The Odisha Government has a task of providing fluoride-free drinking water to nearly 1,000 villages spread over 16 districts. However, since Kalahandi and Nuapada are worst affected by fluoride contamination, these districts got immediate attention.
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has agreed to provide financial assistance for this mega project under its Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) scheme. A final announcement will be made after the NABARD officials meet the representatives from the Odisha Government on January 8.