Inam Ahmed v. Union of India and Ors. [W.P.(PIL) No.

3204 of
2015], Hon’ble High Court of Jharkhand
Synopsis
Inam Ahmed v. Union of India and Ors. Stated that State of
Jharkhand has high fluoride content in water, which is highly
harmful for human subsistence. Miniscule quantities (less than 1.0
mg per litre, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)
of fluoride in drinking water are safe for human consumption.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is substantiated by fact finding
conducted by the petitioner along with some Health Activists in
the year 2014 and visited the Bodra village (total population is
about 12,255 persons) to assess the situation, where he interviews
many of the fluoride victims.
For a direction to the respondent authorities to implement the
National Rural Drinking Water Programme and the Rural Water
Supply and Sanitation Project to ensure the right to safe drinking
water for the residents of Bodra village.
For a direction to provide water supply by tankers to the village
which would provide an alternative to the villagers.
For a direction to the respondents to arrange medical camps by
CMO level doctors to identify the villagers suffering from
ailments and to address their treatment needs, also they should be
provided with compensation and issuance of disability certificate.
For immediate provisions of ORS packets and supplemental
nutrition for children, elderly people, pregnant women, lactating
women and adolescents especially vulnerable groups.
Status
Notices issued to respondent nos. 1 to 4 and directed to file reply
within four weeks. The state had filed reply in which it is stated
that to provide safe drinking water to the people of Bodra and
adjoining villages a detailed project report for the project cost of
Rs. 1122.54 lakh for pipe water supply has been prepared for
construction of Intake Well in Gerua river, pump house, water
treatment plant, elevated service reservoirs and rising and
distribution pipe line etc. during the month of July,2016. The same
has been sanctioned vide letter no. 702(CDO) dated 27.08.2016
and accordingly e-tender has been done. The total population
benefited will be about 12,255 souls. It is also stated that in the
meantime, four numbers of hand pumps out of 12 nos. in Bodra
village have been fitted with Fluoride Removal Attachment Plants,
and all of them are functioning very satisfactorily.
The case was taken up by the Court and it was ordered to install
the Fluoride Removal Equipments in rest of the hand pumps and
thereafter, the concerned respondent authority has filed affidavit in
that regard that Fluoride Removal Equipments has been installed
in rest of the hand pumps.
After filing affidavit by the concerned authority as stated above,
the PIL is disposed of. It is expected by the Hon’ble Court that the
steps initiated by the Government, as stated in the counter
affidavit, shall be completed within time bound schedule.