NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday dismissed reports of faecal bacteria in the Maha Kumbh waters, calling them an attempt to malign the religious gathering. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister asserted that Sangam water was absolutely fit for taking holy dip.
‘Sangam water suitable not just for bathing but also for Aachman’
“Questions are being raised about the quality of the water (at Triveni). All the pipes and the drains in and around Sangam have been taped and the water is being released only after purification. The UP Pollution Control Board is continuously monitoring the water to maintain its quality. As per today’s reports, the amount of BOD near Sangam is less than 3, and the dissolved oxygen is around 8-9. This means that the Sangam water is suitable not just for bathing but also for ‘Aachman,’ CM Adityanath said in assembly reacting to reports of faecal bacteria in water.
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“The reasons for increased faecal coliform can be several, such as sewage leakage and animal waste, but the amount of faecal coliform in Prayagraj is, as per the standards, less than 2,500 MPN per 100 ml. This means that the false campaign is only to defame the Maha Kumbh. The NGT has also said that the faecal waste was less than 2000 MPN per 100 ml,” he added.
“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,” Adityanath said and added “It is our good fortune that our government got the opportunity to associate with the Maha Kumbh of this century.”
Earlier, a 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
Referring to the 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.
Adityanath also hit out at critics and said, “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 Uttar Pradesh chief minister emphasized that the event had garnered global participation, dismissing what he called false campaigns against it.
