New Delhi, Nov 29, : The Parliament was informed Monday that fluorides, nitrates and iron were found at levels above the optimum levels in groundwater of 370 and 423 districts, 154, and 341 respectively. Groundwater in 92 districts in 14 states is partially affected by lead.
However, the salinity of the groundwater was higher than the permissible limits for 249 districts in 18 states, Minister of state for Jal Shakti Bishveswar Tdu told the Rajya Sabha.
Groundwater from 24 districts in nine states contained chromium and chromium, while 29 districts in 10 states contained chromium.
The most affected state is Punjab, which has 10 of 22 districts that are affected by chromium and 9 of its districts by cadmium.
Groundwater pollution is a serious threat to human health as it is an important source for freshwater.
Tudu has listed the various initiatives taken by the Central government to address the problem in the last few years.
He stated that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) along with State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees (SPCBs/PCCs) are implementing the Water (Prevention & Control) Act of 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 to control and prevent water pollution.
The CPCB has developed a comprehensive program on water pollution to control point sources.It also developed industry-specific standards and general standards for discharges of effluents that were notified under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986.This Act is enforced by SPCBs/PCCs.
According to the CPCB directives, industrial units in the country install online continuous effluent monitoring system for real-time information on effluent quality.Non-compliant units are identified for further inspections and actions.
Guidelines for controlling and regulating groundwater extraction have been issued by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.They are applicable across India.These guidelines contain appropriate provisions regarding the measures that must be taken to ensure that groundwater is free from contamination.
Groundwater pollution is also due to contamination of surface water sources.These contaminants, upon percolation, pollute the groundwater system.Therefore, many efforts have been made to address this issue in the country by installing sewage treatment plants, effluent treating plants, and better systems for sewage networks, etc.
Tudu stated that the Jal Jeevan Mission, a joint initiative of the Central government and states, was implemented in August 2019 by the Central government to provide water supply to all rural households in the country.It is expected to be completed by 2024.
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#Indias #groundwater #fluorides #nitrates #iron #Delhi
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