Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has raised two pressing concerns in the Rajya Sabha—one regarding the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh on January 29 and the other about the hazardous ammonia levels in the Yamuna River, severely affecting Delhi’s water supply.
Maha Kumbh Stampede: Allegations of Mismanagement
Singh criticized the Uttar Pradesh government, blaming mismanagement for the deadly stampede, marking the sixth such incident at the Kumbh Mela in the past 70 years. Despite an estimated ₹10,000 crore spent on arrangements, he alleged that facilities were skewed in favor of VIPs and VVIPs.
He pointed out that while luxury cottages, private Ganga bathing spots, and 24/7 control rooms were arranged for influential guests, ordinary devotees faced severe overcrowding, bottlenecked bridges, and excessive barricading. The MP also questioned the ₹55,000 VIP pass fee, asking whether this was the price of human lives lost in the tragedy.
Highlighting the governance failure, Singh urged the Speaker to allow a discussion during Zero Hour, demanding accountability for the mismanagement that led to the catastrophe.
Yamuna’s Alarming Ammonia Levels: A Public Health Crisis
In his second notice under Rule 267, Singh raised concerns over the dangerously high levels of ammonia in the Yamuna River, which have reached an unprecedented 7 parts per million (ppm)—700% above the treatable limit. This contamination, primarily due to untreated sewage and industrial waste from Haryana, has crippled Delhi’s water purification systems.
As a result, the Wazirabad Water Purification Plant has significantly reduced its output, causing a 15-20% drop in water supply and affecting nearly 34 lakh residents. Singh accused the Haryana government of deliberately polluting the Yamuna with industrial waste, including fertilizers, dyes, plastic, and decayed organic matter, in an attempt to tarnish the Delhi government’s image.
With the city facing a severe water crisis, Singh called for urgent intervention, demanding stricter measures to prevent further contamination and ensure clean drinking water for Delhi’s residents.
These concerns highlight the urgent need for better governance and accountability in managing both religious gatherings and essential water resources.