New Delhi: Doctors have raised concerns about water contamination at the Maha Kumbh after a report from the pollution watchdog found alarming levels of faecal bacteria in the Sangam waters, warning of potential health risks to pilgrims.
With millions taking a dip in the Sangam, experts warned of a potential surge in waterborne diseases and urged authorities to take steps to avert a public health crisis.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report, submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 3 February, revealed alarming levels of faecal coliform contamination in the Ganga and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
The findings indicate that coliform levels—an indicator of untreated sewage and human and animal waste—exceeded the permissible bathing limits of 2,500 units per 100 ml at all the monitored locations on various occasions, rendering the waters unsafe for bathing. It analysed the samples on 12, 13, 14, 15 and 19 January.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had Wednesday dismissed the CPCB report of faecal bacteria in the Maha Kumbh waters, calling it an attempt to tarnish the religious gathering. He said the Sangam’s water was not only safe for a holy dip but also fit for “aachman” or ritual sipping.
According to Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant of internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, exposure to contaminated water during a dip can pose serious health risks.
“When you take a dip, your skin comes in contact with the water, and you might accidentally ingest some of it or even inhale small amounts through your nose,” he said.
While the body can fight off minor exposure, he warned that larger amounts could overwhelm the immune system, leading to gastrointestinal infections that affect your digestive system.
“You can end up with gastroenteritis or even cholera, but mainly gastroenteritis,” he said, adding that symptoms include loose motions, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Dr. Chatterjee added that while he has seen some cases of infections among those returning from the Kumbh, the numbers were not as high as he had expected.
“I don’t work in a hospital where people walk in easily, but I would have anticipated far more cases than what I’m seeing,” he said.
The mela administration reported that since 13 January, over 54 crore devotees have taken a dip during the Maha Kumbh.
Dr. Edmond Fernandes, director of the Edward & Cynthia Institute of Public Health in Mangalore, emphasised that those immersing in the Sangam waters remain vulnerable, especially children and immunocompromised individuals.
He warned that exposure to faecal bacteria could lead to illnesses such as diarrheal diseases, typhoid, skin infections, hepatitis and even lung infections in those with weaker immunity.
“Much depends on a person’s immunity level,” he said, adding that children who accidentally ingest the contaminated water are particularly at risk.
Beyond human health, he said mass immersion also disrupts aquatic ecosystems, posing a significant threat to life below water.
“A public health approach could have mitigated some of these risks if planned ahead of time,” he said.
‘Ganga has self-cleaning properties’
In its 3 February report, the CPCB informed an NGT bench about the poor river water quality in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela, highlighting instances of non-compliance and violations.
The NGT bench—comprising chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A. Senthil Vel—was hearing a petition seeking to prevent sewage discharge into the Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj.
Dr. Sanjay Rai, professor at the Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS Delhi and the Principal Investigator of the Kumbh Mela health assessment project, acknowledged that while water contamination could lead to health issues, not all coliform bacteria are harmful. However, their presence raises concerns about the possible existence of dangerous pathogens like Salmonella.
He also highlighted the unique self-cleaning properties of the Ganga.
“Ganga water has a high oxygen-retention capacity and undergoes natural bacterial phases that help in self-purification,” he explained.
Even if coliform bacteria are present initially, he noted, they tend to diminish over time, even in bottled samples.
Dr. Rai cautioned that contamination alone does not necessarily translate into widespread illness.
“If bacterial contamination was a major trigger, we would have seen a surge in acute diarrheal cases or even an epidemic by now,” he said.
According to him, over the past 40 days, his team, comprising 15 doctors conducting interviews and sample collection, has not observed any significant outbreak.
“The government of Uttar Pradesh is also closely monitoring the situation, and so far, there has been no sudden spike in diarrheal diseases or other acute health problems,” he added.
Dr. Rai acknowledged the possibility of enteric infections such as typhoid because of its incubation period of one to two weeks.
“Any health impact would manifest acutely, not months later,” he clarified, emphasising that while risks exist, no major health crisis has been recorded so far.
(Edited by Sugita Katyal)
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