India, Dec. 1 -- Children with stained teeth, women bent double, men crippled - this is the harsh reality for several village residents in Budhikhamari panchayat of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, where high fluoride levels in drinking water are causing severe health issues and relentless pain.

Water testing by the INREM Foundation in hamlets of this panchayat, including two government schools (primary and upper primary) and an anganwadi (early care centre for kids in 0-6 years age group), has found fluoride levels up to eight times above the acceptable limit.

Residents, including schoolchildren, who rely on hand pumps (groundwater) for drinking water, are exhibiting clear symptoms of dental and skeletal fluorosis. Some patients have becom...