Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the biggest festivals in the country. Lakhs of Ganpati idols are decked up, worshipped, and immersed in water bodies every year. This year will be no different. As much fun as the festivities are, it is essential to be careful too. Hence, because of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation or the BMC has issued an advisory and asked devotees to beware of jellyfish and stingrays during immersion. Here’s how you can prepare yourself.
Ganesh Chaturthi: BMC Warns Of Jellyfish Stings
With the ongoing festivities, the BMC has issued a warning and has asked people to be careful of stingray and jellyfish stings. Blue Button Jellyfish, in particular, are pretty common at the coast around this time and hence, the BMC has asked devotees to stay alert.
According to an article recently published in The Indian Express, on August 13, around six people, of which three were minors, were stung and had to be taken to the Cooper Hospital in Juhu. They were discharged after treatment but such occurrences have become pretty common.
Hence, the BMC has asked people to be very cautious during immersion. Beaches at Dadar, Gorai and Juhu as well as Madh Island are especially prone to witnessing these aquatic creatures. Officials are also monitoring these beaches to identify spots where these creatures gather in large numbers so they can be avoided.
Also Read: Bappa On Moon! This Pandal In Kolkata’s Baguiati Celebrated Ganeshotsav With Chandrayaan-3 Theme
How To Be Prepared During Immersions?
The BMC shared instructions as to how to be safe from the stings and what to do in case you get stung. It asked devotees to wear gumboots before stepping into the water so that they could be safe. However, if they do get stung, there are a few first-aid steps that you can take.
Carefully extract the sting. Do not rub or put pressure on the wound as this will only exacerbate the pain and injury. The would should be rinsed with clean water and ice can be applied to provide temporary relief. Make sure to visit your nearest hospital or clinic.
It should also be noted that peeing on stings will not make the pain go away. It is only a myth and can cause infection.
Also Read: BMC Approves 1,255 Sarvajanik Ganpati Pandal Requests; Applications Will Be Accepted Till Sept 13
When are you going for an immersion and where? Let us know in the comments below!
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