High fluoride levels in water fuels health challenge in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj

BARIPADA: A latest report by the Central Groundwater Board has pointed at high levels of fluoride contamination in several blocks of Mayurbhanj district and has put the focus back on spurt of illness linked to it.

According to the report, fluoride levels in some areas have reached as high as 20.3 mg per litre, significantly higher than the permissible limit.

Kaptipada block is the worst affected with extremely high contamination level of 20.3 mg per litre, followed by Thakurmunda block where it ranged from 5 mg to 15 mg per litre. Raruan block recorded contamination levels between 4 mg and 12 mg per litre, while Baripada block and its adjoining areas showed moderate levels between 2.5 mg and 8 mg per litre.