The Maha Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj drew attention nationwide, with Prime Minister Modi describing it as the awakening of millions of Indians. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made an ambitious claim that over 66 crore devotees attended this event. However, these figures, and several related assertions, demand closer scrutiny.
The Numbers Game: Exaggeration or Reality?
The Indian Railways reported transporting approximately 4.7 crore pilgrims during the Kumbh period. Even considering potential ticketless travelers, this number would not exceed 6 crores. Adding the number of people arriving by road, foot, and other means, a generous estimate might reach 10 crores. This leaves a staggering 46 crores unaccounted for. The state government’s claim that AI-powered cameras tracked the massive crowds raises more questions than answers about the accuracy of this figure.
Economic Impact: Fact or Fiction?
Yogi Adityanath also suggested that the Kumbh event was a financial boon for Prayagraj, with students allegedly earning around Rs 4,000 crores by offering transport services. However, a ground report revealed that most students lived in overcrowded conditions and did not own motorcycles, challenging the credibility of this claim.
The story of Pintu Mahara, a boatman supposedly earning Rs 30 crores by ferrying VVIPs, was also debunked when journalists uncovered his dubious background. The exaggerated narrative seems more like political posturing than an authentic portrayal of economic benefits.
The Stampede Tragedy: Underreporting of Casualties
Official figures reported 30 deaths during a stampede on Mauni Amavasya. However, independent investigations suggest a higher toll, with some reports estimating nearly 100 casualties. The disparity highlights the lack of transparency in reporting during such large-scale events.
Environmental Concerns: Digital and Green Kumbh Claims
The event was touted as a ‘Digital’ and ‘Green’ Kumbh. Yet, a report by the Central Pollution Control Board revealed alarming contamination levels in several rivers, with faecal coliform levels exceeding permissible limits by 4000 times in smaller tributaries.
Despite these findings, authorities astonishingly claimed the water quality was safe for bathing. This discrepancy reflects a broader issue of environmental negligence during mass gatherings.
Health Implications and the Need for Reform
Doctors reported a noticeable spike in respiratory infections, diarrhoea, hepatitis, and other ailments among Kumbh attendees. The large-scale gathering during the Covid-21 pandemic in Haridwar also served as a super spreader, raising concerns about public health management during religious events.
Conclusion: Urgent Need for National Debate
The exaggerated statistics, questionable economic benefits, underreported fatalities, environmental neglect, and public health concerns point towards a pressing need for a national discussion. As mass gatherings continue to be held across India, the country must address how such events contribute to the spread of diseases and environmental damage.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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