Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has dismissed concerns about the water quality at Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, asserting that it is fit for bathing and drinking.
His statement comes in response to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that highlighted high levels of ‘faecal coliform’ bacteria in the Ganga. He criticised the opposition for spreading misinformation and questioned the motive behind such claims.
Speaking in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Adityanath emphasised that the Maha Kumbh has witnessed an overwhelming number of devotees participating in the holy ritual.
He stated that over 56.25 crore devotees have already taken a dip in the sacred waters, and several prominent figures have praised the arrangements made by the government.
He argued that making unfounded allegations against the religious event, Maa Ganga, or Sanatan Dharma is equivalent to disrespecting the faith of millions.
Citing a report from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPCB), Adityanath stated that the water quality of the Ganga has significantly improved.
He pointed out that the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level is below 3 mg/litre, while the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level has increased from 5 mg/litre to around 9 mg/litre. These indicators suggest better water quality, countering claims of contamination.
He also referred to the CPCB’s standard, which states that faecal coliform levels should not exceed 2,500 units per 100 ml, implying that the water remains within permissible limits.
The Chief Minister also took a sharp dig at opposition leaders who have questioned the significance of the Maha Kumbh and criticised government spending on the event. He pointed out that the festival is being held after a gap of 144 years and accused political opponents of trying to tarnish its image.
He specifically mentioned remarks made by Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee.
He recalled that the Samajwadi Party had questioned the necessity of spending money on the Maha Kumbh, while Lalu Prasad Yadav had dismissed it as unnecessary. Trinamool Congress leaders had also criticised the event, calling it the ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ following the tragic stampede.
Adityanath strongly defended the festival, asserting that his government would continue to uphold and promote events rooted in Sanatan Dharma.
The criticism from the opposition intensified after the stampede at the Maha Kumbh on January 29, during which 30 people lost their lives. Most of the victims were women and children who had gathered at the Sangam Nose for a holy dip on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'.
The tragedy prompted Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to attack the Uttar Pradesh government, stating that the Maha Kumbh had turned into a ‘Mrityu Kumbh’.
Adityanath rejected these allegations and maintained that every effort was being made to ensure a safe and organised event.
He insisted that the administration had worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure and water quality at the festival. He accused critics of attempting to spread fear and misinformation for political gain.
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