In Dudh Pania, a village under the Ghanta Panchayat in Munger district’s Haveli Kharagpur subdivision, residents have long endured contaminated, fluoride-rich drinking water. Villagers report that this toxic water is gradually rendering people disabled. In the past year alone, six villagers have succumbed after becoming handicapped, stoking fear and anger throughout the community.
Recent investigative coverage by 'Aaj Tak' stirred local authorities into action, leading to the installation of a new hand pump. However, tests revealed it also contained excessive fluoride, prompting a shutdown. Yet, despite these findings, residents are compelled to continue using the tainted water.
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45 Families, 200 People: Illness Looms Over All
Dudh Pania is home to approximately 45 families, totaling around 200 individuals, many of whom are afflicted with fluoride-related illnesses. Vinod Baisla's family exemplifies the crisis. Bedridden since 2019, Vinod is now completely incapacitated.
He has sought treatment far and wide, but the strength in his bones has diminished to the point where movement is impossible. After media exposure, a team of doctors conducted urine tests in the village, yet he has not received results. His wife, Purni Devi, and children are also suffering, with each showing debilitating symptoms.
Source: aajtak
Ailments Progress from Pain to Fatality
Villagers reveal that over 15 individuals still experience severe muscle and bone pain. The six deceased—Phulmani Devi, Ramesh Murmu, Malti Devi, Salma Devi, Rangalal Marandi, and Jhumri Devi—each witnessed illness that began with leg pain, advancing to immobilization, culminating in death.
Bereaved families recount how the ailment starts in the legs, spreads to the back, paralyzes half the body, and makes mobility impossible. Despite multiple medical interventions, relief remained elusive, leading to untimely deaths.
News Spurs Change, but Issues Persist
Residents Pinki Devi, Munna Baisla, and Sanjay Kumar note that media coverage prompted some improvements, though the core water issue remains unsolved. The district-installed hand pump was decommissioned due to high fluoride content, marked with a red cross sign.
Filters have been installed in the pipe-water scheme, and villagers are advised to boil this water before consumption. The community insists on a reliable source of clean, safe water to safeguard future generations.
Source: aajtak
Officials Ensure Clean Water Soon
Haveli Kharagpur SDM Rajiv Roshan shared that substantial improvements are underway in Dudh Pania. Though the new hand pump is closed due to fluoride, the pipe-water scheme now advises pre-boiling water for safe use.
The SDM assured that clean water would soon be delivered to the village. They have facilitated medical assessments and treatments for affected families, and assert ongoing efforts for a permanent resolution.
