Dr. Viswanathan Pandey
The sacred Ganga River, a lifeline for millions of Indians, is grappling with an environmental crisis that could taint its sanctity forever. The Mahakumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering on the planet, is set to take place in 2025, but it’s not just the spiritual fervor that’s attracting attention; it’s the environmental degradation that is starting to raise alarms. The National Green Tribunal (NGT), a key player in ensuring environmental justice in India, has recently directed authorities to address the growing concerns surrounding the inadequate sanitation arrangements at the upcoming Mela. What’s more, this crisis has been escalated by the shocking revelation that pilgrims are reportedly being forced to defecate in the open along the banks of the Ganga. This might seem like a problem isolated to a few, but the implications are far-reaching, not just for the environment but for public health, and the sacredness of the river itself.
In the wake of this environmental alarm, the NGT has issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government, the Prayagraj Mela Authority, and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UP PCB), seeking their explanation. The NGT has scheduled a hearing for February 24, 2025, where officials are expected to respond. The issue at hand is not trivial—this is a matter of pollution, public health, and the negligence of those responsible for ensuring that the Ganga remains a source of purity rather than a toxic basin.
The crux of the problem is simple yet alarming—thousands of pilgrims attending the Mahakumbh Mela in 2025 are reportedly going to be left with inadequate or non-functional sanitation facilities. Despite promises by the authorities to establish 1.5 lakh bio-toilets, the reality seems far more grim. The result: thousands of people are left with no option but to relieve themselves in the open, along the sacred banks of the Ganga.
A concerned citizen, Nipun Bhushan, has filed an application before the NGT, calling for a hefty environmental compensation of ₹10 crore, alleging that the Uttar Pradesh government’s failure to provide sufficient sanitation facilities is directly contributing to the pollution of the Ganga. He is not alone in his concerns. Bhushan’s application is backed by videos that show the disturbing sight of human waste being discarded along the riverbanks.
This situation not only violates basic human dignity but also contributes to the pollution of a river that is considered the lifeblood of millions. The lack of cleanliness at such a massive event sets a dangerous precedent for future religious gatherings and highlights the government’s failure to address such critical issues.
Pollution, Disease, and the Sacred Ganga
To make matters worse, the Ganga, which is supposed to be a source of purity, is itself becoming polluted. According to recent water quality tests conducted in November 2024, the fecal coliform levels in the lower parts of the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati, were found to be a staggering 3,300 Most Probable Number (MPN) per 100 milliliters. This is far higher than the acceptable limit of 2,500 MPN/100 ml as prescribed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC). Such contamination can have dire consequences, including the spread of diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, and polio.
It is essential to understand the gravity of this issue, as millions of devotees take a dip in the holy river, believing it will cleanse them of their sins. If the river itself is contaminated, the health risks to these devotees are substantial. Diseases carried through waterborne pathogens could devastate public health, especially when people travel from all over the country, many of whom are already vulnerable to such conditions. The very sanctity of the Mahakumbh Mela and its deep spiritual significance is at stake.
At the heart of Bhushan’s application is the principle of ‘Polluter Pays,’ a widely recognized environmental law doctrine. According to this principle, those responsible for environmental degradation must bear the cost of the damage they cause. Bhushan is urging the authorities to take responsibility for the pollution caused during the Mela and to pay compensation for the environmental harm. This principle, though well-established, is often ignored, leading to a situation where environmental damages are left unchecked, and communities suffer the consequences.
The argument in favor of a ₹10 crore environmental compensation is compelling. The government cannot be allowed to abdicate its responsibility, especially when it has been warned about the potential environmental hazards. The Mela authorities have failed to take appropriate measures to prevent the contamination of the Ganga, thus violating Article 48A of the Indian Constitution, which mandates the state to protect and improve the environment. In this case, their failure to provide proper sanitation facilities is not just an oversight; it is a violation of constitutional duties.
The Environmental and Constitutional Implications
The case raises significant constitutional and environmental questions. As per Article 48A of the Indian Constitution, the state is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the environment. By failing to provide adequate sanitation, the authorities are not only neglecting their duties but are also compromising the public health and safety of the millions who flock to the Mela.
Moreover, the situation is further compounded by the lack of transparency in reporting water quality data. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UP PCB) has failed to release updated water quality reports, raising questions about the accuracy of the information being provided to the public. This lack of transparency only deepens the sense of distrust between the government and the people, particularly when the very health of millions is at risk.
The application filed by Bhushan brings to light the systemic failure in ensuring that adequate measures are taken to protect the Ganga and its millions of devotees. With the NGT set to hear the case, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will take swift and decisive action to address the concerns raised.
To mitigate this growing crisis, several steps need to be taken immediately. Firstly, there needs to be a rigorous and transparent monitoring system for water quality in the Ganga, with data being made publicly available in real-time. The authorities must not only improve sanitation facilities but also ensure that they are functional and easily accessible to all attendees.
Secondly, there should be a comprehensive waste management plan in place for such large-scale events. This plan should go beyond just the provision of toilets—it should include the proper disposal of waste, regular cleaning of facilities, and a clear protocol for addressing any public health concerns that arise.
Lastly, the principle of accountability must be upheld. The government must be held responsible for the environmental damage caused by inadequate sanitation and pollution. The Polluter Pays principle should not remain just an ideal but must be enforced in practice, ensuring that the cost of environmental damage is borne by those responsible for it.
The 2025 Mahakumbh Mela is not just a religious gathering; it is a reflection of India’s deep spiritual and cultural heritage. However, when this sacred event threatens the health and sanctity of the Ganga, it calls for urgent intervention. The NGT’s intervention is timely, but it is not just a matter of legal proceedings. It is a call to the government to honor its constitutional duty to protect the environment and public health. If the authorities fail to take adequate measures now, the consequences could be dire, not just for the Ganga, but for the millions who hold it sacred. The time to act is now.
( Writer, aPh.D. in Sociology, is a well-recognised author and columnist. For past over three decades, he has served in various administrative and academic capacities at Banaras Hindu University).
