High levels of faecal bacteria found in river Ganges as millions take Kumbh dip

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. During the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, a report by the CPCB showed that faecal coliform bacteria levels in the river exceed the safe limit of 2,500 units per 100 millilitres, posing a serious health risk to those entering the water. As per the latest recorded data on 4 February, faecal coliform levels in the Ganges surged after a major bathing event at the Maha Kumbh Mela, reaching 11,000 units per 100 millilitres near Shastri Bridge and 7,900 units per 100 millilitres at Sangam – far above the safe limit of 2,500 units per 100 millilitres. The CPCB report which analysed Ganges water said: “The river water quality was not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to faecal coliform at all the monitored locations on various occasions.” open image in gallery Hindu pilgrims take a holy dip at Sangam It added: “A large number of people bathe in the river at Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh Mela, including on auspicious bathing days, which eventually leads to an increase in faecal concentration.” How dangerous is faecal coliform bacteria? On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, however, dismissed the report that stated that water at multiple locations during the Maha Kumbh Mela contained faecal bacteria levels exceeding the safe limit for bathing.