Despite overall success of Mahakumbh,
controversies concerning it keep being reported time and again.When there is
some respite over the dead and injured, fresh debate has sprung up over
potability and purity of holy water at Sangam. Ever since RajyaSabha MP, Jaya
Bhaduri indicated that dead bodies of people killed in stampede on 29th January
were flown into Sangam and that water at this holy point had got contaminated,
several other individuals and institutions have joined the bandwagon.
Dangers From Faecal Bacteria
Devotees still flock to Mahakumbh even after National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been informed that bathing in area water has high level of Faecal Bacteria(FB) and that primary water level was not being maintained.
During the period 16 January and 29 January, BOD level had exceeded the prescribed limit with maximum being 5.09 mg. on 16th January and minimum being 3.26 mg on 29th January. All this was likely to lead to occurrence of several diseases.
Nowhere water is fit for bathing, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As per Environmentalists and Doctors specializing in water born diseases, Faecal Coliform Bacteria are found in the intestines of warm blooded animals and humans.They are commonly used as indicators of potential contamination in water.
Further, they contain harmful Pathogens, such as, viruses, parasites or other Bacteria which originates from faecal matter or stool. It can also cause Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, skin rashes, eye irritation, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Level Of Biological Oxygen Demand
In addition to FB findings, CPCB has reported that Biological Oxygen Demand(BOD) at Sangam was 3.94 milligrams per litre on 13 January when the festival began.Water now is UNSAFE for bathing as it exceeds the prescribed limit for BOD. A key parameter to determine water quality, BOD refers to amount of Oxygen needed by aerobic micro organisms to break down organic material in a water body.
While a higher BOD level indicates more organic content in the water, river water is considered 'fit' for bathing if the BOD level is less than 3 milligrams per litre. Needless to say, CPCB report shows that Sangam water is currently exceedingthe limit.
The report filed by the CPCB before the NGT should be considered as an eye opener. Much more inputs were likely to be placed before the NGT during hearing on 19th February.
Even the SUPREME COURT has taken cognisance of the matter. It has been pleased to consider Sangam water as dirty and perverted.
Dismal Reporting By UPCB
The NGT has pulled up UP Pollution Control Board for not submitting adequate information and why data pertaining to pre-Kumbh period was submitted. It also asked the Board as to how people were taking bath in water having both human and animal excreta. UP Board,it is learnt, is playing it down. Looks the State Government too does not want people to know it.
Thus, it is turning to be a very serious issue.
Views of Uttar Pradesh CM
The UP Chief Minister has refuted the claims of faecal contamination. He considers it as a false campaign to defame Mahakumbh. As per him, Sangam water was fit for drinking. State Pollution Control was regularly checking water to maintain its quality.
Sangam Water To Jails
On the other hand, instead of resolving the issue, publicity conscious UP Government is planning to messenger holy water to 68 District Jails and 7 Central Jails in the state to enable prisoners to bathe in the sacred water.This initiative is a brainchild of State Prison Minister, by which 800 inmates of Unnao Jail have already taken bath in Sangam water in view of spiritual reasons.
Rush Goes On
It is sad to note that despite facing hardships and relatives being lost or missing, people are rushing to Mahakumbh venue in large numbers. At least, they should believe the finding of scientific analysis and listen to the experts and doctors.
Health hazard at Sangam has to be controlled by any means.Unholy dip in water having high levels of BOD and Faecal coliform in the name of faith has to be stopped. Rather, it must come to an end.
Only less than a week to go before conclusion of Mahakumbh,devotees are undeterred.They are rushing even by boats more than before. It has witnessed dip by more than 52 crore devotees thus far.
