Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – A recent ruling by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cast a long shadow over the credibility of water quality assessments conducted at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. The tribunal has strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for relying on outdated and irrelevant sample data in its reports, raising serious concerns about the accuracy of the information disseminated to the public and the efficacy of pollution control measures.
The Sangam, a site of immense religious and cultural significance, draws millions of pilgrims annually, particularly during the Kumbh Mela. Ensuring the purity and ecological health of the rivers at this sacred confluence is paramount. However, the NGT’s recent observations suggest a glaring disconnect between the reality on the ground and the picture painted by the UPPCB’s reports.
The tribunal’s rebuke stems from a case involving allegations of inadequate sewage treatment and industrial discharge polluting the rivers. Petitioners argued that despite claims of improvement, the water quality at the Sangam remained alarmingly poor. In response, the UPPCB submitted reports purporting to demonstrate compliance with water quality standards. However, scrutiny by the NGT revealed a shocking discrepancy: the reports were based on water samples collected months, sometimes even years, prior to the dates mentioned in the reports.
“Submitting reports based on such outdated samples is not only misleading but also amounts to a gross dereliction of duty,” the NGT bench observed, according to sources familiar with the proceedings. “How can you claim the water quality is satisfactory today based on samples collected several months ago? The river’s condition can change drastically in that time.”
The tribunal’s scathing remarks highlight a systemic problem: the apparent lack of regular and reliable water quality monitoring at the Sangam. Experts and environmental activists have long decried the UPPCB’s approach, alleging that the board often resorts to tokenism rather than implementing a robust and transparent monitoring system.
“This isn’t a new issue,” says Dr. Anjali Singh, an environmental scientist specializing in river ecosystems. “We’ve been raising concerns about the UPPCB’s data collection and reporting practices for years. They often collect samples from convenient locations, sometimes far from the actual confluence point, and the timing of the sampling is often suspect. This makes it virtually impossible to get an accurate picture of the pollution levels at the Sangam.”
The NGT’s ruling has given renewed impetus to these concerns. The tribunal has directed the UPPCB to immediately overhaul its water quality monitoring protocol at the Sangam. This includes establishing a network of strategically located sampling points, increasing the frequency of sample collection, and ensuring that the samples are analyzed by accredited laboratories. The tribunal has also mandated the UPPCB to make the data publicly accessible in a timely manner, promoting transparency and accountability.
“This is a significant step forward,” says Manoj Mishra, a prominent environmental activist who has been advocating for cleaner rivers in Uttar Pradesh. “The NGT’s intervention sends a clear message that such laxity in environmental monitoring will not be tolerated. We hope this will finally force the UPPCB to take its responsibilities seriously and implement a genuinely effective system for protecting the Sangam.”
The tribunal’s order also emphasizes the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations. It has directed the UPPCB to identify and take action against industries and other entities responsible for polluting the rivers. This includes imposing penalties for violations and ensuring that polluting units install and operate effective effluent treatment plants.
The NGT’s ruling has brought to light the challenges in maintaining the water quality of the Sangam. Experts point out that the confluence is affected by a complex mix of pollutants, including industrial effluents, domestic sewage, agricultural runoff, and even religious offerings. Addressing this multifaceted problem requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving various government agencies, local communities, and industries.
“Cleaning the Sangam is not just the responsibility of the UPPCB,” says Dr. Singh. “It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. We need to improve sewage treatment infrastructure, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and raise awareness among the public about the importance of protecting our rivers.”
The NGT’s intervention has injected a sense of urgency into the efforts to clean the Sangam. While the road ahead remains challenging, the tribunal’s ruling has provided a much-needed impetus for change. The focus now shifts to the UPPCB and other relevant authorities to implement the tribunal’s directives effectively and ensure that the Sangam, a symbol of faith and cultural heritage, is restored to its pristine glory. The future of this sacred confluence, and the health of the millions who depend on it, hangs in the balance.
