Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday asserted that the water at the Sangam site is suitable for both bathing and ritual drinking, dismissing recent reports from India’s pollution watchdog that highlighted high levels of faecal contamination at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Addressing the assembly, Adityanath refuted claims of severe water contamination at the Maha Kumbh, calling them misleading. His statement came just days after the Central Pollution Control Board informed the National Green Tribunal that water at multiple locations at the event contained high levels of faecal coliform and was unsafe for bathing.
Citing reports from the state pollution control board, Adityanath emphasized that all pipes and drains around the Sangam had been sealed, ensuring that water was released only after undergoing purification.
“The UP and CPCB are continuously monitoring water quality, and recent reports confirm that the water at the Sangam is now fit for both bathing and ritual drinking (aachman),” he said.
“This means that the false campaign was done only to defame the Maha Kumbh,” he added.
To verify the water quality, the CPCB collected samples from various locations in the Ganga and Yamuna on January 12, 13, 15, 19, 20, and 24. The analysis revealed faecal coliform levels ranging from 2,000 to 49,000 MPN/100ml, significantly exceeding the permissible limit of 2,500 MPN/100ml.
Adityanath made these remarks while responding to an adjournment motion filed by the Samajwadi Party and Congress regarding the alleged mismanagement at the Maha Kumbh. He also criticized the Opposition, accusing them of spreading “false propaganda” and attempting to “mislead people.”
Adityanath stated that the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), which indicates the amount of oxygen required to decompose organic matter in water, was below 3 near the Sangam, while the dissolved oxygen level ranged between 8 and 9. “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,” he said.
The CM stated that the CPCB also verified the water met cleanliness standards.
“In January and February, faecal coliform levels at the Sangam nose were found to be within the acceptable range, below 2,500 MPN per 100ml, according to the UP pollution board,” he said.
The CPCB report stated that the water quality exceeded permissible limits at multiple locations. “A large number of people bathe in the river at Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela, including on auspicious bathing days, which eventually leads to an increase in faecal concentration,” the report said.
However, on Wednesday, the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) submitted a new report to the NGT regarding the water quality at the Sangam, stating that the faecal coliform level was 2,400 MPN/100ml, deeming it suitable for bathing. “The water quality at Sangam is fit for bathing according to the water sample report. Level of faecal coliform was reported at 2,400 mpn/100ml, which is within prescribed limit,” UPPCB chairman Ravindra Pratap Singh said.
The CPCB report dated February 3 highlighted numerous violations. “The river water quality was not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to faecal coliform (FC) at all the monitored locations on various occasions. A large number of people bathe in the river at Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela, including on auspicious bathing days, which eventually leads to an increase in faecal concentration,” the report had said.
Medical experts have cautioned that exposure to this level of contaminated water can result in various health issues, including gastrointestinal infections, skin rashes, eye irritations, and severe illnesses such as typhoid and hepatitis A.
Adityanath also addressed last month’s Maha Kumbh stampede, reporting that 30 people lost their lives and 36 sustained injuries. Additionally, he confirmed for the first time the occurrence of a second stampede, in which seven devotees died. He emphasized that swift administrative action and the discipline of the devotees helped bring the situation under control quickly.
The massive crowds at the Maha Kumbh have sparked chaos, straining key railway stations nationwide and congesting roads not only in Uttar Pradesh but also in neighboring states. Last Saturday, tens of thousands of people gathered at New Delhi Railway Station, leading to a stampede that claimed 18 lives.
Emphasizing the improved cleanliness of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, the Chief Minister recalled that during the 2013 Maha Kumbh—when the SP was in power—pollution levels were so high that the Prime Minister of Mauritius declined to take a dip.
He added that while this year’s event boasts better facilities and well-organized arrangements, those responsible for the 2013 “mismanagement” are now criticizing the 2025 Maha Kumbh.
“The 2013 kumbh under the then Samajwadi Party government was marred by accidents and large-scale corruption,” he said.
In his speech, Adityanath stated that any attempts by the Opposition to tarnish the event with false narratives and show disrespect toward Sanatana Dharma would not be tolerated.
He emphasized that the Maha Kumbh is not merely a religious gathering but a representation of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. However, he accused the Opposition of persistently spreading misinformation and undermining its significance. While they attempt to mislead the public, he affirmed that the state government remains dedicated to making the event historic and grand.
“Sanatan Dharma is the soul of India, and it is our duty to uphold its dignity. The Opposition’s attempts to malign the Maha Kumbh with false narratives will not be tolerated,” he said on the second day of the budget session.
Adityanath alleged that the Samajwadi Party questioned the magnificence of the event and sought to sow confusion among the public. “The Opposition labelled Mahakumbh as a waste of money. The social media posts of the opposition leaders bring to light their negative rhetoric against Sanatana Dharma. You may have your values and behavior, but no civilised society can ever accept such remarks,” he said.
Adityanath criticized Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, and RJD leader Lalu Prasad, accusing them of making reckless statements.
He specifically criticized Banerjee, who had referred to Maha Kumbh as a “Mrityu Kumbh” the previous day, and stated, “To call Maha Kumbh Mrityu Kumbh is playing with the sentiments of 560 million people, who have so far taken holy dip at the Sangam.”
The Maha Kumbh is not a new event but a tradition rooted in Vedic scriptures such as the Rigveda, Atharvaveda, and Shrimad Bhagwat Purana,” he said.
He stated that his government put in every effort to make the Maha Kumbh a spectacular event, with over 560 million devotees having taken the holy dip so far. He also mentioned that in 2013, under the SP’s rule, even its own leaders were barred from visiting Prayagraj. However, this time, they not only visited but also praised the arrangements made by the current administration. Additionally, he emphasized that safeguarding Sanatan Dharma contributes to the welfare of humanity.
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