Mahakumbh 2025: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has presented a concerning report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the water quality along the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj. Water samples collected from 73 different sites between January 9 and 21 revealed that the water was deemed unfit for bathing. This revelation has sparked criticism from opposition parties and also drawn sharp remarks from Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda, who has held the government accountable for the poor state of water quality.
Shankaracharya Holds Government Responsible
Expressing his disappointment, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda said that he had previously highlighted concerns over water pollution, but both the government and the administration ignored his warnings. He stressed that the NGT had already issued directives before the Mahakumbh began, indicating that the water in the Ganga and Yamuna was unsuitable for bathing. The tribunal had specifically instructed authorities to stop sewage discharge into the rivers, but no substantial action was taken.
Basic Arrangements Neglected
Shankaracharya criticized the administration for focusing on peripheral arrangements while neglecting the fundamental issue of providing clean water for devotees. He stated that despite claims of extensive preparations, the essential task of ensuring pure water was overlooked. He added that he had urged Kumbh officials to conduct daily water tests and share the results with the public, but his appeals were ignored.
Shocking Visuals of Pollution
The religious leader further disclosed that disturbing videos had surfaced, showing human waste contaminating the river water. He emphasized that while the sanctity of Mother Ganga remains intact in a spiritual sense, the physical contamination is a result of administrative failure. He reiterated that ensuring clean water should have been the top priority, especially since similar promises were made during the previous Ardh Kumbh but were not fulfilled this time either.
VIPs Also Exposed to Polluted Water
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Shankaracharya pointed out that even VIPs were unknowingly made to bathe in the polluted water. He criticized the VIP culture, noting that despite exclusive arrangements for dignitaries, they were subjected to the same contaminated water. He concluded that this negligence is not only a breach of public faith but also poses serious health risks to millions of devotees.
Call for Accountability
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda called upon the government and relevant authorities to prioritize river purification efforts, ensuring that future events like Mahakumbh uphold the spiritual and physical well-being of devotees. He urged spiritual leaders and citizens to collectively demand action, emphasizing that preserving the purity of sacred rivers is a shared responsibility.