Ranchi’s medical community is seeing a sharp rise in skin-related conditions among pilgrims returning from the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The surge in cases appears to validate recent reports from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which pointed out dangerously poor water quality in the Ganga and Yamuna during the religious gathering.

Ranchi dermatologists have been treating a growing number of patients with chronic itching, rashes, and fungal infections. Most of these patients are those who had taken the holy dip at the Kumbh Mela.

Laxmi Clinic's dermat “We're experiencing a marked increase in patients with skin infections, particularly fungal issues. The common complaints include persistent itching and rashes, likely resulting from prolonged exposure to damp clothing, unhygienic conditions, and shared facilities during the Mela,” he explained.

Ranjeet Kumar, 57 years old and from Edaluhatu in Ranchi, spoke about his troubling experience: “Since returning from the Kumbh Mela, I've been battling severe itching and red rashes all over my body. The irritation is unbearable, and the prescribed medications are taking time to show results.”

Alarming water contamination levels

A CPCB report submitted to the NGT on February 3 portrayed a dark picture of river pollution. The report indicated that coliform content in the Ganga and Yamuna had surpassed permissible limits by phenomenal margins—1,400 times in the Ganga and 660 times in the Yamuna in some stretches. The results point to severe contamination from untreated sewage and waste, making the water unfit for bathing.

Safe outdoor bathing, as per CPCB norms, needs to have total coliform counts less than 500 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100ml. However, samples taken on January 19 recorded shocking levels of 700,000 MPN/100ml in the Ganga and 330,000 MPN/100ml in the Yamuna. Further tests on January 12, 13, 14, and 15 continuously reported coliform counts well beyond acceptable limits.

Experts warn of health hazards

Doctors credit the rise of skin infections to various causes, ranging from the huge number of people converging at the Kumbh Mela to the high humidity, poor sanitation amenities, and direct contact with contaminated river water.

"Perhaps the holy bath in the Ganges, considering its present state of pollution, can be one of the major causes of such infections," warned health practitioners.

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