Shankaracharya criticises officials over NGT report on unsafe water quality in Maha Kumbh

Published On: February 18, 2025 3:33 pm

Shankaracharya criticises officials over NGT report on unsafe water quality in Maha Kumbh

In the sacred city of Prayagraj, the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers holds profound spiritual significance for millions of devotees. As the Maha Kumbh Mela approaches, an event anticipated to draw crores of pilgrims from around the world, concerns have been raised about the sanctity and safety of these holy waters.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently issued a stern warning regarding the alarming levels of pollution in the Ganga. Reports indicate that approximately 50 drains are discharging untreated sewage directly into an eight-kilometer stretch of the river, from Rasulabad to the Sangam—the revered confluence point. This unchecked pollution poses a significant health risk to the multitude of pilgrims planning to partake in the ritualistic baths during the festival.

In response to these findings, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has voiced profound dismay and criticism towards the responsible authorities. He emphasized that the spiritual and physical well-being of devotees is paramount and that the current state of the river is a direct affront to both faith and public health.

VIDEO | The National Green Tribunal was informed on Monday, through a report by the CPCB, that various locations in Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh were not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to the level of faecal coliform.

On this,… pic.twitter.com/HoBhdcqWo0
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 18, 2025

The Shankaracharya has called for immediate and effective measures to halt the discharge of pollutants into the Ganga, urging officials to uphold their duty in preserving the sanctity of this sacred river.

The NGT had previously established a high-powered committee (HPC) under the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary’s leadership, mandating a comprehensive report on preventive actions by November 23. However, the HPC failed to meet this deadline, neither submitting the report nor requesting an extension. This negligence has drawn sharp criticism from both the NGT and religious leaders, who stress the urgency of addressing this time-sensitive issue.

The tribunal has underscored that the health and well-being of crores of pilgrims are at stake. Without decisive action to prevent the flow of untreated sewage into the river, the consequences could be dire. The NGT has granted a final one-week extension for the HPC to submit its report, emphasizing that any further delays are unacceptable.

As the January 14 commencement of the Maha Kumbh Mela approaches, the onus is on the authorities to implement swift and effective measures. The faithful and the general public alike are watching closely, hopeful that the sacred waters of the Ganga will be restored to their pristine state, ensuring a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for all attendees.

Preserving the sanctity of the Ganga is not merely a regulatory obligation but a moral imperative, honoring both the environment and the deep-rooted spiritual traditions of millions.