91 villages in Hojai subdiv affected by fluorides in water

HOJAI, Jan 6 : A preliminary survey on a random basis has led to a major finding of fluoride in groundwater sources used for drinking purposes in a vast belt of 91 villages under Hojai subdivision. The Public Health Engineering Division, Hojai, recently conducted a survey in some villages under 24 gaon panchayats under Binnakandi Block and after preliminary test, found fluoride positive in deep groundwater in 19 gaon panchayats. The affected areas are Haldiati, Tapazjuri, Parakhowa, Nizparakhowa, Dimarumukh and Nilbagan under Jamunamukh constituency. Due to use of fluoride-mixed water a large number of children of the areas have either become crippled or have weak teeth.

Meanwhile, the PHE, Hojai division has initiated immediate action to combat the situation. Talking to The Assam Tribune, Ashok Das, PHE executive engineer, said that the department has identified 350 fluoride positive drinking water sources with excess fluoride beyond permissible limit and has put red cross marks alerting people not to use those sources. Those water sources, which have flouride content within limits, have been indicated by green cross marks. Printed leaflets have been circulated appealing people not to use red marked water sources and they have also been asked to adopt domestic fluoride removal purifying system of lime and alum. The department has sent samples to the Public Analytic and Diphu PHE to assertain the percentage of fluorides. Out of 30 samples sent to Diphu, 20 units had excess fluoride content. Das informed that a “joint action plan” in collaboration with the UNICEF has been finalised where besides PHE departments like Health, Education, DRDA and civil administration will participate.