KUSHTIA, May 4: About seven and a half lakh people of six thanas of the district have been suffering from various diseases including Intestinal ones due to existence of excessive iron In drinking water

A survey report of Unicef Department revealed that there are about 2 miligram iron in one litre of water in the district while medical sources said only one mg iron is enough in one liter of water for drinking purpose.

The survey report also apprehended that more people will be affected if proper measures were not taken immediately. It is also reported that pipe line in poura area are often found leakage and as result water is contaminated and become unfit for consumption. Local doctors said that majority of the patients coming at their chambers suffer from dysentery and other intestinal diseases due to presence of bacteria and excessive iron.

Local leaders demanded of the Public Health Department to set up iron removing plants in the district for safe drinking water.