Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has strongly dismissed reports alleging that the waters at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj were contaminated with faecal bacteria beyond acceptable levels. Addressing the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, he condemned the spread of misinformation, calling it an attempt to defame the world’s largest religious congregation and attack Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, and India.
“Even as we engage in discussions here, over 56.25 crore devotees have already taken a holy dip in Prayagraj,” the Chief Minister stated, calling out the “baseless allegations and fake videos” circulated to undermine the event’s sanctity. He asserted that the Mahakumbh belongs to society, not any political entity, and accused opposition leaders of orchestrating a smear campaign.
His fiery rebuttal comes in response to a report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which claimed that high levels of faecal and total coliform bacteria had been detected in multiple locations at the Mahakumbh. The report, based on tests conducted on January 12 and 13, suggested that the water was not suitable for bathing, let alone drinking. The NGT also raised concerns about untreated sewage being discharged into the Ganga and Yamuna during the massive pilgrimage.
However, CM Yogi Adityanath outrightly rejected these claims, stating that real-time water quality monitoring data showed the Sangam’s waters were not only fit for bathing but also for ritual sipping (‘Aachman’).
Water quality and government measures—CM cites scientific data
CM Yogi Adityanath provided detailed water quality figures to refute the allegations:
- Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) near Sangam is below 3, indicating clean water.
- Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels range between 8-9, showing the river’s ability to sustain aquatic life.
- Faecal coliform levels in Prayagraj are below 2,500 MPN per 100 ml, which is within the permissible limit.
- The NGT’s own data indicates faecal waste below 2,000 MPN per 100 ml—contradicting claims of severe contamination.
“All the pipes and drains around the Sangam have been sealed, and water is released only after purification… The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) is continuously monitoring water quality,” CM Yogi Adityanath affirmed.
The Chief Minister suggested that temporary fluctuations in bacterial levels could be due to sewage leakages or animal waste, but maintained that the allegations of dangerously high contamination were part of an agenda to defame the Mahakumbh.
Emphasising the spiritual and cultural significance of the Mahakumbh, CM Yogi stressed that no political party or organisation owns the event. “This is an event of the people… The government is only a facilitator,” he said, highlighting that the world has embraced Mahakumbh despite a malicious disinformation campaign.
Calling it a once-in-a-century event, he pointed out that international pilgrims and scholars have acknowledged its grandeur, making attempts to undermine it a direct attack on India’s cultural heritage.
Opposition’s ‘Hinduphobia’—SP, Congress, and RJD in the line of fire
CM Yogi Adityanath slammed opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party (SP), Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing them of consistently disrespecting the Mahakumbh.
- SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the necessity of spending on the Kumbh.
- RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav dismissed it as a “faltu” (useless) event.
- An SP ally labeled the event “Mrityu Kumbh” (Kumbh of Death), in an attempt to politicise tragic incidents during the pilgrimage.
“They have been against the Mahakumbh since day one… In the last Assembly session, we were discussing preparations, and we could have taken their suggestions, but they chose to disrupt proceedings instead,” CM Yogi remarked.
He accused these political leaders of using derogatory language against Sanatan Dharma and turning sacred Hindu traditions into a political battleground. “If organising events related to Sanatan Dharma is a crime, then our government will proudly keep committing that crime,” he declared, taking a direct dig at opposition parties that have questioned the significance of such festivals.
CM Yogi Adityanath also addressed the unfortunate stampede incidents on January 29, which resulted in casualties, and road accidents involving Kumbh pilgrims. Expressing deep condolences, he assured affected families that the government stood with them and would provide necessary assistance.
“Our sympathies are with all those who were victims of the stampede and road accidents… The government will help them in every possible way,” he said. However, he lashed out at opposition leaders for trying to exploit the tragedy for political gains.
“How appropriate is it to politicise this? Instead of showing solidarity, some leaders are using these incidents to tarnish the Mahakumbh,” he stated.
With seven days left before the Mahakumbh concludes, over 56.25 crore devotees have already participated—marking one of the largest religious gatherings in history. Pilgrims from every corner of Bharat and across the world continue to arrive for the sacred baths, proving that attempts to discredit the event have failed.
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