Sambhav-2025

Approach Introduce the significance of groundwater in India and its challenges. Highlight key findings from the Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024. Suggest practical measures to address groundwater contamination. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Groundwater, which caters to over 60% of India’s irrigation needs and 85% of its rural drinking water supply, is under increasing stress from over-extraction and contamination. The Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024 reveals alarming trends of nitrate, fluoride, and uranium pollution, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable management and remediation.

Body

Water Contamination Scenario in India as per the Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024:

• Groundwater Extraction:
  • The report states that 60.4% of India’s groundwater is extracted, indicating significant stress on this vital resource.
  • However, 73% of analysed blocks are classified as "safe," reflecting adequate replenishment in many areas.
• Nitrate Contamination:
  • Excessive nitrate levels have been found in groundwater in 440 districts due to the overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizers.
  • States like Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), and Tamil Nadu (37%) report the highest contamination levels.
• Uranium Contamination:
  • High levels of uranium were found in Rajasthan and Punjab, with many samples exceeding 100 ppb (parts per billion), far above the permissible limit.
• Fluoride Pollution:
  • States like Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana face significant fluoride contamination, causing severe health issues like fluorosis.

Measures to Address Groundwater Contamination:

• Strengthening Regulations:
  • Enforce stricter control on the disposal of industrial effluents and agricultural runoff.
  • Implement guidelines under the Ground Water Management and Regulation Act to monitor excessive extraction.
• Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
  • Encourage the use of organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides to reduce nitrate leaching.
  • Train farmers in Integrated Nutrient Management and low-input farming techniques.
• Technological Solutions and Monitoring:
  • Expand groundwater monitoring networks to identify contamination hotspots.
  • Use technologies like reverse osmosis and ion exchange for treating uranium and fluoride-contaminated water.
• Community Involvement:
  • Launch awareness campaigns about the health risks of contaminated groundwater and mitigation practices.
  • Involve local panchayats and NGOs in conservation and monitoring programs.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Build wastewater treatment plants to prevent industrial and urban effluents from polluting water sources.
  • Establish water recharge structures like check dams and percolation tanks in over-extracted areas.

Conclusion

The Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024 underlines the critical need to address groundwater contamination to ensure public health and environmental sustainability. Effective implementation of policies, community participation, and technological advancements are essential to safeguarding India’s groundwater resources for future generations.