Malwa region of Punjab is facing a serious health crisis these days. The condition of many villages in Bathinda district has become such that they are now being called ‘villages of widows’.
Cancer has wreaked such havoc here that the number of men in many houses is very less and many streets are known as ‘Widows’ Lane’.
Punjab’s infamous ‘Cancer Belt’
This problem is not limited only to Jajjal village, but villages like Rama Mandi, Chatthewala and Giana are also affected by it. All these areas are considered part of the infamous ‘Cancer Belt’ of Punjab.
Thousands of deaths, patients in every house
According to local reports, thousands of people have died of cancer in these villages in the last two decades. The situation is that almost every house has one or more cancer patients.
Contaminated water became the biggest reason
According to experts, the biggest reason behind this serious situation is the polluted water here. Hazardous elements like arsenic, selenium and uranium have been found in high levels in the water. Apart from this, soil and crops have also become poisonous due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Industrial pollution increased the problem
The waste coming from the refinery plant present in the area is also harming the environment. Along with this, consumption of tobacco, beedi, cigarette and alcohol has further increased the risk of cancer.
Government and health facilities
However, considering the situation, the government has improved health facilities. Now many cancer hospitals are running in Bathinda, among which AIIMS Bathinda is the prominent one. A large number of patients are coming here every day for treatment. Financial assistance is also being provided to the patients under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
need for awareness and control
Experts believe that to root out the problem, availability of clean water, control of pesticides and awareness among people are very important. At present, there has been relief due to increase in treatment facilities, but this crisis is not completely over yet.