Maha Kumbh Water Contaminated As Bodies Disposed In The River : Jaya Bachchan

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan has sparked a significant controversy by claiming that the water at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is dangerously contaminated. According to Bachchan, this pollution stems from the bodies of victims from a tragic stampede on January 29 being disposed of in the river.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Bachchan accused the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government of negligence. “Where is the water most contaminated right now? It’s in Kumbh,” she stated, emphasizing that no special arrangements were made for the common people attending the Kumbh. She further alleged that there was no postmortem conducted on the victims, calling the governmental response an “eyewash.”

The stampede occurred early in the morning at the Sangam Nose, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet, a spot revered for its spiritual significance during ‘Mauni Amavasya.’ The disaster resulted in 30 deaths and over 60 injuries. The government’s delayed confirmation of the casualties has led to accusations of opacity and mismanagement by the opposition.

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Bachchan’s critique was not isolated; other opposition leaders like Akhilesh Yadav have similarly accused the state government of underreporting the stampede’s toll. They demand a thorough discussion in Parliament, highlighting the government’s alleged efforts to cover up the scale of the tragedy.

The claim of water contamination raises serious health and environmental concerns, especially given the massive number of pilgrims expected at the Maha Kumbh, which is set to see around 40 crore visitors by February 26. The sanctity of the Kumbh Mela, meant to cleanse and purify, is now under scrutiny due to these allegations.

In response to the incident, the UP government established a three-member judicial commission on January 31 to investigate the stampede. They have one month to present their findings, which could potentially clarify these contentious claims.

Jaya Bachchan’s accusations have thrown a spotlight on the management and aftermath of the Kumbh Mela stampede, questioning both the government’s handling of the disaster and the public’s safety at one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. As the event continues, the focus will likely remain on how authorities address these serious allegations and ensure the well-being of millions of attendees.

This situation underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and effective crowd management at large-scale events like the Kumbh Mela, where faith, health, and safety intersect.