INDIA: MP Water Crisis: 1,480 Villages Battle Fluorosis As Safe Water Schemes Fail; Children Worst Affected

[pfpcnews]

MP Water Crisis: 1,480 Villages Battle Fluorosis As Safe Water Schemes Fail; Children Worst Affected

The Daily Jagran - June 28, 2026

Dhar: Nearly 1,480 villages across Madhya Pradesh are fighting fluorosis, according to a report from the National Fluorosis Prevention and Control Program.

The state, which is widely known for its initiatives for providing clean water schemes, has many regions that remain trapped in a health crisis caused by hazardous chemicals. The disease causes irreversible changes in the teeth and bones of both children and the elderly. The crisis has prompted authorities to address groundwater contamination through the targeted implementation of safe drinking water schemes.

In Dhar, nearly 1,250 fluoride-affected settlements have been identified. Surveys have been conducted in 343 villages and 363 schools so far. During this period, health checkups were conducted on 24,339 people, and 7,833 were found to be suspected of dental fluorosis. Meanwhile, 38 people showed signs of skeletal fluorosis. This figure for 2021 remains grim. This national program has been shelved for some years.

A comprehensive survey across the region highlights a severe public health crisis, revealing that out of 1,480 total villages, a staggering 802 villages and 1,250 habitations are impacted by fluoride contamination. Specifically, 430 of these villages suffer from contaminated water sources. In a targeted assessment covering 343 villages and 363 schools, health officials tested 24,339 individuals to evaluate the physical toll of the water crisis. The medical findings are alarming, identifying 7,833 potential dental fluorosis patients and 38 individuals showing symptoms of probable skeletal fluorosis, underscoring the urgent need for clean drinking water and medical intervention in the region.

Experts say that dental fluorosis can affect the development of children's permanent teeth, while long-term consumption of fluoride-containing water can cause hardening, curvature, and gradual weakening of bones. In some cases, the disease can cause permanent disability also.

Which Are the Most Affected Places?

Among the fluoride-affected areas, Nalcha, with 104 villages, holds the first position, while Gandhwani has 101 villages, and Tirla has the third-highest with 88 villages.

Additionally, the situation remains worrying in Dharampuri, Bakaner, Badnawar, Manawar, Bagh, and Sardarpur areas. Although government records claim to provide pure drinking water to many villages, the ground situation presents a different picture. In many villages, surface water-based schemes are either not operating regularly or their water supply remains disrupted. As a result, villagers are once again forced to rely on fluoride-contaminated water from hand pumps and borewells.

Children Are the Worst-Affected

White, yellow, or brown spots have been spotted on children's teeth. This is not just a cosmetic problem but also a sign of long-term excess fluoride exposure. Children continue to suffer from weakened teeth, which affects their self-confidence. In some cases, they also face social neglect and mental stress. In severe cases, bone development is also adversely affected.

What Are Water Schemes Not Implemented?

Surface water-based drinking water schemes have long been considered a permanent solution for fluorosis-affected areas. However, in many places in Dhar district, these schemes have failed to yield the expected benefits. The remaining places do not have a regular water supply. While in some, maintenance and technical problems have forced people to revert to groundwater sources. Expert Dinesh Jain believes that simply laying pipelines is not enough. Regular water supply, continuous monitoring of water quality, balanced nutrition, and a widespread public awareness campaign must be given equal importance.

SOURCE:
https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/engli ... n717570486