UP CM claims water at Maha Kumbh is ‘fit for drinking’, denies reports of faecal contamination

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath on Wednesday dismissed reports that high levels of bacteria commonly found in excreta were found in the river water in which pilgrims take a holy dip during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.

He claimed in the state Assembly that the water at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati is fit not just for bathing, but also for “achaman”, or the ceremonial practice of sipping holy water.

On February 3, the Central Pollution Control Board told the National Green Tribunal that river water quality at the Maha Kumbh pilgrimage site was not suitable for bathing due to high levels of fecal coliform.

“Huge number of people taking bath at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh Mela in river including auspicious bathing days which eventually leads to increase in fecal concentration,” it told the tribunal.

Fecal coliform bacteria are microbes that typically live in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and are found in their excreta.

Adityanath, however, claimed that reports of water contamination were part of a conspiracy to defame the Maha Kumbh. He said that all the pipes and drains around the confluence of the rivers have been taped, and water is being released into the rivers only after being purified.

The chief minister said that the…

Read more