Sanjay Kumar Pandey
Palamu, EW News : In a tragic turn of events, patients affected by fluoride contamination in Palamu district have only one proposed treatment: the supply of surface water. Over 250 villages in the district are grappling with high fluoride levels, with areas like Jorakat, Chukru, Chianki Kaudiya, and Sua being the most severely affected. Despite efforts by the Water Supply and Sanitation Department to install fluoride removal attachments on hand pumps in affected areas, many of these systems are reportedly ineffective. Chukru village stands out as a glaring example in Palamu district, where visible physical changes due to fluorosis afflict its residents, particularly noticeable in children’s dental health. Experts warn that failure to address early symptoms can lead to severe health implications, including deformities and even fatalities.
Former civil surgeon Dr. R.P. Sinha emphasizes that the only known remedy for fluorosis patients is access to surface water. He asserts that relocating affected individuals to areas with safer water sources remains the most viable solution. Dr. Sinha, who has personally visited Chukru village numerous times, recalls advocating for relocation during his tenure, underscoring the urgency of the situation. With concerns raised about the operational efficacy of fluoride removal systems in several rural areas, stakeholders stress the critical need for effective intervention. The Water Supply Department is currently executing the Chukru Water Supply Scheme, aimed at providing water from the Koel River to mitigate the crisis. Palamu district’s villages, including Chukru, Kaudiya, and Bakharri, are among the worst-hit with fluoride levels exceeding the permissible limit in water, affecting over 16,000 residents. As health experts continue to underscore the severity of the situation, the call for urgent action to safeguard affected communities remains paramount.
