Goa, Feb. 20 -- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday refuted concerns over water contamination at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, dismissing reports of faecal bacteria presence as an attempt to malign the sacred festival. He asserted that the Sangam's water is not only safe for a holy dip but also fit for drinking.

His remarks come in response to a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which indicated that water at multiple locations in Prayagraj did not meet primary bathing quality standards due to high levels of faecal coliform bacteria.

Faecal coliform bacteria, commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans, are used as indicators of water...