GARHWA: After being neglected for the past several years, the residents of fluorosis affected Pratappur, Darmi, Patsa and Mainaha villages in Garhwa block for whom safe drinking water has become a distant dream, heaved a sigh of relief – thanks to the initiatives taken by the district administration. Now, the villagers will get two tankers of drinking water every day.

Garhwa deputy development commissioner (DDC) Ravindra Prasad Singh has issued orders to executive engineer of the drinking water and sanitation department (DWSD) Nazre Imam to ensure supply of safe drinking water through tankers every day in the four affected fluorisis-hit Pratappur, Darmi, Patsa and Mainaha villages, around 10 km from the district headquarters. He has also directed DWSD and electricity department officials to ensure regular drinking water supply and power supply.

The move comes close on the heels of the visit of special rapporteur of the National Human Rights Commission S Jalaja to the fluorosis-affected villages on March 1.

“The situation is alarming and steps should be taken to mitigate the problem,” Jalaja had said adding that a large number of villagers including women and children were found crippled. Fluorosis is a crippling and painful disease caused by intake of fluoride. The germs can enter the body through drinking water. It can be caused by water, food, drug, cosmetic and industrial pollution.

The district administration has taken a number of steps in the fluorosis-affected villages to stop further spread of the diseased. Garhwa CDPO has ordered to open additional anganwadi centre at the affected villages. Garhwa circle officer P K Jha has been asked to present a report of government land for the construction of ponds in the villages. Garhwa civil surgeon Raj Mohan has been directed for deputation of dental surgeon and ANM in the affected villages.

Nesar Ahmad Khan, Pratappur mukhiya, has submitted to the DDC Ravindra Prasad Singh a list of as many as 33 people who are the worst affected by fluorosis. The list has been forwarded to Garhwa BDO for providing them old-age pension, said a source.