The central government on Monday presented a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Parliament, confirming that the water quality of the Ganga at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj was fit for bathing during the Maha Kumbh. This was in response to earlier concerns raised about pollution levels in the river.
Ganga Water Fit for Bathing
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed the Lok Sabha, stating that a detailed CPCB report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on February 28 confirmed that the water quality met the required standards. The monitoring was conducted at seven locations, and the key parameters, such as pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Fecal Coliform (FC), remained within permissible limits.
Earlier reports had raised concerns about high fecal coliform levels in the river, but the new findings countered those claims. According to the minister, the Uttar Pradesh government had taken strong measures to maintain water quality, including setting up 10 sewage treatment plants (STPs) and installing geotubes for wastewater treatment. The Centre has also provided Rs 6,706.74 crore between 2022 and 2025 under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to ensure proper waste management.
A major political controversy erupted in the Lok Sabha when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government of being “dishonest” regarding the PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme. He stated that the Tamil Nadu government initially showed interest in the centrally-sponsored scheme but later made a complete U-turn, refusing to implement it.
Rajya Sabha Walkout by Congress and Allies
Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, opposition parties led by Congress staged a walkout after their demands for discussions on issues such as ‘duplicate’ voter ID cards and US funding for voter turnout were rejected. Union Minister J.P. Nadda clarified that the government was open to discussions, provided they followed the rules.
Boost for the Indian Aviation Industry
In another important development, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced that the government is setting up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to manufacture regional transport aircraft. India, one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, is now looking to develop its own aircraft instead of relying solely on foreign manufacturers. Naidu emphasized that India has the necessary policies and capabilities to design, build, and maintain airplanes.
Cybercrime Concerns and Additional Government Spending
During Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Sanjay Seth raised concerns about the increasing number of cyber crimes and bank frauds. He urged the government to set up a fast-track court to deal with such cases, ensuring better security for citizens using digital transactions.
Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Supplementary Demands for Grants, seeking Parliament’s approval for Rs 51,462.86 crore in additional spending for the current financial year. This includes Rs 12,000 crore for fertilizer subsidies and Rs 13,449 crore for government pensions.
The developments in Parliament on Monday highlight the Centre’s strong initiatives in improving river water quality, strengthening education, boosting aviation, and tackling cybercrime. However, opposition parties, especially the Congress and DMK, continue to obstruct key policies instead of supporting reforms beneficial to the nation.
ALSO READ: “Maha Kumbh 2025: A Boatman In Prayagraj Earned Rs 30 Crore, Earning Rs 50,000 Per Day”
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