03-January-2025-Special-Article

GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION IN INDIA

Groundwater contamination is a pressing environmental and public health issue in India, as highlighted by recent findings from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). Rising levels of chemical pollutants, particularly nitrates, pose significant risks to human health, agriculture, and the environment.

Key Findings of the CGWB Report

Increase in Nitrate Contamination

• As of 2023, 440 districts reported nitrate levels above the permissible limit, a sharp rise from 359 districts in 2017.
• Over half (56%) of India’s districts recorded nitrate concentrations exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg per litre.

Regional Hotspots

• Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), and Tamil Nadu (37%) reported the highest levels of nitrate contamination.
• States like Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are also experiencing significant nitrate pollution, with growing concerns in central and southern regions.

Seasonal Variation

• Nitrate levels increase after the monsoon, with 32.66% of samples exceeding safe limits during the rainy season compared to 30.77% pre-monsoon.

Other Contaminants

• Fluoride remains a significant issue in Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Uranium contamination is prevalent in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, especially in overexploited groundwater zones.

Groundwater Extraction

• Nationwide, 60.4% of groundwater is extracted annually, a rate unchanged since 2009.
• Encouragingly, the percentage of blocks classified as ‘safe’ has improved to 73% in 2023, up from 67.4% in 2022.

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)

The CGWB, established in 1970, functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to manage, monitor, and regulate India’s groundwater resources.

Initially formed by renaming the Exploratory Tube Wells Organization, it merged with the Geological Survey of India’s Ground Water Wing in 1972.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts groundwater exploration, quality assessments, and monitoring.
• Implements artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting projects.
• Publishes hydrogeological reports, groundwater yearbooks, and atlases.

Regulatory Role

• The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), established under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, ensures sustainable groundwater development.

Sources of Groundwater Contamination

• Agricultural Practices: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides leads to nitrate and phosphate leaching into groundwater. Improper irrigation practices and over-extraction worsen the problem.
• Storage Tanks: Corroded underground tanks may leak chemicals, gasoline, or oil into the soil and groundwater.
• Hazardous Waste Sites: Leaking materials from abandoned or poorly managed waste sites contaminate groundwater.
• Landfills: Damaged protective layers in landfills allow contaminants to seep into the groundwater.
• Septic Systems: Poorly maintained septic systems can release waste and harmful chemicals into the groundwater.
• Atmospheric Pollutants and Deforestation: Atmospheric contaminants and deforestation disrupt natural soil filtration, increasing runoff and pollutant entry into groundwater.

Implications of Groundwater Contamination

Health Risks

• Contaminants like nitrates, fluoride, and heavy metals cause waterborne diseases.
• Excess nitrate consumption can lead to methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” in infants.

Impact on Food Production

• Polluted groundwater used for irrigation leads to toxic substances accumulating in crops, affecting food safety and human health.

Environmental Damage

• Nitrate pollution disrupts ecosystems, affecting aquatic and plant life.
• Contaminated groundwater causes soil salinization and affects land productivity.

Economic Costs

• Treating contaminated water increases costs for communities and governments.
• Chronic contamination reduces freshwater availability, leading to water shortages and socio-economic challenges.

Measures to Address Groundwater Contamination

Government Initiatives

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Focuses on water conservation and management.
• National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM): Maps aquifers to plan sustainable usage.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): Promotes groundwater management through community participation.

Pollution Control Measures

• Central and State Pollution Control Boards enforce the Water (Prevention & Control) Act, 1974, to prevent pollution.
• Installation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) ensures water is treated before being released.

Awareness Campaigns

• Institutions like the Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training & Research Institute (RGNGT&RI) train stakeholders.
• Programs like “Catch the Rain” and the Swachh Bharat Mission educate communities on groundwater conservation.

Way Forward

• Regulating Fertilizer Use: Encourage sustainable farming practices to reduce nitrogenous fertilizer usage.
• Promoting Rainwater Harvesting: Advocate for rainwater harvesting to replenish aquifers and reduce over-reliance on groundwater.
• Improved Waste Management: Develop efficient waste management systems in urban areas to prevent contamination. Promote decentralized treatment and recycling initiatives.
• Enhanced Monitoring and Policies: Strengthen monitoring systems for groundwater quality. Enforce stricter regulations to control chemical pollutants.

Conclusion

Groundwater contamination in India is a complex issue requiring urgent attention and coordinated efforts. Through sustainable practices, technological advancements, and community involvement, India can safeguard its critical groundwater resources for future generations.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the causes, regional distribution, and implications of groundwater contamination in India, highlighting the measures taken by the government to address this issue. (150 WORDS)