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Take a dip but avoid sip, pilgrims advised
Experts warn of potent threat of water-borne diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are commonly transmitted through contaminated water during bathing in Pushkarams where huge crowds of devotees take a dip. Infections are commonly spread due to bathing, washing, drinking. in the preparation of food thus leading to various ailments, they say.
Nellore: Experts warn of potent threat of water-borne diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are commonly transmitted through contaminated water during bathing in Pushkarams where huge crowds of devotees take a dip. Infections are commonly spread due to bathing, washing, drinking. in the preparation of food thus leading to various ailments, they say.
Pushkarams are an Indian festival dedicated to worshiping of rivers. It is celebrated at shrines along the banks of 12 major rivers considered sacred in the country. Generally, these places are small towns with little infrastructure and face difficulty to cope with sudden surge in demand for basic amenities.
In addition, pollution of rivers or other water bodies caused by the indiscriminate disposal of solid waste, contamination of drinking water systems, risk of spread of waterborne diseases due to the absence of health and sanitation facilities and other problems also pose a major challenge to authorities in ensuring problem-free pilgrimage for the devotees.
“The World Health Organisation estimates that 88 per cent of problems arise out of unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene. Microorganisms causing diseases that characteristically are waterborne, which include protozoa and bacteria, intestinal parasites and viruses.
So, there might be a chance of incidence of deadly waterborne diseases like cholera, jaundice, typhoid, diarrhoea, malaria, as well a common cold, cough, fever and other diseases,” said Dr. R Rekha, department of food and nutrition, Andhra University. She suggested that one should avoid spitting, open urination, etc. Sipping while taking a dip in the river as part of pushkarams may lead to ill-health due to consumption of contaminated water.
The State government should ensure that water is let out of the barrage at regular intervals during the holy period of Godavari Pushkarams to ensure that there is enough flow of fresh water into the bathing ghats, both upstream and downstream to avoid infecting waterborne diseases, Dr Rekha said.
By:P V Prasad
