During the 20th century, advancements in water well drilling, pumping technology, energy access, and geological knowledge facilitated the rapid extraction of larger quantities of groundwater. Groundwater, therefore, became a critical pillar supporting human well-being and economic development, yet it remains widely misunderstood, undervalued, and poorly managed. Today, nearly 50 per cent of the world’s urban population relies on this invisible yet indispensable resource. However, as cities expand, the quality of shallow aquifers is increasingly compromised by improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and contamination from landfills.
According to the Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 by the Central Ground Water Board, 20 per cent of groundwater samples from across India exceeded the safe nitrate concentration limit of 45 mg/litre, with some districts reporting contamination levels above 40 per cent. States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have been particularly affected, with nitrates leaching into groundwater from excessive fertiliser use and poor waste-management practices. This pollution poses serious health risks, including waterborne diseases and conditions in infants. Beyond nitrates, the report also revealed alarming levels of other toxic substances; 9.04 per cent of the samples tested contained fluoride concentrations surpassing permissible limits, while arsenic contamination was particularly severe in regions like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam. As groundwater quality continues to deteriorate, the risk to millions of urban residents is growing, imperilling access to even safe drinking water.
This story is from the January 16, 2025 edition of Business Standard.
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This story is from the January 16, 2025 edition of Business Standard.
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