Answer

Excessive chemical contaminants in groundwater, as highlighted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), are a growing concern for India’s water security and public health. The National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWQMP) reports that most of India’s groundwater sources are contaminated with chemicals such as arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates, leading to health risks and environmental degradation.

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Challenges posed by excessive chemical contaminants in groundwater

• Health Risks: Excessive nitrate levels can cause methemoglobinemia and Blue Baby Syndrome, especially in infants, affecting their oxygen-carrying capacity and leading to serious health complications.
  For example: The rise in nitrate contamination in Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu has led to increasing cases of Blue Baby Syndrome in rural areas.
• Ecological Impact: High nitrate concentrations contribute to algal blooms in lakes and ponds, disrupting aquatic ecosystems by depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life.
  For example: Excessive nitrates in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have led to eutrophication in water bodies, severely affecting fish populations and biodiversity.
• Geological Factors: Certain regions, such as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, have high natural nitrate levels, making the contamination more persistent and difficult to manage.
  For example: Rajasthan’s groundwater has long been affected by geological nitrate contamination, with no significant change in levels since 2017 despite mitigation efforts.
• Agricultural Practices: Over-reliance on fertilisers and intensive farming practices are major contributors to nitrate contamination in groundwater, especially in central and southern India.
• Lack of Awareness and Action: Despite regular assessments, there is a gap in policy enforcement and public awareness regarding the implications of groundwater contamination.

Effective remedial strategies to address the contamination

• Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture: Encouraging the use of organic farming and controlled fertiliser use can significantly reduce nitrate leaching into groundwater.
  For example: In Madhya Pradesh, adopting organic farming practices has led to a reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and consequently lowered nitrate contamination.
• Water Quality Monitoring: Establishing advanced monitoring systems and regular testing of groundwater can help identify contamination hotspots and allow for prompt action.
  For example: Tamil Nadu’s initiative to use satellite technology for monitoring water quality has provided real-time data, improving decision-making for water management.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Large-scale awareness campaigns led by local governments can help communities understand the health risks and promote safe water usage practices.
  For example: In Rajasthan, community-driven education on water purification techniques has helped mitigate the spread of fluoride contamination in rural areas.
• Enhanced Regulation and Enforcement: Strengthening regulatory measures to control chemical fertilizer usage and promoting rainwater harvesting can reduce excessive groundwater extraction and contamination.
  For example: Karnataka’s regulation to limit chemical fertilizer use combined with rainwater harvesting practices has shown a significant reduction in nitrate levels.
• Incentivizing Green Technologies: Supporting bio-remediation and other eco-friendly technologies to clean contaminated groundwater can offer long-term solutions.
  For example: Gujarat has implemented bioremediation in affected areas, using microbial technology to reduce chemical contamination and restore groundwater quality.

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Addressing the challenges of chemical contamination in groundwater requires a multi-pronged approach, including stricter regulatory enforcement, enhanced water quality monitoring, and implementation of remedial schemes like NALCO’s water purification programs and rainwater harvesting initiatives. By integrating these strategies with Make in India and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), India can secure its groundwater resources for future generations.