A kidney disease outbreak has alarmed residents of Patrapali village under Loisingha block in Bolangir district, where 20 people have died, and 12 others are undergoing treatment.
Villagers blame contaminated water from local tube wells containing high fluoride levels for the deaths. They said the lack of safe drinking water forced them to consume the same water, leading to widespread illness. The village, home to around 500 people from 100 tribal families, has no functional solar water system, and the nearby Gadhua Bandh water source has become unusable.
Following complaints during a public hearing on March 30, the district administration conducted a health camp on April 2 and collected blood samples from residents. Officials are preparing for a mega health camp to assess the situation further. Reports suggest the test results revealed alarming fluoride contamination.
Patrapali falls within the constituency of Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling, yet villagers allege neglect despite repeated appeals. Local leaders Satyanarayan Bhoi and Brajmohan Bisoi visited the village and urged immediate intervention from the district administration to restore a safe water supply and medical support.
