MahaKumbh Controversy: Yogi Slams Propaganda Over Sangam Water Safety

The MahaKumbh Mela, one of the biggest religious events in the world, is happening right now in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. However, there is controversy surrounding the safety of the Sangam water, where millions of people come to take a sacred dip.

The ongoing MahaKumbh in Prayagraj, one of the biggest and most important religious events in the world, has recently sparked controversy over the safety of the water at the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. He called them part of a "propaganda" to harm the event’s reputation and the faith of millions. He assured that the water at the Sangam is safe for both bathing and drinking. This comes despite reports from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about high levels of harmful bacteria in the river.

CM Yogi Adityanath Responds to CPCB Report on Faecal Contamination

On February 19, 2025, CM Yogi Adityanath addressed concerns from a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The report showed high levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the Sangam waters. The CPCB told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that many areas in Prayagraj did not meet basic water quality standards for bathing. This raised serious concerns about public health and safety during the event.

The Claims of Contamination

Faecal coliform bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans. The presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the water shows it might be contaminated with harmful germs that can cause health problems. The CPCB found that some samples from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers had coliform levels much higher than the allowed limits. For example, the Ganga had 700,000 MPN per 100 ml, and the Yamuna had 330,000 MPN per 100 ml. Both were much higher than the safe limit of 500 MPN for bathing.

In response to concerns about water quality at the Sangam, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the reports of contamination were unfounded. He claimed these allegations aimed to undermine faith in Sanatan Dharma and the significance of the Maha Kumbh. Yogi emphasized that all necessary precautions were in place to ensure the water's safety. He said, "All pipes and drains around Sangam have been sealed, and only purified water is released." Continuous monitoring by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) showed that biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels were below three mg/liter, and dissolved oxygen levels ranged from eight to nine mg/liter, indicating good water quality.

Addressing Public Concerns

Adityanath’s comments came as public concern about water safety grew. Over 56 crore devotees had already taken the holy dip since January 13. He reassured attendees that not only was the Sangam water suitable for bathing but also safe for drinking. "The reasons for increased faecal coliform can be several, such as sewage leakage and animal waste," he explained, but insisted that current levels were within acceptable limits.

Even though CM Adityanath reassured the public, many people are still unsure about the safety of the water. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has called on Uttar Pradesh government officials to discuss the issue further, showing that concerns about public health at large events like this cannot be ignored.

The Broader Impact on MahaKumbh

The debate about water quality at the Maha Kumbh raises important concerns about public health and managing the environment during large religious events. With millions of people attending, the event generates a huge amount of waste—about 16 million liters of faecal waste every day—which makes sanitation and pollution control even more challenging.

Efforts have been made to improve sanitation since past Kumbh events. For example more than 1.5 lakh individual toilets have been built for this year's gathering, along with a temporary drainage system to manage waste. However, critics say more needs to be done to ensure that both environmental standards and public health are taken seriously.

The controversy about water safety at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj shows a mix of public health, religion, and environmental issues. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly defends the water at the Sangam, even though reports mention faecal contamination. Still, people remain concerned about the health risks at such a large gathering.

Big steps have been taken to improve sanitation, like better waste management and purified water supply. However, the controversy shows the ongoing challenges of balancing religious practices with environmental and public health concerns.