BHUBANESWAR: People in 16 districts are using groundwater containing excessive fluoride, said the Orissa Government yesterday adding that alternative arrangements are being made for the habitations facing the problem.

Districts like Nuapada, Angul, Balasore, Bargarh, Balangir, Cuttack, Boud, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Kalahandi , Khurda, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Phulbani and Puri are badly affected by the problems of fluoride water.

As per an assessment, 856 villages and 1612 habitations in particular have to make do with the water leading to flourosis.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who chaired a highlevel meeting to take stock of rural water supply in the State was informed of alternative steps being undertaken in these areas. Instead of groundwater, alternative source are being explored.

Nuapada being the most affected, Naveen was informed that a special action plan is being prepared for the district. Of the 317 habitations in Nuapada, pipewater supply is being made for 23 habitations.

Similarly, an alternative source of water is being explored for the rest 262 habitations.

Chief Minister called for special emphasis on supply of clean water to the gram panchayats. The State Government has taken up the task on warfooting and the GPs where pipewater supply is absent will be given priority.

Currently, the Government is working on 4,092 rural water supply projects, while 439 new projects have been taken up this year. All the works should be completed within a fixed time frame, Naveen ordered.