India’s Groundwater Pollution Crisis
India’s groundwater, a vital resource for drinking and irrigation, faces a severe pollution crisis. The 2024 Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) report reveals widespread contamination by nitrates, fluoride, arsenic, uranium, and heavy metals. This invisible threat endangers millions, especially in rural areas dependent on groundwater. The crisis results from over-extraction, industrial discharge, and weak regulatory enforcement.
Groundwater Dependency in India
Over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation water in India come from groundwater. Despite abundant rivers and monsoons, underground water remains the mainstay for domestic and agricultural use. This reliance makes groundwater quality critical for health and food security.
Extent and Types of Contamination
More than 20% of groundwater samples show nitrate contamination, mainly due to excessive chemical fertiliser use and poor sanitation. Fluoride contamination affects over 9% of samples, causing dental and skeletal fluorosis in states like Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Arsenic pollution, especially in Punjab and Bihar, far exceeds WHO limits and increases cancer risks. Uranium and iron contamination also pose serious health threats. Heavy metals from industrial waste contribute to neurological and developmental disorders.
Health Impacts of Contaminated Groundwater
Fluoride exposure leads to skeletal deformities and stunted growth in millions. Arsenic causes skin lesions, cancers, and respiratory issues. Nitrate contamination results in blue baby syndrome and rising hospital admissions for nitrate toxicity. Uranium exposure risks chronic kidney damage. Heavy metals cause anaemia, immune disorders, and neurological damage. Waterborne diseases like cholera and hepatitis emerge from sewage-contaminated groundwater.
Case Studies of Groundwater Pollution
In Budhpur, Uttar Pradesh, toxic industrial discharges caused 13 deaths from kidney failure. Petroleum-like fluids appeared in handpumps in Jalaun. Paikarapur in Bhubaneswar witnessed mass illness from sewage seepage. Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, recorded arsenic levels 20 times above safe limits, linked to thousands of cancer cases. These incidents show systemic failures in pollution control and monitoring.
Regulatory and Institutional Challenges
India’s groundwater governance is fragmented. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, inadequately addresses groundwater. The CGWB lacks regulatory power. State Pollution Control Boards are under-resourced. Coordination between agencies such as CGWB, CPCB, SPCBs, and the Ministry of Jal Shakti is weak. Monitoring is infrequent and data is not publicly accessible. Over-extraction exacerbates contamination by lowering water tables and concentrating toxins.
Strategies for Mitigation and Reform
A National Groundwater Pollution Control Framework is needed to empower CGWB and clarify agency roles. Modern monitoring technologies like real-time sensors and remote sensing must be adopted. Water quality data should link with health surveillance for early warnings. Community-level arsenic and fluoride removal systems should expand. Urban and industrial waste must follow strict Zero Liquid Discharge norms. Agrochemical use requires regulation and promotion of organic farming. Local governance and citizen participation must be strengthened for effective groundwater management.
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