Raipur/Bemetara: Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, currently visiting Chhattisgarh, criticized the inadequate facilities at the Prayagraj Kumbh for devotees. He attributed the deaths, severe traffic congestion, and the coercion for devotees to bathe in sewage-contaminated Ganga water. Administrative inefficiency and poor management, lead to occurrence of such a tragic situation, he alleged.
The administration failed to supply fresh river water for the millions who bathed at the Triveni Sangam, forcing them into polluted waters filled with harmful bacteria like E. coli, he lamented.
He questioned why, despite over a year of preparation for the mega event, such conditions arose. The government focused on marketing rather than effective arrangements, leading to chaos as crowds gathered.
The bridge constructed for public transit was closed, resulting in a stampede that claimed several innocent lives, he alleged. Sankaracharya demanded accountability for these deaths, criticizing the invitation of such a large crowd without proper food provisions.
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The spiritual leader also condemned the Kumbh, calling it a distorted fact and a propaganda effort after 144 years. He stated, "Mahakumbh is happening after 144 years, but it is the only pious Kumbh, such rumours spread and the claims are false. Dirty drain water is contaminating the bathing water. Scientists deem it unsuitable for bathing, yet millions are forced to use it."
He alleged that indiscriminate crowds were drawn by false propaganda, leading to loss of life due to mismanagement. He suggested the government should have limited attendance to match their capacity and should have taken action to prevent drains from emptying into the Ganga.
He also commented on Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's remark labeling the Mahakumbh as "Mritya Kumbh," calling it political rhetoric.
Recently, at least 30 people died and 60 were injured in a stampede in Prayagraj, while another 18 lost their lives in a stampede at New Delhi railway station.
