, the aim is to create a greener and cleaner pilgrimage. This initiative reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, promoting a harmonious coexistence of spirituality and sustainability during the grand gathering.”
Open defecation at Maha Kumbh
However, despite 300 sanitation workers working day and night to ensure cleanliness at the venue and even with facilities such as clean and hygienic restrooms for the pilgrims, open defecation is happening at the Maha Kumbh, and the water quality report bears testimony to this. No amount of government efforts can ensure cleanliness of the holy venue unless there is awareness among the devotees.
Being held after 12 years, the Maha Kumbh started on January 13 and will continue till February 26 on the banks of the Triveni Sangam — the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers, considered holy among Hindus.
