Severe Lung Infection After Kumbh Dip Sparks Debate on Water Safety and Religious Practices
4 min read
Prayagraj: A doctor’s urgent warning about the health risks associated with bathing in the Ganga during the Maha Kumbh Mela has ignited a heated discussion on the balance between religious traditions and scientific awareness. The issue gained widespread attention after a patient developed a severe lung infection following a dip in the river and had to be placed on a ventilator.
Doctor’s Warning: Don’t Undermine Science
Dr. Dipshikha Ghosh, a medical professional treating the critically ill patient, took to social media to emphasize the need for caution. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she revealed that her patient is struggling to breathe independently and is now on ventilation and prone positioning due to severe respiratory distress.
“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 able to breathe on her own now and has had to be ventilated and proned,” Dr. Ghosh wrote.
While acknowledging the significance of religious beliefs, she urged people not to disregard scientific facts, saying, “Religion is important, yes, but please don’t undermine science. Be aware. Be cautious.”
Look at the post below:
I got abused and harrased by certain groups of doctors including very junior doctors on Twitter for stating facts based on scientific accumen, which now has objective evidence. https://t.co/guzemcXsU2 pic.twitter.com/rwxAozuUNd
— TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) February 18, 2025
Water Contamination: CPCB Report Raises Alarms
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently submitted a report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), stating that water samples collected from multiple locations in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela failed to meet primary bathing standards.
Key findings from the CPCB report include:
- Excessively high levels of faecal coliform, a major indicator of sewage contamination.
- The permissible limit of faecal coliform is 2,500 units per 100 ml, but many samples showed concentrations far above this limit.
- Exposure to such contaminated water can lead to serious health conditions such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera, and skin diseases.
- The large influx of devotees during auspicious bathing days significantly worsens the water quality.
Social Media Reactions: Debate Over Rituals and Health Risks
Dr. Ghosh’s post received mixed reactions, with some supporting her concerns while others defended the tradition of taking a holy dip in the Ganga.
One user wrote, “Maybe she doesn’t know how to take a dip. You need to close your nostrils and mouth. Army Major died of choking due to a lamb bone stuck in his windpipe. Will you ask everyone to stop eating meat with bones?”
Another countered, “It’s strange. Could it not be other factors that led to this? Crores of people have taken a dip. This is the first reported case of ventilation. What percentage do you think faced such an issue?”
A third user recounted a personal experience, “True. I once attempted a dip at Kanpur Cantt in 1983 during my hospital internship. We abandoned the idea after seeing floating corpses of humans and animals. Never again.”
Medical Experts Weigh In
Dr. Ghosh’s warning was echoed by Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known on social media as The Liver Doctor. He cited past experiences where junior doctors harassed him for highlighting scientific concerns regarding water contamination.
“I got abused and harassed by certain groups of doctors, including very junior doctors on Twitter, for stating facts based on scientific acumen, which now has objective evidence,” Dr. Philips wrote while sharing a news report on the high faecal coliform levels in the Ganga.
The Bigger Picture: Need for Stricter Water Quality Monitoring
While millions of devotees take part in the Kumbh Mela for spiritual purification, this incident raises urgent questions about:
- Water quality monitoring: How effectively are authorities managing river pollution?
- Public health awareness: Are pilgrims informed about potential health risks?
- Religious vs. scientific balance: How can faith-based traditions adapt to modern health standards?
Final Thoughts
This case serves as a stark reminder that faith and health must go hand in hand. While the Kumbh Mela remains a significant religious event, ensuring public safety should be paramount. Authorities need to take proactive steps to improve water quality and increase awareness so that devotees can continue their traditions without compromising their well-being.
The debate continues, but one thing is clear—scientific awareness and religious faith must coexist to protect the health of millions.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of India Prime Times
