After reports stating high levels of faecal bacteria in Ganga at Prayagraj went viral, health concerns have increased amidst the ongoing Mahakumbh.
Recently, Dr Dipshikha Ghosh took to X to share the case of a woman who developed a severe lung infection after taking a dip in the river during the Mahakumbh. “I have a patient right here with a severe lung infection from water from Kumbh having entered through her nostrils while she was taking a dip. She’s not being able to breathe on her own now and has had to be ventilated and proned. Religion is important, yes, but please don’t undermine science. Be aware. Be cautious,” the doctor posted on X.
In a comment she mentioned that the patient developed high grade fever following her travels and both her lungs tested positive for Salmonella.
Report suggests presence of faecal bacteria in Sangam
On February 17, the National Green Tribunal was informed, through the CPCB report, that various locations in Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh were not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to the level of faecal coliform.
“The river water quality was not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to faecal coliform (FC) at all the monitored locations on various occasions. A large number of people bathe in the river at Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh Mela, including on auspicious bathing days, which eventually leads to an increase in faecal concentration,” the report said.
Faecal coliform bacteria are a subgroup of coliform bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Their presence in water indicates contamination by sewage or animal waste, raising concerns about waterborne diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common faecal coliform used as an indicator of water quality. High levels suggest unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation. Sources include agricultural runoff, leaking septic systems, and untreated sewage discharge.
In September, a similar report was released for the Yamuna river. The report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) said that levels of faecal coliform bacteria surged to 4,900,000 most probable number (MPN) per 100 millilitres, which is 1,960 times the standard of 2,500 units and 9,800 times the desired limit of 500 units.