Chhath devotees, who gathered on the banks of the Yamuna River and at lakes and canals to offer prayers on Tuesday, complained about stinking water.
The Delhi Government, however, claimed the Yamuna water was not polluted and was completely safe for taking a bath. Meanwhile, dermatologists in the city have raised serious concerns over the possibility of devotees — taking dip in the Yamuna water — contracting skin diseases.
Every year, the State Government makes special arrangements for the Chhath Puja celebrations. For this, the Delhi Government takes water from Haryana. Sources, however, said this time no water has been released from the neighbouring State.
When contacted, Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra said, “We have sufficient water and Haryana has released around 200 cusecs water into the Yamuna. Also, the Delhi Jal Board has released around 300 cusecs water into the river by Tuesday evening.” Mishra claimed that there is no smell in the water and it is clean.
Disagreeing with the Minister, a devotee said, “Despite his claim, the water in the Yamuna is stinking and polluted to the extent that I am scared of taking a dip into the river as I might get skin infection.”
A more pathetic situation was seen in the Kirari constituency as residents of the Kirari area were spotted performing Chhath Puja in a water body which appeared like a narrow stinking drain, said Congress leader Pratyush Kanth. locals said, “No arrangements have been made by MlA Rituraj for the festival. left with no other options, we are performing puja in the dirty and stinking water.”
“Water and management for Chhath ghat is far better than previous years. If there are specific issues, we will resolve those,” said Mishra, adding some people were trying to do dirty and cheap politics over the issue.
Skin specialists in the city said every year, there is a spike in the number of skin-related cases among people who perform Chhath Puja in the Yamuna. “They complain about itching, irritation and many of them suffer from severe skin infections too,” said a skin specialist.
Dr. Rishi Parashar, Senior Dermatologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said, “Polluted river water can cause allergies due to bacterial, fungal and protozoan infections.
“Standing for long hours in the dirty and polluted water can also cause ulcers. Devotees can suffer from cholera and jaundice if the water enters into their alimentary canal.”
For diabetic women, continuous exposure to polluted water can be harmful to their health. Dr. Nitin S Walia, HoD Dermatology, BlK Super Speciality Hospital, said, “If diabetic patients stand in polluted water for long hours, not only they might get infection, but their sugar levels can also go high.”
Describing the water quality of the Yamuna, Dr. Waila said, “Chemical and lead content in the Yamuna water is so high that it can affect liver and kidneys, be it animal or human being.”
It may be noted that thousands of devotees celebrating Chhath Puja flocked to the ghats in the national Capital from early afternoon to offer prayers to the setting sun. Married women observing fast for over 38-hours stood in knee-deep water and prayed for the well-being and prosperity of their families.
Thousands of devotees thronged to Soor Ghat, Geeta Ghat near ISBT, Purvi Ghat, Hathi Ghat, Kudesiya Ghat, Shyam Ghat, Yamuna Ghat and Kalindi Kunj Ghat, among others, to take part in the Chhath ceremonies.