Kumbh Mela Debate: Culture vs. Environment

The Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj, attracts millions of devotees seeking spiritual purification through ritual bathing. However, recent reports from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have raised serious concerns regarding the water quality at this event, particularly due to high levels of faecal coliform bacteria, which serve as indicators of sewage contamination.

The permissible limit for faecal coliform in bathing water is set at 2,500 units per 100 millilitres, yet testing has revealed concentrations far exceeding this threshold, with some locations reporting levels over 33,000 units. This contamination is attributed to a combination of factors, including the massive influx of bathers, untreated sewage discharge, and inadequate waste management infrastructure.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been actively involved in monitoring the situation, demanding compliance reports from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and highlighting the need for effective measures to ensure water safety. The health risks associated with exposure to contaminated water are significant, potentially leading to waterborne diseases such as gastroenteritis, typhoid, and hepatitis.

As the Kumbh Mela progresses, the challenge remains to balance the spiritual significance of the event with the pressing need for public health and environmental safety, prompting ongoing scrutiny and calls for improved sanitation measures.

Jargon

faecal coliform: A group of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals. Their presence in water indicates contamination from sewage or animal waste, raising concerns about potential pathogens that could cause diseases.
Kumbh Mela: A major Hindu festival held every 12 years, attracting millions of devotees to bathe in sacred rivers, believed to cleanse sins and promote spiritual purification.
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP): Facilities designed to treat wastewater and sewage to remove contaminants before the water is released back into the environment, ensuring it meets safety standards for public health.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): A measure of the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water. High BOD levels indicate high levels of organic pollution, making water unsafe for bathing.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): An Indian governmental agency responsible for monitoring and controlling pollution levels in water bodies, including conducting water quality assessments during events like the Kumbh Mela.
National Green Tribunal (NGT): An environmental court in India that adjudicates on matters related to environmental protection and conservation, including water quality issues during large gatherings like the Kumbh Mela.
aachman: A Hindu ritual involving sipping water, often performed after bathing in sacred rivers, believed to purify the soul.
untreated sewage: Wastewater that has not undergone any treatment to remove contaminants, posing significant health risks when discharged into water bodies.
pathogenic microorganisms: Disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that can contaminate water and lead to serious health issues.
greywater: Wastewater generated from domestic activities such as washing dishes, laundry, and bathing, which can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes.

Viewpoints 💭

‘Left’ Viewpoint

Ideological Differences

‘Right’ Viewpoint

The left criticizes the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the Kumbh Mela, highlighting the failure to meet water quality standards and the health risks posed by high faecal coliform levels.
They argue that the government’s claims of safe water are misleading, as reports from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicate severe contamination.
The left emphasizes the need for comprehensive sewage treatment and waste management plans, criticizing the underutilization of funds and lack of effective infrastructure.
They advocate for stricter environmental regulations and accountability from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and other authorities.
The left calls for transparency and public reporting of water quality data to ensure the safety of pilgrims and local communities.

The left focuses on the environmental and public health implications of the Kumbh Mela, criticizing the government’s failure to address sewage contamination and protect water quality, while the right emphasizes the cultural significance and logistical challenges of managing such a large event.
While the left demands transparency and accountability from authorities, the right defends the government’s efforts and investments in advanced technologies to manage waste and ensure safety.
The left views the high faecal coliform levels as a failure of governance and infrastructure, advocating for stricter regulations and better planning, whereas the right attributes the concerns to political motives and highlights the measures taken to mitigate pollution.
The left calls for comprehensive action plans and public reporting of water quality data, while the right focuses on the spiritual and cultural aspects of the Kumbh Mela, asserting that the event’s success should not be overshadowed by environmental criticisms.
The left criticizes the underutilization of funds and lack of effective infrastructure, while the right highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining cleanliness and safety, citing significant investments and technological advancements.

The right defends the Uttar Pradesh government’s efforts, highlighting the implementation of advanced sewage treatment technologies and significant investments in waste management.
They argue that the contamination concerns are exaggerated and attribute them to political motives aimed at discrediting the government.
The right emphasizes the cultural and spiritual significance of the Kumbh Mela, asserting that the event’s success should not be overshadowed by environmental criticisms.
They highlight the government’s commitment to maintaining cleanliness and safety, citing measures like the installation of portable toilets and faecal sludge treatment plants.
The right supports the government’s narrative that the water quality is within acceptable limits, as per UPPCB data, and dismisses claims of severe pollution as propaganda.

Prominent Voices 📣

From the ‘Left’

From the ‘Right’

Dr Suranjit Chatterjee (Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals): Stressed that large-scale events like the Kumbh Mela significantly contaminate rivers with faecal matter, heightening disease transmission risks. ¹
Justice Prakash Shrivastava (NGT Chairperson): Criticized UPPCB for inadequate reporting and emphasized the need for detailed water quality analysis and compliance with standards. ² ³
CPCB Lawyer (Representative of Central Pollution Control Board): Reported that sewage treatment plants are overwhelmed, leading to untreated sewage discharge into the Ganges. ⁴
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati (Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya): Criticized the lack of clean water facilities for bathing despite the large number of visitors and global attention on the event. ⁵
National Green Tribunal (Judicial Body): Expressed concern over water pollution and demanded action from state authorities. ⁶

Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (State Environmental Authority): Criticized for inadequate reporting on water quality and instructed to provide a response. ⁶
Dr. Ashok Verma (Senior UPPCB Scientist): Highlighted the high levels of faecal coliforms in the Ganga, indicating potential health risks. ⁷
Kanpur Leather Exporter (Anonymous): Criticized the economic impact of tannery closures and the half-hearted approach towards the Clean Ganga mission. ⁷

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Yogi Adityanath (Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh): Emphasized continuous monitoring and purification of river waters, dismissing opposition claims as false propaganda. ⁸ ⁹
Jitendra Singh (Union Minister for Science and Technology): Claimed that no cases of illness were reported at the Kumbh Mela and credited nuclear research centres for maintaining river hygiene. ¹⁰
Vijay Kiran Anand (Kumbh Mela Adhikari): Emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment at the Maha Kumbh through the installation of advanced sewage treatment facilities. ¹¹
Garima Prashad (Additional Advocate General of UP): Assured that the UPPCB would examine the CPCB’s report and take appropriate measures to enhance water quality. ¹²
Union Minister for Science and Technology (Government Official): Emphasized the role of advanced technologies in managing the logistical and environmental challenges of the Maha Kumbh Mela, showcasing India’s technological capabilities. ¹³

Vivek Chaturvedi (Additional District Magistrate of the Maha Kumbh Mela): Emphasized the safety of river water for immersion and the measures taken to manage pooja waste. ¹⁴ ¹⁵
Manoj Kumar Singh (UP Chief Secretary): Highlighted the technological solutions and infrastructure improvements to prevent untreated sewage from reaching the river. ¹⁴ ¹⁶
Mahant Ravindra Puri (Head of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad): Urged akharas to adhere to time slots for cleaning operations and discouraged inappropriate disposal of items in the river. ¹⁴
Vijay Vishwas Pant (Divisional Commissioner of Prayagraj): Emphasized the expansion of the flower petal shower tradition to cover all major ghats, enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees. ¹⁷