Concerns rise over faecal coliform contamination in the Ganga River at Prayagraj

An aerial view of the Sangam area showing thousands of devotees gathering for the holy dip at Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj. (Courtesy: PTI photo)

The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela has attracted millions of devotees to take a dip in the Ganga river. However, recent reports from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have raised concerns about the high levels of faecal coliform bacteria in the river at Prayagraj.

This contamination, primarily caused by sewage discharge, poses significant health risks. We reached out to experts to understand how faecal coliform impacts water quality, why it is dangerous for human health, and what precautions people can take during the holy snan.

What is faecal coliform?

Faecal coliform bacteria are microorganisms found in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals.

"The presence of these bacteria in water indicates contamination by sewage or animal waste, which may contain harmful pathogens," explained Dr Jayanta Thakuria, Director of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals, Faridabad. "While not all coliform bacteria are toxic, their presence suggests that the water may contain other harmful viruses, such as Salmonella and even E. coli," he added.

How dangerous is the contamination?

According to the CPCB, the maximum permissible limit of faecal coliform in bathing water is 2,500 units per 100 millilitres. However, recent tests from various areas of Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela revealed levels exceeding this limit, indicating serious pollution.

"During large-scale events like the Kumbh Mela, rivers often become heavily contaminated with faecal matter from untreated sewage and human waste. The large number of people bathing in the river during this time significantly increases the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria," said Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, adding, "With thousands of people in the water, the risk of disease transmission is high. Bathers can easily get infected by swallowing the water or through skin contact, leading to illnesses such as gastroenteritis or cholera."

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What are the health risks of exposure to faecal bacteria?

Millions of devotees come to the Kumbh to take a dip.

Bathing in water contaminated with faecal coliform can lead to various health issues.

Dr Chatterjee explained that the most common concerns are related to the stomach and intestines: "These include conditions like diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps, particularly in children and the elderly. Some bacteria, such as those causing cholera and dysentery, can lead to severe dehydration. In more severe cases, these bacteria can spread to other parts of the body, causing sepsis, which can be life-threatening."

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How does this affect pilgrims and local communities?

The most common risk for devotees taking a holy dip is the possibility of inhaling or swallowing polluted water. While this is a direct concern for those bathing, long-term exposure to hazardous bacteria also poses a threat to local residents who use the river's water for daily activities such as cooking, washing, and drinking, according to Dr Amit Saraf, Director of Internal Medicine at Jupiter Hospital, Thane.

Dr Thakuria added that the contamination could also affect livelihoods, especially for those involved in fishing and tourism, exacerbating economic hardships in the region.

What precautions can people take to protect themselves?

Experts recommend the following precautions to reduce health risks during the holy bath:

• Avoid swallowing water during the bath.
• Use antiseptic soaps or cleaning wipes after bathing.
• Wear protective clothing to minimise skin exposure.
• Opt for upstream or designated bathing areas when possible.
• Refrain from touching your face.
• Wear waterproof footwear to protect your feet.
• Proper vaccination can provide added protection against certain diseases.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.