Ranchi, Feb. 2: Arsenic content in water in Sahebganj district has grown to alarming proportion. A recent survey has disclosed that water in the district?s 29 villages alongside Ganges contains high quantity of the substance.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a maximum of 0.05 mg of arsenic per litre of water can be considered safe. But water in some of these villages contains more than 1 mg of arsenic per litre.

A survey in the villages conducted by an NGO, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), found that one person had died of cancer caused due to the consumption of arsenic-containing water and another was on the verge of dying. Besides, 963 patients were found suffering from other diseases caused by the arsenic contaminated water, out of which 28 were found in a critical condition.

Consumption of arsenic-containing water causes a disease called arsenicosis, where-in small boils appear on the body of the affected. Later, they could develop into gangrene, ulcer and even cancer.

According to the NBJK sources, lack of awareness about diseases caused by arsenic consumption is another reason why a number of people have been affected.

?In 2002, the state government had distributed 200 water filters in Dehri village. But now, you will find those filters being used as containers for grains,? the sources added.

In addition to that, the government has failed to take steps to ensure clean drinking water to the people even six years after it became public that the water in the villages contained high quantity of arsenic.

The state government had announced that it would make available 10 litres of water daily to every resident of the worst-affected Dehri village, but has failed to keep its words.

The district deputy development commissioner, Udit Narayan Sahu, pointed out that even the small-scale efforts previously taken up by the government have not been successful.

Drinking Water and Supply Department officials said they are analysing the arsenic content in groundwater in villages across the state.