Well

BS EDIT: India's groundwater contamination crisis

By Business StandardPublished On Jan 15, 2025
Groundwater

Groundwater: A vital resource

Groundwater meets 85% of rural water needs and 62% of irrigation demand. Yet, it faces severe quality and quantity challenges

Water sample

Contamination hotspots

20% of samples showed nitrate contamination, while fluoride and arsenic were high in some states. Rajasthan and Punjab are among the worst affected

Industrial waste

Key causes of pollution

Industrial waste, fertilisers, untreated sewage, and mineral leaching drive groundwater contamination, worsening in urban areas

crops

Impact on lives and crops

Contaminated water harms health, reduces crop yields, and introduces toxins into the food chain, affecting both rural and urban communities

waste

Solutions for sustainability

Aquifer recharge, waste management, localised monitoring, and sustainable farming practices can improve groundwater quality and availability

Well

A call to action

Stronger local initiatives, public awareness, and water-security plans are needed to ensure sustainable use of India’s groundwater resources