"Namami Gange is about budget allocations": Priyank Kharge slams Centre over pollution in Ganga during Maha Kumbh

In a post on X, Kharge posted a video from Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj of River Ganga where he said that according to a study contaminated Ganga water contributes to 12 per cent of diseases in Uttar Pradesh.

"This is the reality of how we are treating Maa Ganga. Namami Gange is more about budget allocations, while the Kumbh serves as an electoral tool. A study conducted a few years ago revealed that polluted Ganges water is responsible for 12% of diseases in Uttar Pradesh," he said.

"The Ganga basin spans 11 states, covering a quarter of India's landmass. It supports over 40% of the country's population, including two-thirds of India's poorest communities. Additionally, it supplies more than 1/3 of India's surface water and encompasses the nation's largest irrigated region," Priyank Kharge added.

The Namami Gange program, launched in 2014, is a flagship initiative of the Union government with a budget outlay of Rs 20,000 crore.

According to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the program's twin objectives are the effective abatement of pollution and the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga.

Moreover, NMCG is also using advanced technologies for sewage treatment, ghat cleaning, and waste management.

Prayagraj has 10 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a cumulative capacity of 340 MLD. Among them, the 42 MLD Naini 2 STP, developed using innovative FCR/Organica technology, stands out.

Other key plants include the 80 MLD STP at Naini 1 and the 14 MLD STP at Phaphamau.

The Ganga is an important river for the Maha Kumbh as pilgrims flock to the river to take a holy dip. The dip is believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation).

Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on Paush Purnima (January 13, 2025), is the world's largest spiritual and cultural gathering, attracting devotees from across the globe. The grand event will continue till Mahashivratri on February 26. (ANI)