RANCHI: The recent reports from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and National Green Tribunal (NGT) highlighting the poor quality of Ganga and Yamuna waters during the Kumbh pilgrimage have found validation in Ranchi’s medical corridors. Dermatologists in the city are witnessing an unprecedented surge in skin-related complaints from pilgrims who have returned after taking a holy dip at Prayagraj.
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Doctors here have noted a significant increase in cases of skin ailments, including severe itching, rashes, and fungal infections among individuals who recently returned from the Kumbh Mela. The surge in cases has raised concerns about the environmental conditions at the religious gathering.
Dr. Yashwant Lal, a dermatologist at Laxmi Clinic, observed, “We’re experiencing a marked increase in patients with skin infections, particularly fungal issues. The common complaints include persistent itching and rashes, likely resulting from prolonged exposure to damp clothing, unhygienic conditions, and shared facilities during the Mela.”
Ranjeet Kumar, a 57-year-old resident of Edaluhatu in Ranchi, shared his ordeal: “Since returning from the Kumbh Mela, I’ve been battling severe itching and red rashes all over my body. The irritation is unbearable, and the prescribed medications are taking time to show results.”
A quality evaluation report presented to NGT by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on February 3 revealed alarming coliform levels in river waters. These levels, which indicate the presence of untreated sewage and excreta from humans and animals, exceeded permissible limits by 1,400 times in the Ganga and 660 times in the Yamuna at certain stretches, rendering these waters unsuitable for bathing.
The CPCB guidelines specify thafor safe outdoor bathing, total coliform levels should not surpass 500 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100ml. However, measurements taken by January 19 showed extremely high readings of 700,000 MPN/100ml in the Ganga and 330,000 MPN/100ml in the Yamuna. The analysis conducted on January 12, 13, 14, 15 and 19 consistently showed coliform levels above acceptable standards.
Health experts attribute this outbreak to multiple factors: the massive gathering creating ideal conditions for bacterial and fungal growth, high humidity levels, inadequate sanitation facilities, and possible water contamination. The holy dip in the Ganges River, given its current pollution levels, may be a significant contributing factor to these infections, the experts added.
