Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has strongly criticized the Opposition for questioning the quality of water at Triveni Sangam, where thousands of devotees have taken a holy dip during the ongoing Mahakumbh.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Dhami accused some political leaders of spreading false rumours to undermine the grand success of Mahakumbh and hurt religious sentiments.
“A large number of people have taken a dip in the holy Sangam…I also took a holy dip. Some people want to hurt spirituality and religious places by spreading such rumours (raising questions about the quality of water in Sangam). Some leaders are unable to digest the success of Mahakumbh… Very good arrangements have been made under the leadership of PM Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath,” he said.
Governor Gurmit Singh Praises UP Government’s Arrangements
Echoing similar sentiments, Uttarakhand Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd), who visited Prayagraj, congratulated Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for ensuring seamless arrangements for the historic religious gathering.
“I congratulate UP CM Yogi Adityanath and all the officials for making good arrangements…I will pray for humanity…This moment cannot be expressed; it can only be felt,” the Governor said.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Pollution in Ganga
The ruling BJP’s strong defense of the water quality at Triveni Sangam comes after Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned reports of contamination in the sacred river.
Yadav, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), referred to a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which allegedly found that the river water quality in Prayagraj did not meet bathing standards during monitoring conducted on January 12-13, 2025.
“This news came to light when the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) told the National Green Tribunal 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’,” Yadav wrote.
He further alleged that the state government was suppressing media coverage on the issue.
“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 added.
Yogi Adityanath Dismisses Pollution Concerns
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has rejected Akhilesh Yadav’s claims, insisting that the Mahakumbh’s arrangements, including water quality, are well-managed.
His government has maintained that the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj are safe for bathing, emphasizing continuous monitoring and cleaning efforts to ensure devotees’ health and spiritual experience.
With the Mahakumbh attracting millions of pilgrims, the political battle over the purity of the sacred waters is expected to continue, as the BJP and opposition parties clash over governance, religious sentiments, and environmental concerns.
The post Uttarakhand CM Dhami Defends Water Quality at Triveni Sangam, Slams Opposition Over Mahakumbh Criticism appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.