Sacred Waters or Contaminated Truth? Vishal Dadlani Boldly Challenges CM Yogi Adityanath to Drink Kumbh Water.
In February 2025, there was a public exchange between noted music composer Vishal Dadlani and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding water quality at the Maha Kumbh celebration in Prayagraj. This grand celebration, watched by millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the world and the whole of India, is held at the Sangam, the sacred point at the junction of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
During their dialogue, the officials discussed disquieting reports about feces in the water at the Sangam and the legitimate health concerns among the millions who immerse themselves in the rivers during the devotions. The officials stressed the importance of providing pilgrims with clean and hygienic water, and Adityanath detailed the efforts by the state government to enhance water quality and hygiene at the event site. The dialogue emphasized the need to act promptly to maintain the event’s integrity and ensure the well-being of the participants.
The Scandal Blows
On February 17, 2025, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) submitted a report indicating the presence of high fecal bacteria and total coliform content at different places in Maha Kumbh, causing major health risks to millions attending the event.
In response, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath replied to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, rejecting the findings strongly. The Chief Minister assured the water in the Sangam to be “safe to use both to bathe and ceremonial drinking” based on the rigorous monitoring by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Adityanath highlighted the importance of ensuring that all pipelines and drainage systems around the Sangam were sealed, allowing only purified water to flow into the river. He noted that the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) was less than 3 mg/L, while the dissolved oxygen levels ranged from 8 to 9 mg/L. These measurements indicate that the water quality meets the necessary standards for bathing and drinking.
Vishal Dadlani’s Challenge
Following the assurances by the Chief Minister, Vishal Dadlani took to social media to challenge. Publicly, he challenged Adityanath to prove the water from the river to be clean by drinking from the same, in the camera’s sight. In an Instagram story, Dadlani stated, “No worrying about the haters, Sir. Trust you. Show your confidence by having a good long sip straight from the river, in the camera’s sight.”
Divergent Understanding Regarding Quality
At the root of the disagreement are differing official reports about water quality. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) found evidence, while the figures put forth by the state government suggested the converse. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported total coliform counts in the Ganga at 700,000 MPN/100ml and 330,000 MPN/100ml in the Yamuna—well above the bathing water’s standard. However, Chief Minister Adityanath claimed the latest tests found faecal counts at the Sangam at less than 2,000 MPN/100ml, in the acceptable zone. He attributed the previous pollution to reasons including leakage from the sewage and animal faecal discharge, and claimed current practices had corrected the anomaly.
Public Health Implications
The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in water poses a major public health issue. This water pollution suggests the availability of disease-inducing bacteria, leading to gut diseases, irritation to the skin, and other health problems. It’s necessary to ensure the water’s purity at mass events like the Maha Kumbh to prevent waterborne disease epidemics.
The Public Figure’s Role in Environmental Causes
Vishal Dadlani’s public challenge also underscores the enormous impact celebrities carry in the domain of public health and green advocacy. Through them, matters become public issues and, in turn, could impact policymaking. The position also places in the limelight the duty public officials carry to provide accurate and timely public health information.
Governmental Accountability and Transparency
This debate underscores the necessity of transparency and accountability in the government. The conflicting accounts by various officials confuse and dilute public trust in the institution. The government needs to reconcile the contradictions in the public domain, communicate honestly, and, if required, provide opportunities to independent assessors to check facts.
Conclusion
The exchange between Vishal Dadlani and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over Maha Kumbh festival water quality raises broader concerns about environmental management, public health, and the balance between government narratives and public perception. Ensuring the safety of millions of devotees requires thorough scientific evaluations, clear communication, and proactive measures to minimize health risks. As the festival continues, all stakeholders must prioritize participants’ well-being, uphold the event’s sanctity, and maintain public trust through honesty and accountability.
