Mahakumbh Water Contamination: Health Hazards from High Fecal Coliform

Mahakumbh Bathing: Mahakumbh is approaching its end. Today is the 39th day of Mahakumbh. So far, more than 50 crore people have bathed in Sangam. The Central Pollution Control Board has found increased levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the Sangam water in one of its reports.

The National Green Tribunal has also expressed concern over the increasing level of pollution in the water of Sangam in Mahakumbh. Especially, the level of pollution increases more during the days of the royal bath.

The increased level of pollution in water is making people sick. Yes, people are falling ill after bathing in the water of Sangam in Mahakumbh. Problems like infection and flu are being seen in people after bathing.

How much fecal coliform should be there in water?

Is the water of Yamuna, Ganga, and Sangam in Prayagraj polluted? Is this water not even suitable for bathing? The Central Pollution Control Board submitted a report to the NGT on February 3, which stated that the amount of dangerous bacteria in the water of Sangam is very high, which can make people sick. This bacteria is called coliform. This means that the amount of contaminated sewage in the water is very high.

According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the amount of fecal coliform in 100 ml of water should not be more than 2500. But, after the start of Maha Kumbh, the amount of fecal coliform in the water of Sangam is in a very dangerous category. Now this water is not even fit for washing hands.

What is fecal coliform bacteria?

Let us tell you that fecal coliform is a group of bacteria. It contains many bacteria. This bacteria is found in the feces and urine of humans and animals. People become ill due to contact with this bacteria. Fecal coliform bacteria have also been found in the water of Sangam, which can cause many types of diseases. People who are bathing in the water of Sangam or drinking this water, the risk of many types of diseases increases. Due to this, the risk of problems like skin disease, infection, and diarrhea increases.

Effect of increased fecal coliform on health -

Risk of stomach-related diseases:

Due to increased bacteria in the Sangam bath, the risk of stomach-related diseases increases. If someone bathes or drinks this water containing bacteria, it can cause problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach ache.

Eye and ear infection:

Bathing in water with increased bacteria can also cause eye and ear infections. This can cause irritation and redness in the eyes. The risk of infection in the ears also increases.

Skin infection:

Bathing in Sangam water can also cause skin infections. Bathing in dirty water can cause problems like itching and rashes on the skin. Bathing in this water increases the risk of fungal infection.

UTI problem:

Bathing in water with bacteria or drinking this water can also cause UTI problems. Cases of UTI are being seen in people who have returned after bathing in the water of Sangam.