Assam: Excess fluoride in groundwater is causing bent limbs, body deformation

In the northeastern Indian state of Assam, a growing public health crisis linked to excessive fluoride in groundwater is causing severe physical deformities and mobility issues among residents. This issue has become increasingly alarming, especially in rural areas where access to clean water is limited. The story begins with the personal struggle of Amjad Hussain, a 21-year-old man from Tapatjuri village in the Nagaon district. Once unable to walk without assistance, Amjad now manages to move with the aid of a walking stick, thanks to a gradual improvement in his condition. His mother, Halima Khatun, attributes this change to the medical attention her sons received for skeletal fluorosis, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high-fluoride water.

Amjad’s experience is not unique. Social worker Dharani Saikia, who has documented cases of fluorosis in Assam for over two decades, reports that as of 2020, 13 districts in the state are affected. Fluorosis, a chronic condition resulting from the ingestion of excessive fluoride, leads to bone deformity, joint pain, and in severe cases, disability. Saikia highlights that in Tapatjuri, over 1,000 children have been diagnosed with the condition, while in Binakandi, 485 villages are severely impacted. Despite these alarming statistics, official data on the extent of contamination, the number of affected individuals, and the severity of symptoms has remained scarce since 2017–18, when initial surveys were last conducted.

Scientific research indicates that the primary source of fluoride contamination in Assam is geogenic—minerals such as fluorite present in the Precambrian rock formations of the region leach into groundwater. PhD scholar Nikita Neog explains that the WHO sets a safe limit for fluoride in drinking water at 1.5 mg per litre, but levels in some areas of Assam exceed this significantly. A 2021 study by Neog and colleagues found fluoride concentrations as high as 9 mg/l in certain regions, rendering the water unsafe for consumption. Natural water sources such as rivers and springs, however, tend to remain unaffected, offering a potential alternative for communities reliant on contaminated groundwater.

Local legislators, such as BJP member Jitu Goswami, have acknowledged the issue and attempted to address it by urging the Water Supply Department to investigate and provide safer alternatives. Yet, despite these efforts, progress has been slow. Goswami notes that while awareness campaigns have begun, the lack of reliable data hinders effective action. Moreover, the reliance on groundwater persists, as many villagers lack access to surface water sources or modern filtration systems.

Medical professionals emphasize that while early intervention with mineral supplements can alleviate symptoms, there is no known cure for fluorosis. Dr. Jutika Ojah, head of the Department of Community Medicine at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, underscores that managing the condition in children is possible but requires consistent treatment. She also highlights the importance of preventing future cases by ensuring access to safe drinking water.

Meanwhile, in a separate but related crisis, Assam and neighboring Arunachal Pradesh have experienced devastating flash floods due to relentless monsoon rains. Over 22,000 people have been affected across six districts, with Dhemaji being the hardest hit. Flooding has submerged 96 villages, damaged 1,690 hectares of farmland, and caused the partial collapse of a century-old railway bridge. The incident has disrupted transportation and prompted emergency response measures, including the deployment of rescue teams and the establishment of temporary shelters.

These dual crises—fluorosis and flooding—highlight the complex challenges faced by Assam’s rural populations. While the government has initiated relief efforts, both issues require sustained investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental protection to ensure the well-being of the state’s inhabitants. As the situation evolves, the need for comprehensive solutions becomes ever more urgent.