The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Wednesday directed the Madhya Pradesh government to pay Rs. 10,000 each as compensation to seven children, who became ill after being diagnosed from Fluorosis, which was caused due to high content of fluoride in the potable water. The human rights watchdog took note of a complaint by a human rights activist before the commission. The activist quoted newspaper reports and alleged 29 children became physically handicapped in Jasoda Khumji village in Jhabua district after drinking water contaminated with high fluoride content.

Madhya Pradesh contended that it could not be held responsible for the tragedy. “Public Health Department was neither directly nor indirectly responsible for deformity caused to the children, no compensation might be ordered to be paid” said the government in its reply.

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