Surviving on contaminated water, Orissa villagers hit by cholera

Rayagada (Orissa), Sep.11 (ANI): Villagers in Orissa's Rayagada district have come under the grip of cholera, as their region lacks a safe and hygienic source of drinking water.

These villagers are very poor and helpless. They are compelled to take drinking water from river and ponds for their daily life.

As the water is contaminated, the water-borne disease is spreading rapidly in the district and has affected many people.

"We don't have any source of safe drinking water. We don't have any bore-well water, hence we have to depend on dirty rivers and pond water, and due to this unhygienic water we are falling ill," said Paranga Majhi, a local.

Meanwhile, State Health Department claims to have already started undertaking measures to counter the cholera outbreak.

"Government is taking all steps possible and a team of doctors has been dispersed. Paramedical team has also been dispersed from outside the district. Senior health officers of the health department have also been deployed there and are making all sets of arrangements to see that all patients areas (have) been given proper treatment and timely treatment," said Prasanna Acharaya, the State Health Minister.

Areas like Bissam Cuttak, Kasipur, Kalyasinghpur, Gudari, Jaganathpura and Jameidipur in the Rayagad district have been hit by Cholera.

Till now Cholera has taken lives of almost 87 people in Orissa. By Sarada Lahangir (ANI)