Vishal Dadlani challenges UP CM Yogi Adityanath to drink Maha Kumbh water
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After Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed reports about faecal contamination in the Maha Kumbh water and asserted that the Triveni Sangam is “fit for drinking,” singer and composer Vishal Dadlani publicly challenged him to prove his claim.
Reacting to the CM’s remarks, Dadlani took to Instagram on Thursday, urging Adityanath to drink the river water on camera. “Don’t worry about the haters, Sir. We believe you. Please go ahead and take a nice chunky glug. Directly from the river, on camera,” he wrote.
In another post, Dadlani shared a news report about the presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the Sangam’s water, sarcastically commenting, “If you can’t see millions of cases of dysentery, cholera, amoebiasis, etc., coming right up, you are clearly special. Please go ahead and dunk yourself and your family into sewage. More power to ya.”
On February 17, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) released a report highlighting high levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the river water at multiple Maha Kumbh locations in Prayagraj. The findings raised nationwide concerns, especially since millions of devotees participate in ritual baths at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Despite these warnings, CM Yogi Adityanath dismissed the claims, insisting that the water remains safe for consumption. However, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that faecal coliform levels at all monitored sites exceeded the permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml, signaling significant sewage contamination.
The alarming water quality is partly attributed to ongoing open defecation at the Maha Kumbh venue.
Despite the deployment of 300 sanitation workers and the availability of clean public restrooms, many attendees continue to defecate in open areas. Authorities have struggled to curb this issue, emphasising that maintaining cleanliness at such a massive gathering also requires public awareness and cooperation.
The Maha Kumbh, held once every 144 years, began on January 13 and will continue until February 26.
