Maha Kumbh showdown: CM Yogi says Sangam water fit for drinking, politics over stampede 'unfortunate'

The official data by the Uttar Pradesh government said that over 56 crore people have visited Maha Kumbh 2025. The largest religious congregation will conclude on February 26. (PTI Photo)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has rejected a report about presence of faecal bacteria in water at various ghats on Maha Kumbh 2025. Speaking during the Budget Session of Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the Chief Minister said that the ‘Sangam water is fit for drinking.’

Triveni Sangam is the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati. The official data by the state government says that over 56 crore people have taken holy dip in Maha Kumbha, which began from January 13, 2025. CM Yogi’s statement comes a day after a report by the National Green Tribunal had highlighted alarming levels of total coliform and faecal bacteria at several Maha Kumbh locations.

Citing the data by the UP Pollution Control Board, Yogi Adityanath said that the amount of faecal coliform of Prayagraj water is 2,500 MPN per 100 ml. "There is a smear campaign to defame Maha Kumbh," said the Chief Minister. However, the NGT has slammed the UP Pollution Control Board for not submitting enough data. An Indian Express report said that the Trust has asked the state government to give a detailed report including various parameters of water quality parameters.

On the issue of Mauni Amavasya stampede, CM Yogi said that it was an unfortunate incident but there should not be any politics. The Chief Minister said that the state government will do everything for the families of the victims. However, he slammed the Opposition for doing politics over the tragedy. "... But is it really appropriate to politicise this? The Opposition has opposed the Maha Kumbh from the very beginning. In the last session, we were actively discussing and preparing for the event. We would have welcomed your suggestions and deliberated on the plans, but you chose to disrupt the proceedings," the chief minister stated.