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Polluted canal water in Ganganagar causes cancer, med issues in locals

JAIPUR: Seated on his small bed in a relatively dark room devoid of sunlight, Rafique Mohammed of Mirjewala village in Ganganagar says he has been recently cured of throat cancer . But, he rues the fact that the polluted water released from Ganga canal, fed from the Sutlej River near Firozpur in Punjab, has turned hazardous for the entire village.



“I have got my three chemotherapies done in Bikaner for throat cancer. The treatment is almost over. The cancer was detected in the first stage. Now, I am feeling better. My father also suffered from cancer,” said Rafique, who is in his mid-70s.

“Many villagers have been inflicted with cancer in Mirzewala due the polluted water,” he added, who runs a stationery shop in the village.

About 16 kilometres away, the villagers of Sadhuwali village in Ganganagar, located close to Ganga canal, believe that due to contaminated water released from the fertiliser plants in Punjab, the average life expectancy of the villagers has gone down to 60 years. “We get very dirty and poisonous water from the canal. This is not suitable for drinking. We have to drink the contaminated water by boiling and filtering as it is full of chemicals and other substances. People suffer from joint pains, digestion problems and dental issues. Earlier, the villagers didn’t suffer from so many diseases. Now, every second person is sick. The water is totally black. Carcasses of animals and feathers of birds are often found in the canal,” said a farmer Harvinder Singh.

“The average life expectancy of people has also decreased over the years. Nowadays, 60 years is the average life expectancy. You won’t find old people in the village. Just imagine what will happen to the kids? Their immune system won’t work like ours. Our generation is surviving up to 60 because in our early age, we ate healthy food,” he added.

Mahajan Singh, a gram panchayat member of Ward No. 6 in Sadhuwali village, said, “We have complained to the collector and the state government several times about the water, but nothing really happens. Last year, body of a young boy, who committed suicide in Bazidpur, Punjab was found in Sadhuwali village. There are filters in place, but they are faulty. Alum, used to purify water, is also being sold in black.” Collector Ganganagar N Shivprasad Madan, meanwhile, admitted that when the canal is reopened after a temporary shut down every year, the stagnant or the polluted water in Punjab flows to Rajasthan. “For at least 15 days, the water remains dirty. So, we don't store that water and let it flow. We treat the water for drinking after 10 to 15 days by storing it. This is true that we face problems of polluted water every year. We have also asked the authorities in Punjab to take appropriate action.”

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