NGT survey reveals dreaded diseases in Uttar Pradesh villages on banks of Hindon river

Shamli: In a survey directed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), 1,311 people of 31 villages in Shamli located on the banks of the Hindon river (a tributary of Yamuna that passes through the west UP districts) were found to be suffering from dreaded diseases like cancer, skin, respiratory and liver-related problems, etc.

Dr Vinay Kumar, district malaria officer, said, "Following the directions by the NGT, the health department set up camps in the first week of January in 31 villages, in which 1,311 villagers were diagnosed with these diseases. Now a report has been formulated and sent to the UP health department."

Notably, the tributaries, including Kali, Krishna, etc are some of the most contaminated rivers that have been causing havoc in the lives of villagers. In Baghpat and Meerut, too, several villagers suffer from similar health issues. The basic reason behind the health hazard is that the groundwater, which is consumed by the residents, has been contaminated.

In fact, 21 villages in Shamli were even supplied with fresh water for which Rs 43 crores were spent. An overhead tank, solar power run water pumps, etc were installed. According to officials, 198 people with respiratory diseases, 88 with liver problems, 37 with cancer, 34 with abdominal issues, 69 with skin diseases and 885 with other health issues have been found in the survey conducted by NGT.

"The health department took into account only those patients who are already suffering from diseases. Doctors diagnosed them and sent the reports to the health department," said Dr Kumar.