Dhenkanal: Contaminated water seems to have taken a toll on the villagers of Bhaliatilla in Kamakhyanagar of the district as 15 people have allegedly died within 3 years due to kidney-related ailments.
Locals alleged that the health condition of many villagers has deteriorated over a period of time by consuming iron particles containing water from the tubewell in the village.
They have also alleged that 30 more people of the village are currently affected with such kidney ailments.
"I have been suffering from kidney related disease for the last 4 years that's why I have to visit Cuttack Medical College and Hospital once in every 2 to 3 months," a local Chandramani Parida said.
Another resident Bikramaditya Panda said, "Many of us are suffering from kidney-related disease as we are forced to drink the polluted water from the tubewell. Government has set up an overhead tank but there is no supply of water yet.”
Responding to the allegations, Kamkhyanagar Block Development Officer (BDO) Jyoti Shankar Sahu said that the concerned department is trying to extend the water supply project in the area and the water from the tubewell will also be treated.
"We already have a water supply project in that area but there is a need to extend it to other areas. The junior engineer has been informed regarding this and the issue will be resolved soon," Sahu added.