At least seven died and more than 40 were under treatment for kidney infection at Bhusal village under Bhuban block in last three years.
Sources said the deceased are Gati Krushna Sahu, Pafulla Dash, Prasant Das, Kodanda Dash and Gurubari Hota, among others. What is agonising is over 40 affected by the ailment are struggling to survive and are under dialysis system in several private nursing homes.
Though the Government is yet to make a study on the cause of the disease, yet the villagers attributed it to consumption of water containing a high-level of fluoride.The villagers alleged that the drinking water provided in pipes is contaminated and has high-level of fluoride content due to poor adoption of disinfection process.
The villagers said that several people suffering from the kidney problem had to die as they did not have the money to undergo costly treatment. They said that one young man Abhiram Das is under dialysis treatment but his family finds it unaffordable and may withdraw from treatment due to lack of money.
The villagers sought financial help from the Government for the treatment of Abhiram and other villagers and at the same time urged for deputation of a study team to ascertain the cause of the disease besides taking step for supply of safe drinking water. They have also sought the intervention of the Chief Minister.