Raj Thackeray's remarks on the cleanliness of the Ganga have ignited fresh discussions about the state of river pollution in India, particularly in the context of religious beliefs and government efforts to address environmental concerns. His strong comments, urging people to move beyond superstition and question the quality of water in the sacred river, highlight a larger issue that has persisted for decades despite multiple government initiatives aimed at cleaning the Ganga.
Speaking on the 19th foundation day of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Thackeray expressed his reluctance to drink water brought from the recently concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. He questioned why people continued to take holy dips in the river despite clear evidence of pollution. By making a reference to the COVID-19 pandemic, where people were cautious about hygiene and wore masks for two years, Thackeray sought to emphasize the contradiction in their behavior—questioning how the same people could now willingly immerse themselves in a river known to be polluted.
His comments were not limited to the Ganga but extended to all rivers across the country. He pointed out that, unlike in foreign countries where rivers remain clean throughout the year, Indian rivers are heavily polluted despite being worshipped and referred to as "mothers." According to Thackeray, faith should have some meaning, and people must think rationally instead of blindly following religious traditions that could have adverse health effects. He reminded his audience that the promise of cleaning the Ganga dates back to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s time, yet the issue remains unresolved.
His remarks come at a politically sensitive time, as opposition parties have been targeting the Uttar Pradesh government over the quality of water in the Ganga, especially in Prayagraj, where the Kumbh Mela recently took place. The controversy escalated after a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found alarming levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the river. The findings raised concerns about the safety of taking a dip or performing religious rituals that involve drinking the water.
However, in response to the backlash, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the water quality, stating that the Ganga at the Sangam in Prayagraj was fit for both bathing and performing ‘aachman’ (the ritual of sipping holy water). A subsequent CPCB report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) also claimed that the water quality during the Kumbh was suitable for bathing. The report, dated February 28 and published on the NGT’s website on March 7, stated that statistical analysis of water samples collected from various points indicated that the overall quality met the required standards.
The discrepancy between the initial findings and the later report has added to the controversy, with opposition leaders questioning the reliability of government claims. Critics argue that despite repeated assurances, pollution in the Ganga remains a major problem, and the authorities have failed to implement long-term solutions to clean the river effectively. Environmentalists have long pointed out that industrial waste, sewage discharge, and religious practices contribute to the pollution, and without stricter enforcement of regulations, the problem will persist.
Thackeray’s comments, while critical of blind faith, also highlight the larger issue of governance and accountability. His comparison with foreign countries, where rivers remain clean despite not being worshipped, serves as a stark reminder that reverence alone is not enough to protect the environment. Instead, concrete action and a scientific approach are needed to address the deep-rooted pollution crisis in India’s rivers.
His remarks are likely to fuel further political debates, particularly as parties position themselves ahead of upcoming elections. While some may see his statement as a rational call for awareness, others may view it as an attack on religious sentiments. However, beyond the political and ideological clashes, Thackeray’s speech underscores an important and often overlooked issue—the urgent need for India to balance faith with environmental responsibility.
