Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has dismissed a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that found high levels of faecal and total coliform bacteria in the waters of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The report, submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), stated that the water at various locations did not meet bathing standards, let alone being suitable for drinking.
Speaking in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Yogi Adityanath refuted the claims and asserted that the water at the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—is fit for drinking. “While we are participating in discussions here, over 56.25 crore devotees have already taken a holy dip in Prayagraj,” he said, criticizing those who he accused of spreading misinformation against “Sanatana Dharma, Maa Ganga, and India.”
The CPCB report, based on water quality monitoring conducted on January 12 and 13, indicated a sharp increase in faecal bacteria levels due to the high number of people bathing in the river, particularly on auspicious bathing days. The findings have raised concerns about untreated sewage being discharged into the Ganga and Yamuna.
Meanwhile, the chief minister also addressed the recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh on January 29, which resulted in 30 deaths. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured government support. However, he condemned the opposition for allegedly politicizing the incident, stating, “They have been against the Maha Kumbh from the beginning. Instead of contributing to discussions and preparations, they obstructed the proceedings.”
Yogi Adityanath also took a swipe at opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav. He claimed that SP leaders questioned the need for government expenditure on the Maha Kumbh, while RJD’s Lalu Yadav reportedly dismissed the event as “faaltu” (useless). Additionally, he criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remark that the Maha Kumbh had turned into “Mrityu Kumbh” (Death Kumbh).
Firmly defending the religious event, Yogi Adityanath declared, “If organizing events related to Sanatana Dharma is a crime, then our government will continue to commit that crime.”
Sources By Agencies
