Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has raised concerns over conflicting reports on the water quality of the Ganga during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, questioning their credibility. Reacting to the latest Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report, which deemed the water fit for bathing, Raut has demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the discrepancies.
“An SIT should be formed to verify which report is accurate. Who conducted the earlier tests, and why do these contradictions exist? Is there political interference within their party?” Raut questioned, hinting at a possible agenda behind the varying assessments.
The CPCB report, submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), stated that statistical analysis confirmed the river’s water was suitable for bathing during the religious gathering. However, earlier concerns regarding pollution had sparked debates over the environmental management of the sacred river.
Raj Thackeray Stirs Debate on River Cleanliness and Faith
Amid the controversy, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray reignited discussions on river pollution and religious faith. Speaking at an event in Pune’s Chinchwad, Thackeray recalled an incident from a previous Kumbh Mela visit when his colleague Bala Nandgaonkar offered him water from a Kamandalu, asking if he would drink it. Thackeray refused, remarking, “Not a single river in the country is clean, yet we call it Mother. Does faith have any meaning?”
Referring to viral videos of the Ganga’s condition, Thackeray added, “I have seen people scratching and washing their bodies in the river. I have been hearing claims that ‘Ganga will be cleaned soon’ since Rajiv Gandhi was the prime minister. Now is the time to come out of this myth.”