Bargarh: Due to the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the Hirakud Command Area, there has been an increase in crop production, but simultaneously, a rise in kidney-related diseases has been observed. Researchers have advised the Bargarh administration to promote the widespread use of RO (Reverse Osmosis) water systems to mitigate the impact.
Researchers from Sambalpur University informed the administration about the efforts being made to reduce the number of kidney disease cases. Areas like Orda, Manoharpali, Semelgudia, Mahulpali, Charpali, Salpali, M. Srigida, Jamutbahal, and Khairapali in Bheden and Bhattali blocks have reported a significant increase in kidney-related issues. This toxic nephropathy disease has become a growing concern in the Bargarh district.
Interestingly, Sri Lanka experienced a similar surge in kidney disease cases, but after extensive studies and promoting the use of RO water for drinking purposes, the disease rate decreased significantly. Following this, the researchers suggested implementing similar measures in Bargarh’s affected regions.
A research paper published by the Department of Environmental Science in the Indian Journal of Nephrology and the Journal of Nephrology highlighted the connection between kidney disease and environmental factors in Bargarh. A team of researchers met with the Bargarh District Collector and the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) to raise awareness about the issue.
The team included Sri Lankan Member of Parliament and former Health Minister Channa Jayasumana, who participated in discussions with the district administration. He shared insights from Sri Lanka, where the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides had contributed to the spread of toxic nephropathy.
Key Recommendations:
- Promote the use of RO water for drinking to reduce toxin intake.
- Extensive public awareness campaigns about the dangers of chemical exposure.
- Soil, water, and crop testing to identify contamination levels.
Researchers such as Dr. Ishwar Baitharu (Assistant Professor, Sambalpur University), Professor Pradeep Nayak, lab researchers Pralay Biswas, Ashish Sahu, and nephrology expert Dr. Saurabh Srishti conducted in-depth studies on affected kidney patients. Their research revealed that the number of kidney patients in Bargarh is 2% higher than the national average, identifying 17 villages as critical hotspots, including Atabira, Bijepur, Gaisilat, Badipali, Lachida, Lasatala, Budapali, Tala, Kushanpuri, and Talpadar.
Soil, drinking water, and rice samples from these areas showed the presence of harmful chemicals. Additionally, blood and urine tests of patients indicated residues of pesticides and heavy metals.
A seminar organized on January 29 at Sambalpur University was attended by Sri Lankan MP Jayasumana, who, being a nephrologist himself, reviewed the research findings and visited the affected areas in Bargarh.
During a high-level meeting at the Bargarh Circuit House, discussions were held with District Collector Aditya Goyal and CDMO Dr. Nirupama Sadhanagi. The meeting was also attended by MP Representative Sureshwar Satapathy and Atabira MLA Nihar Ranjan Mahananda, who assured that the state and central governments would be informed to take appropriate action.
District Collector Goyal confirmed that administrative measures would be taken, including extensive awareness campaigns involving the agriculture department and local farmers to address the issue effectively.
