Wed Feb 19 12:28:04 UTC 2025: ## UP CM Rejects Claims of Unfit Water at Maha Kumbh, Condemns “Misinformation Campaign”
**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh:** Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has vehemently denied reports that water quality at the Maha Kumbh Mela was unfit for bathing, asserting that the Sangam’s water is safe for drinking. His statement comes in response to a National Green Tribunal (NGT) hearing where the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) presented evidence showing high levels of faecal and total coliform bacteria at various locations during the Kumbh, rendering the water unsafe even for bathing. The CPCB report, based on January 12th and 13th water samples, attributed the high faecal concentration to the large number of bathers during the auspicious bathing days.
Addressing the UP assembly, Adityanath condemned the reports as misinformation aimed at discrediting Sanatana Dharma, the Ganga River, and India itself. He highlighted the participation of over 56.25 crore devotees, arguing that such allegations undermine their faith. He also expressed condolences for the 30 lives lost in a stampede during the event, while criticizing the opposition for politicizing the tragedy and opposing the Kumbh Mela from its inception. The CM specifically referenced criticism from the Samajwadi Party and Lalu Yadav, who called the Kumbh “faaltu” (useless), and Mamata Banerjee, who termed it “Mrityu Kumbh” (Kumbh of Death). Adityanath declared that his government would continue to support events related to Sanatana Dharma, regardless of such criticism.
First Piper 