a rs 5 crore plan has been submitted by the government of West Bengal to the Centre in order to fight the high levels of arsenic and fluoride contamination in the groundwater of the state. The project which is yet to be cleared by the Centre, would investigate into the cause and effect of the contamination and also urge the State Water Investigation Directorate (swid) to launch an awareness campaign in the affected areas. The project has already formulated an agenda for carrying out hydro-geological investigation in the confined and the semi-confined aquifiers in quest of safe water. Top swid officials, reportedly, said that already 900 people have become permanently disabled as they had fallen victims to fluoride contamination in Birbhum district.A recent study conducted by swid detected fluoride contamination in Bankura, Birbhum, Purulia and western Burdwan. The state minister for water investigation and development, Nandagopal Bhattacharya said, "We have plans to provide affected districts with specialised teams to treat the victims."
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.