Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: A day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed concerns over faecal contamination in the waters of Triveni Sangam during the ongoing MahaKumbh, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav suggested an alleged attempt to suppress reports on water pollution.
केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (सीपीसीबी) ने नेशनल ग्रीन ट्रिब्यूनल को जब बताया तब ये समाचार प्रकाश में आया कि प्रयागराज में गंगा जी का ‘जल मल संक्रमित’ है। लखनऊ में सदन के पटल पर इस रिपोर्ट को झूठ साबित करते हुए कहा गया कि सब कुछ ‘नियंत्रण’ में है। दरअसल लखनऊवालों का मतलब था… pic.twitter.com/irAhBFucMP
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 20, 2025
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Yadav shared a news report citing the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)‘s submission to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in river water. According to the CPCB’s monitoring on January 12-13, 2025, the water quality at most locations did not meet the required bathing standards.
Yadav wrote, “This news came to light when the CPCB told the NGT that the water of Ganga ji in Prayagraj is ‘contaminated with sewage’. In Lucknow, on the floor of the House, this report was refuted as false, and it was said that everything is ‘under control’.”
He further alleged that after CM Yogi Adityanath’s assembly address, people questioned whether dismissing a government authority’s report amounted to contempt.
“Actually, the people of Lucknow meant that there is control on the media to prevent the spread of the news of ‘polluted water’. The public is asking whether, like ‘contempt of court’, a case can be filed against someone for ‘contempt of a government board or authority’?” he posted.
CM Yogi’s Response on Water Quality at Sangam
On Wednesday, CM Yogi Adityanath, speaking in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, assured that continuous monitoring and purification processes were in place to maintain water quality at Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
“Questions are being raised about the quality of the water (at Triveni) … All the pipes and drains in and around Sangam have been taped, and the water is being released only after purification,” the Chief Minister said.
He also emphasized that the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) is regularly monitoring the water quality at Sangam.
“As per today’s reports, the amount of BOD near Sangam is less than 3, and the Dissolved Oxygen is around 8-9. This means that the Sangam water is suitable not just for bathing but also for ‘Aachman’ (ritual sipping of water),” CM Yogi stated.
The issue of water contamination at Triveni Sangam has now sparked a political debate, with opposition leaders questioning the credibility of pollution reports and the state government’s response.