The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious concerns over the untreated sewage being discharged into the Ganga in Prayagraj, warning that the health of millions of pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2024 could be at risk if immediate measures are not taken.

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• NGT expresses concerns about untreated sewage being dumped into the Ganga near Prayagraj.
• Warns the health of millions of pilgrims visiting Maha Kumbh (Jan 14-Feb 26, 2024) will be impacted.
• Sewage from 50 drains flows directly into an 8-km stretch of the river, from Rasulabad to Sangam.
• Tribunal had previously directed a report on prevention measures by Nov 23, 2024; report not filed.
• NGT notes high-powered committee (HPC) had not taken effective action by Nov 7.
• Tribunal stresses that the issue is time-sensitive, urging prompt action before the Kumbh begins.
• Uttar Pradesh government counsel sought an additional 15 days to submit the report, which was denied.
• The tribunal granted one week for the report’s submission and expressed dissatisfaction over the delay.
• Personal presence of UP’s Environment Department principal secretary may be requested.
• NGT scheduled the next hearing for Dec 9, 2024, to monitor progress.