After inaugurating an awareness campaign against fluorosis for fluoride-affected villages here on Thursday, Dharmapuri collector R. Lily said that 71,842 among 1,86,907 students had tested positive for fluorosis in the two districts of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri.

The campaign was organised by the Tamil Nadu Water Board and Sewerage Department (TWAD) following an increase in number of fluorosis cases in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri due to presence of fluoride in water resources more than the permissible level.

Ms Lily said that the districts had been allotted rs 28.44 crore for the awareness campaign and the works were being carried out by TWAD in cooperation with elected representatives, non-governmental organizations and SHG women. The awareness programme started two years ago targeting school students.

Following the report, about 3680 schools teachers in 3409 schools in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, were trained to identify and help students in preventing fluorosis through a change in food habits.

The state has implemented the Hogenakkal Drinking Water Project at the cost of Rs 2,000 crore for public distribution of safe drinking water to overcome the issue, Ms Lily added.

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