Bittu Tabahi develops skin infection after cleaning toxic, garbage-filled Ajnar River
Cleaning up a polluted river can come at a cost, but for environmental volunteer Surendra Singh Choudhary, popularly known as Bittu Tabahi, the consequences have now shown up on his skin.
Prolonged exposure to toxic wastewater and rotting garbage while clearing the Ajnar River in Madhya Pradesh has reportedly left him with painful skin infections, persistent itching, peeling skin and body pain in his hands and legs.
In a video shared on Instagram, Bittu showed the condition of his skin, drawing attention to the physical toll of working in a heavily polluted waterbody without adequate protective equipment.
His hands and legs appeared affected, with visible skin peeling. He also spoke about the itching and discomfort he has been experiencing after spending extended periods cleaning the river.
The problem has raised concerns about the risks faced by people who take up cleanup drives in polluted waterbodies. Stagnant wastewater, decomposing waste and contact with contaminated material can expose volunteers to harmful substances and microorganisms.
Prolonged contact may also aggravate skin irritation and infections, particularly when protective clothing and equipment are inadequate.
Bittu had earlier been seen cleaning the Ajnar River using basic equipment, including rubber gloves, boots, rakes and sticks.
While these offered some protection, his latest video has raised questions about whether such gear is sufficient for dealing with toxic waste and contaminated water.
In the clip, he also asked viewers to suggest ways in which he could encourage people to develop a greater sense of civic responsibility and stop polluting public spaces. Several users responded by urging him to prioritise his health and wear proper protective gear during cleanup operations.
Others suggested that he should avoid direct contact with the waste and seek medical attention for the skin condition.
Bittu has drawn attention online through videos of himself cleaning polluted stretches of rivers and confronting people who dump garbage in waterbodies. His efforts at the Ajnar River have also brought him appreciation from social media users.- Ends
