Context:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently expressed dissatisfaction over the Central Groundwater Authority’s (CGWA) response to the widespread issue of toxic arsenic and fluoride in groundwater across India.
Sources and Causes of Groundwater Contamination
- Natural Contaminants:
- High concentrations of arsenic, fluoride, iron, and uranium occur naturally in some geological deposits. West Bengal and Assam are the most severely affected states for arsenic and iron pollution.
- Areas with Extreme Nitrate Pollution:
- Maximum Percentages: Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), Tamil Nadu (37%).
- Increasing States:
- Central and southern states, Maharashtra (35.74%), Telangana (27.48%), Andhra Pradesh (23.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (22.58%).
- Agriculture:
- Heavy use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is known to drain poisonous chemicals into the water table.
- Industrial Waste:
- Untreated industrial effluents often dispose into the ground-water sources with heavy metals and toxins.
- Urbanization:
- Urban areas’ seepage leakage and waste management systems pollute the groundwater.
- Saltwater Invasion:
- When the rate of groundwater extraction increases, salt water from the sea can seep into freshwater aquifers.
Chief Contaminants that Pollute Groundwater:
- Arsenic:
- Seepage from industrial and mining discharges, as well as from fly ash ponds in thermal power plants, can introduce arsenic into groundwater.
- Causes black foot disease because of arsenic exposure through water.
- Fluoride:
- Causes neuromuscular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, dental deformity, and skeletal fluorosis.
- Nitrates:
- Methemoglobinemia and blue baby syndrome are caused due to excessive intake of nitrates in drinking water.
- Uranium:
- Found in India in localised pockets at concentrations higher than that recommended by WHO.
- Radon:
- In some pockets of Bengaluru, it is found that radon concentration in drinking water causes damage to lung tissues and raises the risk of lung cancer.
- Other Metals:
- Lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, chromium, and nickel are known carcinogens and can contaminate water.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Regulatory Bodies
- Strengthen regulation of groundwater, permit system for extraction of groundwater, sustainable agriculture, infrastructure investment; decentralised management.
Government Initiatives Related to Groundwater Management?
- Atal Bhujal Yojana
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan
- Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM)
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024
- National Green Tribunal
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Central Ground Water Authority
- Prepared under Section 3 (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Regulates and controls groundwater development and management.
- Issues directives to regulate groundwater management.
- Exercising powers under section 4 of the Act, 1986 for appointment of officer.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:
Prelims:
Q. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018)
- The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
- The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Q. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? (2013)
- Arsenic
- Sorbitol
- Fluoride
- Formaldehyde
- Uranium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2, 4 and 5 only
c) 1, 3 and 5 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: C
Q. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (2021)
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar
Ans: (a)
Q. With reference to ‘Water Credit’, consider the following statements: (2021)
- It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.
- It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.
- It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q.1 What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020)
Q.2 Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (2020)
