Nalgonda stares at public health crisis as skeletal fluorosis re-emerges

Cases detected during survey by Department of Medical and Health; concerns over groundwater contamination in region resurface

Hyderabad: Besides cases of dental fluorosis that were detected in Marriguda mandal of Nalgonda district recently, resurgence of skeletal fluorosis in a cluster of villages has also been confirmed.

A few skeletal fluorosis cases were identified during an intensive survey taken up by the Department of Medical and Health in selective pockets and it has signalled a potential public health issue, also reigniting concerns over water contamination issues in the region.

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The effective implementation of Mission Bhagiratha in recent times, after the programme had ensured freedom from the fluoride menace three years ago, is now under question.

Health staff had conducted over 34,800 door-to-door contacts to identify serious fluorosis symptoms, focusing on children and elderly population in the affected villages. While the number of skeletal fluorosis cases among the elderly is not large enough, the potential for a wider outbreak remains a pressing concern, said officials.

Water quality under scrutiny
The resurgence of both skeletal and dental fluorosis in villages with a history of fluoride contamination has prompted the district administration to re-evaluate the drinking water supply under Mission Bhagiratha, with effective implementation of the programme running into glitches of late.

With evidence pointing to water contamination as a contributing factor, ensuring safe and clean water for all residents is now a top priority. Health experts cautioned that while the immediate numbers may not be alarming, the possibility of a fluorosis relapse could have long-term implications. The collected data is currently under analysis, while the administration is gearing up to implement necessary measures to prevent further escalation.

The fight against fluorosis is far from over, but with concerted efforts and community cooperation, there is hope for a safer, healthier future, said Subash Kanchukatla, social activist who has been spearheading a sustained campaign to create awareness among rural masses on the fluoride problem.

The first fluorosis case in the district was detected at Bhatlapally village in Marriguda mandal back in 1945. Since then, excessive fluoride was found in the groundwater of 967 habitations in the former Nalgonda district, severely impacting the quality of life for three generations. After a long-drawn struggle, several measures were initiated addressing the gravity of the situation, with safe water through Mission Bhagiratha being the most crucial intervention.

In 2020, the BRS government announced that no new fluorosis cases had been detected in Telangana, and the Union Health Ministry also endorsed the claim in Parliament, attributing the success to Mission Bhagiratha. However, of late, the effective implementation of the programme has been under a shadow of doubt, with these cases now strengthening those doubts.