The residents of the Bakavand development block of Bastar district are facing water contamination problem. The presence of fluoride is more than permissible limits in the groundwater of the area, causing deformity in bones of the residents.
Two years ago the high level of fluoride was reported from a few hand pumps in Bakavand, Tokapal and lohandiguda development blocks of the district. The Public Health Engineering Department had sent samples of water from the reported hand pumps to the laboratory for testing.
On testing of the water samples it was observed that fluoride presence was more than the specified permissible level, considered to be highly hazardous for health and deformity causing elements were also identified in it. The department has then taken initiative and water purification units were installed in the villages.
However, many of the water purification units installed in Kesharpal Pallibata, Bakavand, Dimararpal, Aavrabhata and Jabail were found damaged or out of order due to some technical snags. The villagers were left with no other choice, but to use water from these hazardous sources, even at the cost of their health. looking to the problem the department has sealed the hand pumps and started drinking water supply to the affected villages through water tankers. Now, some of the villagers complained that they were not getting sufficient water.