Context:
The number of districts in India that have been reported by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to have excess nitrate increased from 359 in 2017 to 440 in 2023.
Key Findings:
- Excess nitrate cases are caused by methemoglobinemia and environmental problems like algal blooms in lakes and ponds.
- An algal bloom is a rapid increase in the amount of algae in a body of water.
- Cause & Effects
- Caused by excess of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, in water. It results in Depleting oxygen, Blocking sunlight and Creating toxins.
- Approximately 19.8% of 15,239 groundwater samples collected from all over India harbored nitrates above safe limits.
- Other major chemical contaminants include fluoride and uranium.
- Fluoride concentrations exceeding WHO safe limits can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis, while uranium levels above 30 µg/L can cause chronic organ damage and nephrotoxicity.
Groundwater Pollution in India and Nitrate Contamination
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is a scientific organization that manages India’s groundwater resources.
- Established
- In 1970, the CGWB was formed by renaming the Exploratory Tube Wells Organization. In 1972, the Ground Water Wing of the Geological Survey of India merged with the CGWB.
- Headquarters
- The CGWB is headquartered at BHUJAL BHAWAN, NH 4, Faridabad, Haryana.
