Private RO units linked to resurgence of fluorosis in Telangana’s Nalgonda

These units, intended to provide clean drinking water, are reportedly supplying groundwater with high fluoride content, undermining the efforts of initiatives like Mission Bhagiratha

Hyderabad: The resurgence of fluorosis in several villages in Nalgonda district has been linked to the flourishing business of private Reverse Osmosis (RO) units. These units, intended to provide clean drinking water, are reportedly supplying groundwater with high fluoride content, undermining the efforts of initiatives like Mission Bhagiratha, which aims to provide safe drinking water to rural households.

Fluorosis, a condition caused by excessive fluoride intake, leads to dental and skeletal problems, including discoloured teeth and bone deformities. The issue has become particularly severe in regions where groundwater naturally contains high levels of fluoride.

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Local authorities are now calling for stricter regulations and monitoring of private RO units to ensure that they do not compromise the quality of drinking water. Residents are being encouraged to rely on the treated water provided by Mission Bhagiratha to avoid the health risks associated with fluorosis. But much damage was already done during the past one year.

Private water units are largely free from any form of administrative supervision. Political patronage has insulated these units from official controls, as they deliberately discourage use of Mission Bhagiratha water by the people in the villages. These units draw groundwater at places from depths exceeding 1,000 feet.

The problem is not limited to households but extends to welfare hostels and schools, including international and corporate schools. Before the State’s bifurcation, there were nearly 12,500 private mineral water units (RO units) in the erstwhile Nalgonda district. Many of these units were established as commercial ventures with little social concern and no knowledge of proper water purification and de-fluoridation processes. The situation has not improved, and there is a risk of further proliferation of such units.

Superstition and misinformation
Superstition and misinformation are the twin contributing factors to the issue. Residents of Guvvalagutta Tanda in the Deverakonda area believe that the Krishna River water is contaminated with industrial pollutants from upstream towns and districts, making it unfit for consumption. This belief has persisted since the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy on September 2, 2009.

The crash site, Pavurala Gutta in the Rudrakonda Hills of the Nallamala Range, is part of the Krishna River catchment area. Despite thousands of TMCs of water flowing down the river since then, the villagers’ impression of Krishna water remains unchanged. Consequently, they rely mainly on groundwater and are exposed to multiple health hazards.

Every household reportedly has at least one or two individuals suffering from chronic health issues, with kidney-related problems being common. Many residents seek treatment in Guntur or Macherla for kidney operations.

Ensuring the quality of drinking water and promoting the use of Mission Bhagiratha’s treated water are crucial steps for addressing this public health concern, says Subash Kanchukatla, water conservation activist who is in the frontlines of the fight against the evil of fluorosis in the region. He highlighted that efforts to combat superstition and misinformation about water sources were also necessary to protect the health and well-being of the villagers.