RANCHI, Feb 25: Pilgrims returning from the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj are experiencing severe skin-related issues. Dermatologists in Ranchi have noticed a rise in cases of itching, red patches, rashes, and fungal infections among festival attendees.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently reported that the Ganga and Yamuna rivers contain highly polluted water. After the report's release, doctors in Ranchi have seen an unexpected surge in patients with skin problems.
Dr Yashwant Lal, a dermatologist at Laxmi Clinic in Ranchi, said, "Patients with skin infections, especially fungal infections, have significantly increased. They report severe itching, red patches, and spreading infections. The unhygienic environment of the Mela, prolonged wearing of wet clothes, and the use of shared toilets and bathing areas may have caused these issues."
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Ranjit Kumar, a 57-year-old resident of Edalhatu, Ranchi, said, "After returning from the Kumbh Mela, I developed severe itching and red patches all over my body. Despite taking medication, the condition is taking a long time to improve."
The CPCB submitted a report to the NGT on February 3, stating that the Ganga and Yamuna rivers' water contains excessively high amounts of coliform bacteria. Officials attribute this contamination to fecal waste.
The report reveals that coliform levels in the Ganga exceed the prescribed standard by 1,400 times, while in the Yamuna, they are 660 times higher. These findings confirm that bathing in these rivers poses serious health risks.
The CPCB states that the coliform level in water for external bathing should not exceed 500 EPN per 100 milliliters. However, a test on January 19 found 700,000 EPN per 100 milliliters in the Ganga and 330,000 EPN per 100 milliliters in the Yamuna. Additional tests on January 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19 confirmed that the river water was highly polluted.
Health experts believe the large crowd, high humidity, lack of sanitation, and polluted water at the Kumbh Mela may have caused skin-related issues. Doctors identify bathing in the highly polluted water of the Ganga as the main cause of infections.
(With help of agencies)
