Sangam water now fit for ritual drinking and bathing, says Yogi

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the water at Sangam in Prayagraj is now clean and safe for both ritual drinking (aachman) and bathing. His statement came despite a recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which highlighted water pollution concerns. The report mentioned that water quality did not meet primary bathing standards due to high fecal coliform levels. However, Adityanath assured people that the water was being continuously monitored and had now become suitable for religious practices at the Mahakumbh 2025.

The CPCB had collected water samples on January 12, 13, 15, 19, 20, and 24 from different locations along the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Their analysis found that the water was not always clean enough for bathing. As a result, the National Green Tribunal criticized the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for not ensuring better water quality.

In response to these concerns, Adityanath addressed the Uttar Pradesh Assembly during the budget session. He said that over 56 crore (560 million) people had taken a dip at Sangam since the Mahakumbh started on January 13. He cited a report from the UP Pollution Control Board, which stated that in January and February, the fecal coliform level at the Sangam Nose was within the safe limit of 2,500 most probable number (MPN) per 100 milliliters of water. He added that the CPCB had also confirmed that the water now met cleanliness standards. According to him, both the UPPCB and CPCB were monitoring water quality regularly.

Improved cleanliness at Mahakumbh

Adityanath compared the current situation to 2013, when pollution in the Ganga was so high that the Prime Minister of Mauritius refused to take a dip during the Kumbh Mela. He said that today, the government had taken major steps to clean the river. Authorities were treating 261 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage by blocking 81 drains from releasing waste into the river. He credited these measures for improving water quality at the Mahakumbh 2025.

The chief minister also criticized opposition parties, saying they were spreading false narratives to defame the event. He emphasized that the Mahakumbh was not just a religious festival but a global representation of India's spiritual and cultural heritage. He warned that any attempt to disrespect Sanatan Dharma or spread misleading claims about the Mahakumbh would not be tolerated.

Addressing the tragic incidents that occurred during the festival, Adityanath confirmed that on Mauni Amavasya (January 29), a barricade collapse resulted in injuries and fatalities. A total of 66 people were affected—30 lost their lives, and 36 were injured. In another incident, seven devotees died. Among the injured, 35 had been discharged from the hospital, while one person was still receiving treatment. He praised the administration and the discipline of devotees for bringing the situation under control quickly.

He also expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the stampede, as well as in road accidents while traveling to and from Sonbhadra, Aligarh, and other places. He assured that the government would provide all possible support to the affected families. He vowed that those responsible for the stampede would face strict action, regardless of their identity.

Adityanath took a strong stand against the opposition, especially the Samajwadi Party and Congress, which had raised concerns about mismanagement and the stampede at Mahakumbh. He responded with a poetic couplet, accusing opposition leaders of hypocrisy.

While the assembly discussed the Mahakumbh, he highlighted that over 56.25 crore devotees had already taken a holy dip in the sacred Triveni Sangam. He accused opposition parties of spreading false information through misleading videos that targeted Sanatan Dharma, the Ganga, and the Mahakumbh. He argued that such actions were not just political attacks but also an insult to the faith of millions of devotees.

He criticized Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav for making irresponsible remarks about the Mahakumbh. He was especially critical of Banerjee for calling the event “Mrityukumbh” (Death Kumbh) and of Jaya Bachchan for claiming that bodies were being dumped into the Ganga. He said these statements were direct attacks on Hindu traditions.

He also condemned Akhilesh Yadav for questioning the necessity of spending large amounts of money on the event and expanding its scale. According to Adityanath, those who had initially opposed the Mahakumbh were now quietly participating in it by taking a dip in the holy river.

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Mahakumbh: A symbol of India’s Heritage

The chief minister stressed that the Mahakumbh was not just a government event but a centuries-old tradition rooted in Vedic heritage. He said it should not be viewed through a narrow political lens. He described it as the soul of Indian culture and a celebration that brings together people from all castes, religions, and ideologies.

He emphasized that the Mahakumbh 2025 was showcasing India's power and Uttar Pradesh’s pride on the global stage. He noted that the event had attracted a diverse range of participants, including the President of India, business leaders, judges, celebrities, and common citizens.

Adityanath rejected claims that the Mahakumbh was a waste of money. He criticized opposition leaders for their negative comments on social media, which he said insulted Sanatan Dharma. He added that no civilized society could accept such remarks.

The chief minister asserted that the government and administration were fully committed to making Mahakumbh 2025 a grand success. He said the event was helping strengthen Uttar Pradesh's and India's global image. He described it as an unprecedented gathering, where people from all walks of life were participating in the spiritual and cultural celebration.

In his concluding remarks, he called the organization of the Mahakumbh a form of worship, reflecting the rich traditions of India that have influenced many ideologies around the world. He emphasized that the Mahakumbh was a historic event, representing the unique spiritual wealth and civilization of India.