INTERPRETATION OF ARSENIC CONTAMINATION IN GROUND WATER BY THE FARMERS: THE PERCEPTION AND IMPACT

Arsenic contamination is one of the serious concerns for public health aspect throughout the world. Sometimes arsenic affected people may not be severely impaired but society may point them as Dangerous or poisonous ones. Study on this topic was carried out at Nonaghata-uttarpara village of the Haringhata block of Nadia district in West Bengal taking 70 respondents randomly. Variables like age, cropping intensity, source of irrigation, communication variables are taken for collection of reliable data. The present study well identified some of the important factors (age, education, cropping intensity, communication exposures, homestead land) to study the perception of individuals regarding arsenic contamination. Special education/training programs are much needed for sufferers with lower income and education status in order to improve perception about consequences of chronic arsenic contamination; this will be an important element for abating the ever increasing social crisis