WATER SHORTAGE IN INDIA AND DISEASES CAUSED

Water scarcity in India is widespread in all states. Even in states like Karnataka where we are proud to say that infrastructure is the best, there is water shortage affecting the school children also. Around 65% of primary schools lack basic drinking water facilities. The toilets are found in neglected condition in 75% of the schools. Though Rs350cr have been allotted for the improvement, lack of good implementation programs in a scheduled manner has not given good results. Meals are provided to several lakhs of children but due to lack of tap water supply, they are not up to the mark.

As the water drawn from the well, rivers, and ponds are not adequately hygienic, water borne diseases like Hepatitis B have sprung up. Rotary club and Lions club have come forward to arrange camps in various parts of India to combat this. At free of cost they give medicines, injection and medical advice in places like Neyveli Township.

The common attacks due to the ill conditioned water in India are Hepatitis A, B, C and E viruses. Around 3% in India fall a prey to Hepatitis B. Around 2% are affected by Hepatitis C virus which attacks the bones. From these persons it is spread to various regions monstrously in India says the experts. A common man in India cannot bear the expenses for Hepatitis C treatment. So the philanthropists and service minded organizations like Lions club, Rotary club render their helping hands throughout India.

Since proper treatment is not given to water before it enters the kitchen, hotels, hospitals and schools, many in Chennai are affected due to Hepatitis E, treacherous water borne virus. In some schools like Christian college school in Chetput, Chennai, they conduct visual education classes to teach the various ways in which water gets contaminated.

In Tamil nadu, an area called Nellikuppum, sugarcane is grown in abundance and a, sugar factory engages many thousands round the clock. In this area more than 50 were recently attacked due to impure water resulting in

Water gets contaminated. In Tamil nadu in a place called Nellikuppam sugar cane is grown abundantly and a huge sugar factory is also located. In this more than 50 were reported attacked by dysentery, vomiting etc. They suspected it to aftermaths of Tsunami and contamination of ground water. Though the health authorities assured the public that all care were taken to monitor the water contamination, the agitation shot up as more and more were admitted in government health centers and hospitals. The people suspected that municipal authorities have failed to clear the garbage, human and animal wastes in many areas of Cuddalore which had caused this calamity. More than 3 persons died due to acute cholera type of amoebasis.

To fight all waterborne diseases in Tamilnadu, 20 panchayat unions have conducted medical camps in Tiruvannamalai district. ECG, blood, urine, were conducted for one and all. Immediate actions were taken to curb any virus attacks.

The statistics also says that 609500 children die from poor hygiene in India which is the highest in the world. This poor hygiene emanates TB, cholera, filaria, cancer etc. in India.

In Kerala a few medical practitioners and patients are reported dead due to virus in water. The National Virology Institute, Pune had taken steps to analyze the situation. The incidence had also disturbed the political leaders in Trissur, Alapuzha and Kasaragod where pollution had taken place. Hepatitis A was found and spread heavily in Trissur district. A woman was also reported dead due to attack of jaundice. Kerala is famous for ayurveda treatment. Kottakal Ayurveda Salai has branches all over India. They have very effective medicines for all water borne diseases. They have no side effects and many VIPs including the former Prime Minister prefer this simple treatment given in Kerala.

In most the cases, ground water is found over drawn by industries manufacturing artificial drinks like Kali cola, Fruitnik, Frooti, Goldspot etc. The govt. has issued several notices to such companies, but still they continue doing it to spoil the water beds. So the govt. has introduced a device which will stop the flow of water pumped out by electric motors in rural areas.

Works on infiltration wells in Palar River has helped the people in Vellore, Tamil Nadu to get additional supply of drinking water. Along with various states, Chennai city is drastically affected by good water supply. The reservoirs built long back are unable to meet the demands of rising population. The residents mainly depend upon water tankers which supply 4000 trips/day. The reservoir level is very low to meet the demands of 60 lakhs in Chennai. Only selected areas get alternate day supply of water around 600 million liters. This water will be yellow in color and sometimes brown fully revealing the contamination in it. Hence all 60 lakhs residents go after mineral water only. This is a zooming industry due to water scarcity everywhere.

S. CHAKARAPANI, India
AGE:56
chakrapani.s@nlcindia.com
Freelance Journalist