Yogi Adityanath Declares Sangam Water Fit for Ritual Drinking Amid Controversy
Prayagraj,Uttar Pradesh: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asserted that the water at the Sangam which is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, is fit for both bathing and ritual consumption. His remarks come amidst growing concerns about water pollution levels ahead of the grand Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025.
Speaking in the state assembly, Adityanath emphasized that stringent measures have been implemented to ensure the purity of the river. “The water of the Sangam is not only safe for devotees to take a holy dip, but it is also pure enough for ritual drinking. Our government has worked extensively to clean the Ganga and Yamuna, and the results are visible,” he stated.
His comments were in response to recent reports suggesting that the water quality at certain points in Prayagraj might not meet the desired standards for bathing due to high levels of bacterial contamination. Environmental groups and opposition parties have raised concerns, citing data from pollution control agencies indicating elevated faecal coliform levels in the river.
However, Adityanath dismissed these concerns, terming them as politically motivated attempts to discredit the ongoing preparations for the Maha Kumbh. “Such claims are baseless and are aimed at creating unnecessary panic among devotees. Our scientific monitoring and rigorous treatment of sewage discharge have significantly improved water quality,” he said.
The Uttar Pradesh government has taken multiple initiatives under the ‘Namami Gange’ project to curb river pollution. Officials claim that more than 80 major drains carrying untreated sewage into the Ganga have been intercepted, and over 250 million liters per day of wastewater are being treated before release.
Religious leaders and devotees have largely welcomed the Chief Minister’s statement, expressing confidence in the administration’s efforts. “Faith in the purity of the Sangam is essential for millions of pilgrims. If the government assures us that the water is clean, we trust them,” said a sadhu preparing for the Kumbh Mela.
Meanwhile, environmentalists continue to urge the government to maintain transparency and conduct independent water quality tests before the peak days of the festival, when millions are expected to take a dip in the sacred waters.
As the Maha Kumbh Mela approaches, the debate over the river’s cleanliness is likely to intensify, with both government officials and critics closely monitoring developments.
Dhanya Reddy S
Alma Media School Student
