Faecal Bacteria in Ganga During Maha Kumbh Mela Raises Public Health Alarm

Rising Contamination in a Sacred River

Faecal Bacteria in Ganga During Maha Kumbh Mela Raises Public Health Alarm: The Ganga River, considered sacred by millions, has once again come under the spotlight—this time, not for its spiritual significance, but due to dangerous levels of faecal coliform bacteria found during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. With millions gathering for ritual bathing, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has flagged alarming contamination levels, well beyond safe limits. This isn’t just an environmental concern—it’s a looming public health crisis.

What Exactly Is Faecal Coliform and Why It’s Alarming

Faecal coliform refers to a group of bacteria usually found in the intestines of humans and animals. While not all are harmful, their presence in a water body like the Ganga indicates contamination by sewage or animal waste. The risk? These bacteria often come hand-in-hand with pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and viruses, which can trigger serious gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin-related diseases.

Health Risks for Devotees and Local Residents

The problem becomes acute during mass gatherings like the Maha Kumbh. Millions of pilgrims unknowingly expose themselves to disease-causing microbes while taking ritual dips. The acceptable faecal coliform limit is 2,500 per 100 ml, but current levels far exceed that. This raises red flags for typhoid, hepatitis A, eye and skin infections, and even lung issues due to aerosolized droplets.

Local Communities at Equal Risk

While devotees might face temporary illness, local communities bear long-term consequences. People using the river water for drinking, cooking, and washing are in constant contact with contaminated sources. Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are especially at risk of developing chronic health problems. The sacred Ganga, instead of being a lifeline, has become a potential carrier of disease.

Steps Taken to Tackle the Pollution

Authorities have launched several mitigation strategies. These include scheduling timely cleaning of ghats, urging religious groups to vacate areas for sanitation, and banning the disposal of items like shoes and clothes into the river. Organizers are now distributing cloth bags and steel utensils to reduce plastic waste. Most importantly, awareness campaigns are helping devotees understand the invisible dangers in the water.

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