For the last six decades the people of this area have been drinking water containing excess fluoride.

It has been causing them to suffer from arthritis, loss of teeth, and many abdominal problems. Many have also died.

Over 200-thousand people in more than 200 villages of the Khemkaran sector in Northen Punjab have been affected.

To get clean water the villagers have to dig 500 feet deep.

[Mahinder Singh, Village Head, Miyanwali]:
"The water in our villages is bad and the clean water should be made available in our villages. We are suffering from weak bones and joint pains. We have to dig deep to get clean water or else the only option is to boil the water.”

A doctor working at a government hospital says contaminated water is responsible for various diseases in the region.

[Dr. Mulakh Raj, Khamkarn Government Hospital]:
“The major diseases in this area are Hepatitis, Malaria and the gastroenteritis and the other water born diseases are caused by polluted water.”

People have been advised to boil water to avoid the harmful effects.