Sambalpur: Burla Residents Face Contaminated Water Supply; State Report Shows High Lead Levels
Sambalpur: The residents of Burla are receiving contaminated drinking water. This is not just an assumption; a report from the State Drinking Water Laboratory (RWSS) in Bhubaneswar confirms it. Despite being home to the famous Hirakud Dam, the public health department has failed to supply clean drinking water to the residents.
Water Sample Collection and Findings
On October 18, 2024, officials collected a water sample from the pipeline supplying the Bhimsar senior resident hostel, ‘Dadhichi’. The sample, taken in a one-liter container, was sent to the Bhubaneswar laboratory for testing. Ideally, the lead content in drinking water should range from 6.5 to 8.5, with 10 being the maximum safe limit. However, the test report showed that the lead content in this sample was 55.127, which is hazardous for residents.
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Health Risks of High Lead Levels
Experts have warned that high levels of lead can be very dangerous. In children, it can lead to mental health issues, stunted growth, and anemia. For adults, excessive lead can cause constipation, joint pain, anemia, kidney disease, and mental disorders.
Call for Immediate Action
Community members and intellectuals are urging the district administration to take immediate action to ensure that Burla receives lead-free, clean drinking water.
