Adityanath claims Ganga water fit for drinking; govt data itself disagrees

Lucknow: Amid concerns and clamour on the poor condition of Ganga water at the Maha Kumbh, which contains faecal bacteria as well as deadly levels of BOD (biological oxygen demand), Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed on Wednesday the water is not only clean but also fit for bathing and ritual drinking (aachman). He claimed that the Uttar Pradesh Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board are continuously monitoring the water quality at the Sangam.

However, the central pollution board itself told the National Green Tribunal that several locations in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj do not conform to the primary water quality standards for bathing with respect to faecal coliform levels, PTI reported.

He also trained his guns at the Opposition Samajwadi Party, saying the condition of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers was so poor while it was in power that the Prime Minister of Mauritius refused to take a dip during the 2013 Kumbh.

"This time, 81 drains have been tapped, treating 261 MLD (million litres per day) of sewage. In January and February, faecal coliform levels at the Sangam nose were found to be within the acceptable range, below 2,500 MPN per 100 ml, according to the UP Pollution (Control) Board," he said, according to an official statement.

"The Central Pollution (Control) Board has also confirmed this in its report. The UP and Central Pollution Control Boards are continuously monitoring water quality, and recent reports confirm that the water at the Sangam is now fit for both bathing and ritual use," Adityanath told the state Assembly.

He said the Maha Kumbh 2025 is being organised in a "grand" manner, while the 2013 edition suffered due to the "corruption, mismanagement", administrative negligence and chaos of the SP rule.

There are better facilities and well-planned arrangements this year, but those responsible for the 2013 "mismanagement" are now criticising the 2025 Maha Kumbh, he said.