Hyderabad: In what could worry lakhs of residents in Ranga Reddy district, a recent survey undertaken by the rural water supply (RWS) department has found that fluoride content in the ground water is much above the safe limits prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) i.e. 2 milligrams per one litre of water. But fluoride levels have reached danger mark in as many as 2,600 water sources in RR district.
There are about 13,000 water sources in 700 gram panchayats in the district from where water is supplied either from borewells or tanks. More than 9,000 water samples from 37 mandals were taken and around 2,600 samples had an excess of 1.5 mg fluoride per litre.
RWS officials said the fluoride levels were high particularly in Saroornagar, Hayatnagar and Shabad mandals. Neighboring Nalgonda district recorded a high fluoride level of 10 mg.
“The main reason for the increase in fluoride content is lack of rains. Water is not being generated naturally, which in a way is leading to excessive presence of fluoride,” reasoned Venkata Ramana, executive engineer, RWS.
The problem is further compounded as the proposed supply of Krishna or Manjeera water to the district has not materialized yet. Manjeera water supply has been put on hold following a row over the connection fee charge to the metro water works department. As a result, the district is totally dependent on ground water. Officials have identified 108 villages where the ground water level has gone to abysmal depths.
RWS officials also pointed out the mushrooming of mineral water plant units in the district. In addition to Nalgonda and RR districts, RWS officials said that Khammam district is also hit by high fluoride levels in water.
There are about 13,000 water sources in 700 gram panchayats in the district from where water is supplied either from borewells or tanks. More than 9,000 water samples from 37 mandals were taken and around 2,600 samples had an excess of 1.5 mg fluoride per litre.
RWS officials said the fluoride levels were high particularly in Saroornagar, Hayatnagar and Shabad mandals. Neighboring Nalgonda district recorded a high fluoride level of 10 mg.
“The main reason for the increase in fluoride content is lack of rains. Water is not being generated naturally, which in a way is leading to excessive presence of fluoride,” reasoned Venkata Ramana, executive engineer, RWS.
The problem is further compounded as the proposed supply of Krishna or Manjeera water to the district has not materialized yet. Manjeera water supply has been put on hold following a row over the connection fee charge to the metro water works department. As a result, the district is totally dependent on ground water. Officials have identified 108 villages where the ground water level has gone to abysmal depths.
RWS officials also pointed out the mushrooming of mineral water plant units in the district. In addition to Nalgonda and RR districts, RWS officials said that Khammam district is also hit by high fluoride levels in water.
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