National news: Dudh Pania, a small village in Munger district of Bihar, lies in the middle of trappy forests and greenery. From outside, it looks peaceful and happy by nature. But overdue this eyeful lies a painful truth. Most villagers rarely live vastitude 40 years of age. The illness begins with pain in the legs, then spreads to the back, and slowly destroys the body. Even without treatment in big hospitals, patients do not recover. This has turned life in the village into daily fear and suffering.
Vinod’s Long Struggle With Illness
At 56, Vinod Besra is the oldest in the village. Since 2019, he has been bedridden. He says his soul is shutting down. Despite treatment in Patna, he saw no improvement. Vinod’s wife and children are moreover showing symptoms. His daughter Lalita, only 27, once looks old and weak. His wife and son are moreover falling into the same illness.
Many Villagers Left Crippled
Currently, six villagers including Vinod, Kamlesh, Durga, Rekha Devi, and Surya Narayan cannot walk properly. Most are between 45 and 55 years. Virtually 25 people now need walking sticks. Villagers say the disease usually begins at 30. Pain starts in the legs, then the soul becomes paralyzed. In the last year, six villagers died from this mysterious condition.
Water Supply Under Suspicion
Locals believe the problem started without piped water was introduced. Earlier, they drank water from natural springs and wells. Now, the quality of supplied water is unimaginable and dangerous.Local objector Sanjay Kumar said the problem has been rising for 15 years. Despite repeated complaints, no solution has come. The government and doctors remain silent on the issue.
Every home in Dudh Pania has patients. Children grow up seeing illness virtually them. Young people fear they will not survive long. Hope is fading, and despair is spreading.
