CM Yogi Adityanath dismisses high faecal coliform claims, asserts Sangam water is ‘safe for bathing and drinking’

CM Yogi Adityanath Defends Sangam Water Quality, Calls High Coliform Reports "Misleading"

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has strongly refuted recent reports claiming dangerously high levels of faecal coliform in the Sangam waters, asserting that the holy confluence remains "completely safe for bathing and drinking." The statement comes amid growing concerns about pollution levels ahead of the upcoming Magh Mela.  

Speaking at a public event in Prayagraj on Tuesday, CM Adityanath dismissed environmentalists' warnings as "baseless fear-mongering." "Some people are spreading misinformation about our sacred rivers. Let me be clear – the Sangam waters are pure. Millions of devotees safely take holy dips here every year," he declared, citing recent state-commissioned tests that allegedly show the water meets safety standards.  

The controversy began last week when an independent environmental group released data showing faecal coliform levels at the Sangam exceeded permissible limits by 30 times. The report blamed inadequate sewage treatment and industrial waste discharge from upstream cities.  

Local priests and pilgrims expressed mixed reactions. "We've been drinking this water for generations. If the government says it's safe, we believe them," said Pandit Hari Shankar Mishra, a veteran priest at the Triveni Ghat. However, environmental activist Dr. Neelima Singh countered, "Science doesn't lie. High coliform means disease risk, especially during mass gatherings."  

The UP Jal Nigam has announced a new water monitoring system with real-time quality displays at major ghats. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have demanded transparent, third-party testing. "The government can't just wish pollution away with declarations," said Samajwadi Party spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary.  

As the debate continues, municipal workers were seen conducting special cleaning drives along the ghats. For now, the ancient ritual of taking the holy dip goes on uninterrupted, with the government and science presenting divergent views on what constitutes "clean" in India's most sacred rivers.