Free Filters for Arsenic-Contaminated Water in Uttar Pradesh

On the occasion of World Water Day, 22nd March 2011, Believers Church Gorakhpur distributed BioSand water filters free of cost in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. Village leaders, a local lawyer and people from surrounding villages gathered at Indira Gandhi Junior High School for the distribution. Mr. Ratnakar Mishra (sub-district magistrate in Ballia) and Mr. Sanatan Pandey (MLA) were special guests.

Rev. Fr. Martin (Vicar General of Gorakhpur) gave a welcome speech, speaking of the use and benefits of BioSand water filters. After this, the honorable sub-district magistrate was invited for the keynote address.

In his speech, he applauded Believers Church for its active involvement in building the nation through various social and development projects. He also raised awareness about the importance of sustainable drinking water and the hazards of waterborne diseases.

The magistrate explained, “It is known to everybody that this area—especially Ballia—suffers from a high contamination of fluoride and arsenic concentrations in the water, and it is not at all good enough to drink. Believers Church is doing significant work to provide good drinking water and distribute water filters.”

Subsequently, Mr. Sanatan Pandey (MLA) highlighted the poverty of India and its poor public health. He was very thankful to Believers Church for sacrificially carrying out humanitarian projects and providing villagers with good water facilities so that the poor will have good health and better living conditions.

The local people expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Believers Church for addressing their needs and showing concern for them. The water filters distributed among the community now provide safe drinking water and health protection to many.

BioSand water filters are proving to be an effective means of purifying water in slums and villages across India and the surrounding nations.