Arsenic detected in groundwater in 25 states, fluoride detected in 27 states: Government
Arsenic detected in groundwater in some 230 districts of 25 states, fluoride detected in 469 districts of 27 states. Jal Shakti Vishweshwar Tudu, Union Minister of State in Rajya Sabha, said on Monday.
In his written response, the Minister explained that the groundwater contamination reported by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is primarily of geological origin and has not changed significantly over the years.
His CGWB under the Ministry of Jal Shakti conducts regular monitoring and assessment of groundwater quality, including groundwater contamination by arsenic and fluoride. He said the committee had carried out various studies in collaboration with other institutions.
These studies indicate the presence of arsenic and fluoride in groundwater in excess of the permissible limits set by the Bureau of Indian Standards for human consumption in isolated areas of various states and union territories, he said. Stated. Arsenic was reported in parts of 230 counties in 25 states, and fluoride was reported in 469 counties in 27 states.
The CGWB, in collaboration with the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), prepared a report on “Groundwater Threat Mitigation and Relief in India: A Vision Document” in 2010 and engaged various stakeholders and agencies for guidance and implementation. Sent to the department.
Recently, the CGWB, together with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), focused on eight states – Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand – to reduce arsenic and fluoride. signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate groundwater contamination.
Bihar and Assam. Studies conducted have shown the presence of arsenic and fluoride contamination in different regions of the country, which are mostly of geological origin. This means that these components are already present in the rock and soil matrix and enter the groundwater through various chemical processes.
He said there is no conclusive evidence that pollutant concentrations increase over time.
He said the increase in arsenic contamination incidents was due to the 2015 revision by BIS of the permissible limit for arsenic in drinking water from 50 ppb to 10 ppb and an increase in the number of sampling points.
Similarly, increased fluoride levels may also be due to an increase in the number of sampling points used for monitoring over the years.
