Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has strongly opposed the allegations regarding water quality at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. On Wednesday, he said that spreading fake news and circulating “fake videos” against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, India, or the Maha Kumbh is like attacking the faith of crores of people who have taken a holy dip in the sacred river.
CM Yogi assured that the Sangam water is not only suitable for bathing but also for drinking. He claimed that there is a propaganda campaign to defame the Maha Kumbh after a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) mentioned the presence of faecal bacteria in some locations of Prayagraj.
The CPCB informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday that certain locations in Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh did not meet primary water quality standards for bathing due to the presence of faecal coliform bacteria. These bacteria are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans. Their presence in water indicates possible contamination with harmful pathogens from faecal matter.
CM Yogi dismissed the concerns, saying, “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 three, and the dissolved oxygen is around 8-9.”
He further added, “This means that the Sangam water is suitable not just for bathing but also for ‘Aachman’… 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…”
Yogi Adityanath on Maha Kumbh stampede
CM Yogi also spoke about the Maha Kumbh stampede that occurred on January 29. While addressing the UP assembly on Wednesday, he said, “This event is not organised by any particular party or organisation… This event is of the society; the government is there as a servant to complete its responsibilities… It is our good fortune that our government got the opportunity to associate with the Maha Kumbh of this century… The country and the world have participated in this event and have taken it to new heights of success, ignoring all the false campaigns.”
He revealed that with seven days still left for the Maha Kumbh, over 56 crore devotees have already taken a holy dip in the river.
Offering condolences to the victims of the stampede and road accidents during Kumbh, CM Yogi said, “Our sympathies are with all those who were victims of the stampede… and those who lost their lives in road accidents while travelling for Kumbh. Our condolences are with the family members; the government stands with them; the government will help them in every possible way, but how appropriate is it to politicise this?”
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