NEW DELHI: Amid concerns over water contamination at the Triveni Sangam, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has dismissed reports of faecal bacteria in the Maha Kumbh waters, calling them an attempt to malign the religious gathering. He asserted that the river water remains fit for a holy dip and reiterated the state’s commitment to facilitating a smooth event.
‘Propaganda to malign Maha Kumbh’
Reacting to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which found alarmingly high levels of faecal and total coliform in the Ganga and Yamuna, Adityanath said: “This event is not organized by any party or government—it belongs to society. We are only facilitators. Seven days of the festival remain, and as of this afternoon, 56 crore 26 lakh devotees have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.”
The CPCB report, submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), revealed that total coliform levels had reached 700,000 MPN/100ml in the Ganga and 330,000 MPN/100ml in the Yamuna—far exceeding the permissible limit of 500 MPN/100ml for bathing. These findings, based on samples collected from January 12 to 19, led the NGT to summon UP government authorities.
The tribunal noted that such contamination could pose serious public health risks, including waterborne diseases, and ordered the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to submit a compliance report. It also summoned the board’s member secretary and other state officials to appear virtually in the next hearing on February 19.
Condolences over Maha Kumbh tragedies
Addressing the recent January 29 stampede and other accidents involving devotees, Adityanath expressed condolences to the victims’ families. “We pay tribute to those who lost their lives and stand with their families. However, it is not appropriate to politicize such incidents,” he said.
In the UP assembly, Adityanath also hit out at critics, saying, “When we make baseless allegations or spread fake videos against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, or the Maha Kumbh, it is like playing with the faith of 56 crore people.”
As the Maha Kumbh enters its final week, the CM emphasized that the event had garnered global participation, dismissing what he called false campaigns against it.