Affiliations: [a] Department of Economics, Central University of Orissa, Landiguda, Dist. Koraput, Odisha, India | [b] Department of Economics, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, India | [c] School of HSS&M, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Abstract: The present study has made an attempt to investigate and estimate the relationship of water quality and health of the inhabitants living in the iron-ore mining region of Odisha. For this, the study has used a comparative analysis (with and without mining) and techniques like t-test, Principal Component Analysis and Regression analysis. It has been found that mining activities have deteriorated the water quality (both surface and ground water) in the region. Even the occurrence of water-borne diseases is positively and significantly related to water parameter index for water-borne disease in the mining region. Similarly, number of persons suffering from skin diseases is positively and significantly related to water parameter index for skin disease also. Therefore, a mechanism should be developed that will ensure mining to be environmentally acceptable by the local community.
Keywords: Disease, environment, health, mining, water parameter index
