– Akhilesh Tripathi
Lucknow: Azad Adhikar Sena has filed a petition in the National Green Tribunal (NGT), raising concerns about the availability of clean water in the Ganga and Yamuna during the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The petition seeks enforcement of the tribunal’s earlier directives.
On December 23, 2024, the NGT issued an order mandating that clean water be available in the Ganga and Yamuna during the Mahakumbh. The tribunal directed the government to ensure that adequate clean water, suitable for drinking, religious rituals, and bathing, is available in Prayagraj. It emphasised that the health of pilgrims taking a holy dip should not be compromised.
The NGT further instructed the Union and Uttar Pradesh governments to strictly comply with these directives. It prohibited the discharge of sewage and industrial pollutants, including wastewater from drains and tanneries, into the rivers during the Mahakumbh.
The NGT also directed the Union and State Pollution Control Boards to monitor water quality near the Sangam area at least twice a week. The boards were instructed to Collect water samples from various locations, ensuring no duplication; Increase the frequency of sampling if the number of pilgrims surged, Submit regular test reports to the NGT Registrar General, and Publicly display results on their websites, including data on sewage treatment plants and geo-tube functionality.
Azad Adhikar Sena (AAS) has alleged that these directives are not being followed. In its petition, the group cited the lack of water quality monitoring and failure to publish results as required. It stated that the situation poses significant risks to the health and safety of pilgrims.
The petition referenced the December 23, 2024, order in the case Kamlesh Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, which highlighted the need for transparency in water quality monitoring. The petition further criticised the inaction of authorities, arguing that non-compliance endangers millions of pilgrims.
Amitabh Thakur, AAS national president, voiced serious concerns about the negligence. He stated:
“I have filed a petition in NGT to address the blatant disregard for the tribunal’s directives. The failure to ensure clean water in the Ganga and Yamuna during the Mahakumbh is a threat to the safety of millions of devotees. If pilgrims fall ill due to exposure to polluted water, who will take responsibility? The NGT must enforce its orders to safeguard public health.”
The petition has sparked significant controversy, prompting the State government to address the allegations. It has exposed gaps in the government’s claims about ensuring clean water during the Kumbh and has raised doubts about the effectiveness of existing measures.
