Fluoride-Free Safe Drinking Water Project Inaugurated in Balasore for the First Time
* Dedicated to the students of Baharda Nodal School
Balasore, February 5 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): A fluoride-free safe drinking water supply project was inaugurated on Wednesday morning at the premises of Baharda Nodal School in Remuna, Balasore, marking the first such initiative in the district. The project has been dedicated exclusively to the school’s students.
The project was inaugurated by Govinda Chandra Das, Deputy Chief Whip of the Odisha Government and MLA of Remuna. It has been established through the joint collaboration of Shakuntala Rheumatology Hospital and Research Institute, Sahadevkhunta; the Indo-Swedish Rheumatology Foundation; and HVR, Sweden.
Speaking as the chief guest, Sanjay Kumar Das, President of BCIC, appreciated the initiative and assured continued support for similar welfare efforts. Among other guests, Ershad Ullah Khan, Project Officer of HVI, and Bubai Bhattacharya, Technician, appealed to local residents to actively participate in sustaining and expanding the project.
Dr Rabinarayan Dash, Chief Doctor of Shakuntala Rheumatology Hospital and Research Institute, addressed the gathering in a clear and engaging manner, highlighting the health risks of fluoride-contaminated water and the importance of preventive care. Local Sarpanch Bidyasmita Mahalick sought cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the long-term success of the project.
The programme was conducted by artist Keshu Das, while Er Saurabh Kumar Behera, who played a key role in making the project successful, delivered the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by local villagers, Rotary Club of Balasore President Debashish Das along with its members, NOCCi Executive Director Kamalakanta Muduli, HR Head of TPNODL Ranjan Sharma, President of 'Banadhulira Phula' Bijay Kumar Acharya, RDF Head Harishchandra Raj, Prabhakar Das, Gadadhar Pradhan, and several social workers and representatives of various organisations.
