AGARTALA, Feb 4 (TIWN) : Water-borne diseases are high in Tripura due to abnormal High Iron in ground water level.

In fact, rainwater is much purer than the state's underground water but it needs sustained preservation.

The high iron content at groundwater level in the state was maximum and this cannot be neutralized even by filter. It poses many water born diseases. It is better to use water of ring wells.

Kadamtala area of North Tripura, Kailasahar in Unakoti district and Jirania in West Tripura district, arsenic had been traced in underground water but the level was not very high or dangerous.

The high arsenic level had been traced in underground water level in Sonamura subdivision bordering Bangladesh.

The experts also forecast a deepening water crisis in Tripura in the near future.

There has been a steady decline in rainfall, although last year the monsoon rain was normal. Besides, largescale deforestation as a result of allotment of forest land and rapid expansion of rubber cultivation beyond acceptable limits have been compounding the problems.

They pleaded for optimizing rubber cultivation and replantation of forest land to create congenial conditions for adequate rainfall. Specific and targeted measures have to be initiated to make annual rainfall normal. Otherwise, the state will be heading for disaster due to reduction in rainfall and resultant water crisis.