 "Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. News18")
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed Wednesday (February 19) that the water quality at Prayagraj, where the world’s largest religious festival is currently underway, was fit for taking the holy bath as well as drinking.
His remarks came after the country’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed in a report that the levels of ‘faecal coliform’ bacteria in the Ganga in Prayagraj had reached alarming levels.
Dismissing the report and concerns raised by opposition parties, CM Adityanath slammed ‘fake’ narrative against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, India and the Mahakumbh.
“More than 56.25 crore devotees have already taken their holy dip in Prayagraj… When we make any baseless allegations or show fake videos against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, India or the Maha Kumbh, it is like playing with the faith of these 56 crore people,” the Chief Minister said.
Central Pollution Control Board findings
The board, controlled by the federal government of India, says the levels of Faecal coliform, a key indicator of sewage contamination, must be within 2,500 units per 100 ml.However, during the latest data available for February 4, the agency reported faecal coliform levels in the Ganga at 11,000 MPN/100ml near Shastri Bridge and 7,900 MPN/100ml at Sangam. On the other hand, in Yamuna river, just before the Sangam, the level was registered at 4,900 MPN/100ml.
Why high Faecal coliform level is dangerous?
According to experts, the alarming levels of Faecal coliform in water confirm the lack of preparedness and sanitation by the government.
“The level of sanitisation and preparedness required is not up to the mark, and the bacteria from our stool are entering the water,” said Dr Atul Kakar, Senior Consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine at New Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
“Therefore, it is not safe for consumption or even for bathing. This is what the report has indicated,” Dr Kakar added.
CM Yogi attacks opposition
Attacking the opposition Samajwadi Party (SP), the CM said they were trying to malign the Mahakumbh festival.
“The Samajwadi Party president asked what was the need to spend money on the Maha Kumbh. Lalu Yadav called the Kumbh ‘faltu’. Another partner of the SP said the Maha Kumbh had become the ‘Mrityu Kumbh’. If organising events related to the Sanatana Dharma is a crime, then our government will keep committing that crime,” he said.
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