INDIA: Nalgonda stares at public health crisis as skeletal fluorosis re-emerges

[pfpcnews]

Nalgonda stares at public health crisis as skeletal fluorosis re-emerges

Cases detected during survey by Department of Medical and Health; concerns over groundwater contamination in region resurface

Telangana Today - January 5, 2025

Hyderabad: Besides cases of dental fluorosis that were detected in Marriguda mandal of Nalgonda district recently, resurgence of skeletal fluorosis in a cluster of villages has also been confirmed.

A few skeletal fluorosis cases were identified during an intensive survey taken up by the Department of Medical and Health in selective pockets and it has signalled a potential public health issue, also reigniting concerns over water contamination issues in the region.

The effective implementation of Mission Bhagiratha in recent times, after the programme had ensured freedom from the fluoride menace three years ago, is now under question.

Health staff had conducted over 34,800 door-to-door contacts to identify serious fluorosis symptoms, focusing on children and elderly population in the affected villages. While the number of skeletal fluorosis cases among the elderly is not large enough, the potential for a wider outbreak remains a pressing concern, said officials.

Water quality under scrutiny

The resurgence of both skeletal and dental fluorosis in villages with a history of fluoride contamination has prompted the district administration to re-evaluate the drinking water supply under Mission Bhagiratha, with effective implementation of the programme running into glitches of late.

With evidence pointing to water contamination as a contributing factor, ensuring safe and clean water for all residents is now a top priority. Health experts cautioned that while the immediate numbers may not be alarming, the possibility of a fluorosis relapse could have long-term implications. The collected data is currently under analysis, while the administration is gearing up to implement necessary measures to prevent further escalation.

The fight against fluorosis is far from over, but with concerted efforts and community cooperation, there is hope for a safer, healthier future, said Subash Kanchukatla, social activist who has been spearheading a sustained campaign to create awareness among rural masses on the fluoride problem.

The first fluorosis case in the district was detected at Bhatlapally village in Marriguda mandal back in 1945. Since then, excessive fluoride was found in the groundwater of 967 habitations in the former Nalgonda district, severely impacting the quality of life for three generations. After a long-drawn struggle, several measures were initiated addressing the gravity of the situation, with safe water through Mission Bhagiratha being the most crucial intervention.

In 2020, the BRS government announced that no new fluorosis cases had been detected in Telangana, and the Union Health Ministry also endorsed the claim in Parliament, attributing the success to Mission Bhagiratha. However, of late, the effective implementation of the programme has been under a shadow of doubt, with these cases now strengthening those doubts.

SOURCE:
https://telanganatoday.com/nalgonda-sta ... re-emerges

==================================

Telangana: Nalgonda residents’ battle with fluorosis far from over

Lack of focus on implementation of Mission Bhagiratha under Congress government led to frequent disruptions in supply of treated water, resulting in resurgence of fluorosis cases

Telangana Today - January 8, 2024

Hyderabad: Nalgonda district is once again calling for attention as people grapple with the effects of high fluoride levels in groundwater. The resurgence of fluorosis cases, seen as a potential public health issue, has put the administration on high alert. The NGOs are back in action for raising awareness levels among the public on the do’s and don’ts, especially in villages and urban pockets where fresh cases of skeletal and dental fluorosis were reported as part of a door-to-door survey taken up by the State Health Department.

Excessive fluoride levels in groundwater have long plagued the residents, leading to severe fluorosis in the district. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 parts per million (ppm) in drinking water. However, in Nalgonda’s 3,477 affected villages, fluoride levels range from 3.0 to 28 ppm, causing widespread fluorosis. The problem was first identified during the Nizam’s rule, led to a widespread outbreak of fluorosis, a crippling disease that affects bones and teeth.

Efforts to combat fluorosis date back to the 1940s when the Nizam government-initiated surface water projects. However, post-independence, successive governments have struggled to find a sustainable solution. The 1975 Nalgonda Technique, supported by the Netherlands, introduced de-fluoridation plants in severely affected villages, but these measures provided only temporary relief. Special attention was paid to the malady in the 1980s and 90s with collectors such as A.Vidya Sagar (IAS) and S.M. Balasubramanyam initiating intensive measures to address the problem.

In recent years, former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao’s Mission Bhagiratha helped in ensuring provision of safe drinking water from the Krishna and Godavari rivers to all villages, including those impacted by fluorosis. While Chandrashekar Rao inaugurated the project, related initiatives like the Srisailam Left Bank Canal and Dindi Lift Irrigation Scheme have faced delays due to insufficient funding. The establishment of the Fluoride and Fluorosis Mitigation National Centre in Choutuppal aimed to deliver scientific research and advanced medical treatments.

However, the project was relocated to West Bengal during the BJP government’s tenure, delaying progress. Many social activists including Kanchukattla Subhash continue to push for the project’s reinstatement in Nalgonda, advocating for comprehensive scientific studies to declare the district fluoride-free. They also called for monthly pensions for affected individuals, free medical treatments, and heightened public awareness to prevent future generations from suffering the same fate.

This apart, the lack of focus on ensuring effective implementation of Mission Bhagiratha programme after the Congress government took over, led to frequent disruptions in supply of treated water, with the fight against fluorosis in Nalgonda now resuming. Activists and residents are coming together once again urging the government to prioritise providing safe drinking water under Mission Bhagiratha and decommissioning ineffective water filters.

SOURCE:
https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-na ... -from-over