Thousands of people
across the state have been condemned to drink groundwater with naturally high
quantities of arsenic and fluoride that can have serious repercussions on their
health, according to the central government. However, the Gujarat government
has turned a blind eye to the concerns raised by the Centre asserting that not
a single case of fluorosis and arsenicosis has been reported from the state. To
top it all, a sanctioned sum of over Rs 150 crore by the Union government meant
for ‘arsenic and fluoride-affected habitations’ remains unused.
Government and
private hospitals have maintained that they have been steadily receiving
patients with ailments caused by arsenic and fluoride, but the state continues
to maintain an ostrich-like approach to the grave situation.
