For decades, the dirty sewage from villages and industry ran into the “Kali Bein”, the “Black River” in India. On the anniversary of a clean-up campaign launched in July 2000, the head of government of the Punjab state paid a visit to the river last Sunday. Bhagwant Mann wanted to show that the water is now drinkable: he drank a full glass straight from the water – with dire consequences.
Two days later, he had to be taken by plane to a hospital in Delhi with severe abdominal pain. Mann had to undergo medical tests and was in hospital until Thursday, according to Indian media, citing unspecified sources. According to this, the disease is related to drinking directly from the river.
Hospitalization must remain a secret
He was flown to the capital without security personnel on Tuesday, it says. This suggests that his illness should be kept top secret. Mann’s office would not confirm his hospitalization either. On Thursday, however, photos were again published on the Prime Minister’s Twitter channel showing Bhagwant Mann at work meetings.
A video of the visit and the drinking water shared by the state government quickly went viral after it was announced that Bhagwant Mann had to be flown to hospital.
“Holy River” for Sikhs
It’s also been a major setback for him politically: at the meeting he wanted to show how successful the Kali Bein cleanup project had been and announced further programs to clean up all the rivers and canals in the state. The Kali Bein is also of great importance to the Sikhs, such as Prime Minister Bhagwant Mann himself. This is where the first guru of the Sikh religion is said to have attained enlightenment.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
