Groundwater contamination in India has escalated into a silent yet severe public health emergency, affecting millions dependent on it for drinking water and irrigation.

What is Groundwater?

Groundwater is water that exists underground in saturated zones beneath the land surface. The upper surface of the saturated zone is called the water table

Dependence on Groundwater

• Over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation water in India comes from groundwater.
• Despite abundant rivers and monsoons, groundwater remains the primary source for domestic and agricultural needs.

Nature of the Crisis

• Groundwater is increasingly contaminated with nitrates, heavy metals, industrial toxins, fluoride, arsenic, uranium, and microbes.
• Pollution stems from overuse of fertilisers, industrial discharge, leaching from septic tanks, and excessive extraction.
• The 2024 CGWB Report shows contamination in over 20% of samples from 440 districts.
  

Why Does the Crisis Persist?

• Institutional Fragmentation: Agencies like CGWB, CPCB, SPCBs, and Ministry of Jal Shakti work in silos with poor coordination.
• Weak Legal Enforcement: The Water Act, 1974 scarcely addresses groundwater; compliance is lax and loopholes favour polluters.
• Lack of Real-Time Data: Monitoring is infrequent; absence of early warning systems delays intervention.
• Over-Extraction: Excessive pumping lowers water tables, concentrating pollutants and worsening salinity intrusion.
  

Suggestion to address the Crisis

• Regulatory Reforms: Establish a National Groundwater Pollution Control Framework and empower CGWB with enforcement powers.
• Modern Monitoring Systems: Deploy real-time sensors, remote sensing, and open-access platforms; integrate with health surveillance systems.
• Targeted Remediation: mInstall community-level arsenic and fluoride removal plants; improve piped water access.
• Waste and Industrial Reforms: Enforce Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), regulate landfills, and penalise illegal discharges.
• Agrochemical Management: mPromote organic farming, regulate fertiliser use, and ensure balanced nutrient management.
• Citizen-Centric Governance: Involve panchayats, water user groups, and schools in water testing, monitoring, and awareness.
  

Conclusion

India’s groundwater crisis is no longer about scarcity but safety and survival. Urgent, coordinated action is essential to prevent irreversible damage to public health, ecosystems, and future generations.

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