The spread of arsenic problem is multidimensional in nature. The different facets of the arsenic scenario like discovery of the affected regions, clinical manifestations in the affected population, as well as the different remediation approaches like dugwell, surface water, rain water harvesting, deep tubewell and arsenic removal systems are presented on basis of our eighteen years experience. This presentation touches upon medical aspects covering some unique cases along with general manifestations of arsenic toxicity, as revealed to our medical team during innumerous field trips. We have tried to bring out the acute suffering of the arsenic affected people from physical, psychological and socioeconomic viewpoint in all states in India lying in the GMB plain.

This study shows not only in drinking water, arsenic creeps into food chain; domestic animals are also found to be in danger in the affected regions. Continuous monitoring of water quality is another important factor since we have disturbing evidences of increase in arsenic concentration with time in some areas. The success of any remedial measure would be largely dependent on mass awareness along with people’s participation in combating the problem.

Reprinted from The School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India