By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi, Member of Parliament from Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency, has expressed deep concern over the alarming incidence of kidney disease in Kalipalli Panchayat of Ganjam district. He has written a letter to Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi to immediately intervene in this sensitive issue and constitute an independent inquiry committee.
The disease, which has spread to Kalipalli, Badaputi and Haripur and its surrounding areas, has claimed many lives. According to the local people and representatives, the main reason for this could be the waste and water pollution from the nearby Indian Rare Earths (IREL) plant. Despite repeated representations to various government forums, no concrete steps have been taken so far.
Commenting on the matter, Dr. Panigrahi said, “The health and lives of the people of Kalipalli are paramount. This is a serious public health issue. I have requested the Chief Minister to constitute a high-level inquiry committee comprising specialized medical experts and environmentalists. Our priority is to find out the truth and provide proper assistance and clean drinking water to the affected families.”
The MP has made the following demands to the state government:
Impartial Investigation: Investigation by a special expert committee to determine the true cause of the disease.Health Checkup: Door-to-door health checkup and immediate treatment for all villagers.Safe Water Supply: Implementation of pollution-free drinking water projects and financial assistance to affected families.Dr. Panigrahi has expressed that he will continue his relentless struggle at the government level until a permanent solution is found to this problem.
