Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday dismissed reports suggesting the presence of faecal bacteria in the Maha Kumbh waters, calling it an attempt to malign the religious gathering. He assured devotees that the Sangam water is completely fit for taking a holy dip during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
CM Adityanath: Sangam Water Fit for Bathing & Aachman
Reacting to reports of faecal contamination, the Chief Minister emphasized that all pipelines and drains near Sangam have been sealed and that water is being purified before release. He assured that the UP Pollution Control Board is continuously monitoring the water quality to maintain its purity.
“Questions are being raised about the quality of the water at Triveni. The BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) level is below 3, and dissolved oxygen levels are around 8-9. This indicates that Sangam water is not only suitable for bathing but also for ’Aachman’,” Adityanath stated in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.
He further added that while sewage leaks and animal waste can cause an increase in faecal coliform, the levels recorded in Prayagraj remain below 2,500 MPN per 100 ml, which is within acceptable limits.
“The NGT (National Green Tribunal) has also confirmed that the faecal waste was below 2,000 MPN per 100 ml, proving that the false campaign against the Maha Kumbh is aimed at defaming the sacred event,” he added.
CPCB Report Sparks Debate
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently submitted a report to the NGT, stating that 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 safe bathing.
Following these findings, the NGT summoned the Uttar Pradesh government to address public health concerns, citing the risk of waterborne diseases. The UPPCB (Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board) has been instructed to submit a compliance report, and officials have been asked to appear before the tribunal on February 19.
Adityanath Condoles Maha Kumbh Tragedies, Dismisses Critics
Addressing recent tragedies at the Maha Kumbh, including the January 29 stampede, CM Yogi Adityanath expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims.
“We pay tribute to those who lost their lives and stand with their families. However, politicizing such incidents is inappropriate,” he said.
Hitting out at critics, Adityanath warned against spreading misinformation about Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, and the Maha Kumbh, calling it a disrespect to the faith of 56 crore devotees who have participated in the religious event.
As the Maha Kumbh enters its final week, the Chief Minister highlighted that the event had seen global participation, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring a smooth and sacred conclusion to the gathering.
