Malkangiri: Despite three tubewells and a mini water supply project, the hapless tribals of a remote village of this tribal-dominated district are leading an unsafe lifespan as toxic water has reportedly taken seven lives, both old and young, in the last one month while the superstitious villagers are still reposing faith on sorcery instead of medical treatment.
A glaring case in point is nondescript Santekguda village under Kalimela block.
Following the seven deaths, being attributed to unsafe water, the small village, inhabited with about 52 tribal families and a population of over 500 people, has been lanquishing in a state of panic and uncertainty.
Potable water still eludes them. There are three tubewells, but the water is unfit to drink. It has been ejecting red-coloured water. Left out with no other options, they are bound down to consume it and falling prey to several fatal diseases. The tribals are also compelled to consume the water from the nearby sources of stream and brooks.
Even though a mini water supply project at an estimated cost of Rs 2 lakh had been put into service three years back, it is of no avail now.
When any one falls sick due to consumption of such toxic water, the superstitious villagers prefer to be under the magic spell of witch doctor instead of medical treatment. It seems that they are still in dark in spite of massive awareness programmes being launched by the district administration.
Santekguda Ward Member said, “Owing to water problem, our people are dying. Within this month, seven persons have died including children and old persons.”
Another villager vented, “My nephew all of a sudden died after drinking the water in the night. He was only seven years old. He had no illness earlier.”