Odisha Water Crisis: 90 Wells Sealed After Reports of 100 Deaths in a Decade - What Tests Revealed

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shocking drinking water contamination crisis has surfaced in Palatpur Panchayat under Dasarathpur block of Jajpur district, Odisha, where toxic water is allegedly linked to more than 100 deaths over the last 10 years due to cancer and kidney-related diseases. Officials said at least 12 patients are currently undergoing treatment, raising serious concerns about rural water safety.Following media reports, the district and state administration launched an investigation. The Drinking Water Supply Department collected samples from 827 private and government tube wells in the panchayat. Out of these, 160 samples were tested at the central laboratory in Bhubaneswar, and the results revealed alarming contamination.

What Did The Results Reveal?

According to officials, water from 90 tube wells contained hazardous chemical substances, including lead, cadmium, arsenic, manganese, and iron. These toxic elements are known to cause life-threatening diseases such as cancer, kidney disorders, and jaundice.In response, the administration has sealed all 90 contaminated tube wells to prevent further usage. Local Sarpanch Lipika Mallik has urged authorities to arrange an immediate piped supply of clean drinking water to safeguard residents. The incident highlights a growing public health emergency in rural Odisha.Also Read: Contaminated Water Claims Another Life As Death Toll Mounts to 32; Here’s How Dirty Water Turns Fatal

What Officials Said?

Lab assistant Dilip Kumar of RWSS said, we are collecting the samples of the water till yesterday, we have collected 71 samples. All these samples will be sent to the state head laboratory for testing.Additional Chef Engineer, Cuttack circle said, as per the complain the samples of water which we have tested and found some heavy metals like manganese, which are the cause of such contamination and spread of various diseases. The maximum water source of the village is contaminated. So we have advised the villagers not to use the water for cooking or drinking purposes.Jajpur CDMO Biranchi Narayan Barik said, after getting the information, our local team has been to the village repeatedly. Samples are collected and also sent for testing, and the matter is under investigation. My district team will be moving to the village soon.

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'Water Has Turned Curses For Us'

A local named Bharat Parida said, the water has turned cursed for us due to this contaminated water. More than a hundred lives have been lost in the past 10 years. At present, around 20 villagers are badly ill and under treatment. Maximum numbers of deaths reported are due to cancer and kidney disease, and this tragic water tragedy has turned into a curse for us.