One or more groundwater-based drinking water sources in 1482 rural habitations in 36 districts of six states are contaminated with arsenic and these areas are yet to be provided with safe drinking water, the government said today.
In reply to a written question on whether the government was aware of the presence of poisonous content of arsenic in ground water, Minister of State of Drinking Water and Sanitation Ram Kirpal Yadav said the ministry has suggested all the states to identify those ground water sources which are affected with excess arsenic.
The Minister said that awareness should be brought among the rural community not to consume water for drinking and cooking purpose from these sources.
Citing the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, he said, intake of arsenic contaminated drinking water leads to various clinical complications at times causing death.
