GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION IN INDIA

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Picture Courtesy: https://ponce.sdsu.edu/groundwater_utilization_and_sustainability.html

Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised concerns that the problem of toxic arsenic and fluoride contamination in groundwater across different areas of India is not being effectively addressed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).

Key Highlights

• The NGT criticized the response filed by the CGWA as a "very generic response." According to the NGT, the report suggests that no concrete steps have been taken by the CGWA to address the issue.
• The NGT bench emphasized the need for the CGWA's report to clearly state the places where concrete steps have been taken to address arsenic and fluoride contamination in groundwater. Additionally, the NGT sought information on whether alternative drinking water is being provided to the affected people in those areas.
• The NGT, based on a report, highlighted the widespread nature of the problem, stating that groundwater contamination due to arsenic is prevalent in 230 districts across 25 states, while contamination due to fluoride is prevalent in 469 districts across 27 states.
• Despite the severe health effects of arsenic and fluoride, the NGT observed that the CGWA has not installed arsenic and fluoride removal plants in the affected areas.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Established	Established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. It was enacted under India's constitutional provision Article 21.
Purpose	Effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to: ●Environmental protection ●Conservation of forests and other natural resources ●Enforcement of environmental laws
Jurisdiction	Covers civil cases with substantial environmental questions arising from the implementation of various environmental laws listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010. These include: ●The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 ●The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 ●The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 ●The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1976
Composition	One Chairperson with expertise in judicial administration or environmental law. Ten Expert Members with experience in environmental science, forest management, pollution control, or social sciences. Ten Judicial Members with judicial experience of at least 10 years.
Sittings	Principal Bench: New Delhi Zonal Benches: Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai
Powers	Can entertain appeals against orders passed by any authority under various environmental laws. Can hear original applications from individuals or organizations affected by environmental violations. Can pass orders for: ●Stopping environmental violations ●Compensation and restoration for environmental damage ●Granting interim relief
Procedure	Less formal than regular courts, focusing on the speedy disposal of cases. Guided by principles of natural justice (fairness and due process). Allows filing of applications without a lawyer (though legal representation is encouraged).
Significance	Provides a specialized forum for handling environmental disputes with dedicated expertise. Ensures prompt and effective legal recourse for environmental protection and restoration. Empower citizens to seek redressal for environmental damage they have suffered or witnessed.

 Groundwater Contamination in India

• India faces a significant and growing problem of groundwater contamination, impacting millions of people across the country.
• 60% of India's population relies on groundwater for drinking and other essential uses.
• Estimates suggest over 20% of groundwater wells are contaminated with various pollutants.

Factors contribute to groundwater contamination

• Overexploitation: Excessive withdrawal of groundwater exceeding natural recharge rates. This lowers water levels and increases the risk of saltwater intrusion or drawing up contaminants from deeper layers.
• Agricultural practices:
  • Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and manure: These chemicals can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater.
  • Improper irrigation practices: Wastage of water and leaching of pollutants from soil into groundwater.
• Industrial activities:
  • Untreated industrial wastewater disposal: Releases of pollutants from factories and industries can directly contaminate groundwater.
  • Improper waste management: Industrial waste, including hazardous materials, can often leak or leach into the ground, polluting groundwater.
• Urban waste disposal:
  • Inadequate sanitation and sewage systems: Improperly treated sewage and septic tank waste can seep into groundwater, causing contamination.
  • Solid waste mismanagement: Leakage from landfills and improper dumpsites can contaminate groundwater.

Types of Contaminants

• Nitrates: Primarily from agricultural activities, can cause blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia) and other health issues in infants.
• Fluoride: Naturally occurring in some regions, can cause dental fluorosis (discoloured teeth) and skeletal fluorosis (bone density issues) at high levels.
• Arsenic: Can occur naturally or from industrial activities, leading to various cancers and skin lesions.
• Heavy metals: From industrial activities and e-waste, pose numerous health risks like kidney damage and developmental problems.
• Biological contaminants: Bacteria and pathogens: From inadequate sanitation and sewage systems, causing waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.

Impacts

• Health: Waterborne diseases, cancers (from arsenic), skeletal and dental issues (from fluoride), and various other health problems.
• Agriculture: Reduced crop yields and soil fertility due to saline or contaminated water.
• Livelihoods: Reduced income for farmers and others dependent on clean water resources.
• Ecosystems: Degradation of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity loss due to contaminated water.

Government Initiatives

• Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA): Responsible for managing and regulating groundwater resources, promoting sustainable use, and monitoring groundwater quality.
• National Water Policy (2012): Emphasizes sustainable water management, pollution prevention, and stakeholder participation in water resource management.
• Namami Gange Programme: Aims to clean the Ganges River and its tributaries, indirectly impacting groundwater quality due to interconnectedness.
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Aim to improve urban water management and sanitation systems, reducing pollution reaching groundwater.

Challenges

• Limited awareness: Insufficient public understanding of the severity of the problem and its consequences.
• Enforcement issues: Challenges in effectively implementing regulations and holding polluters accountable.
• Limited resources: Lack of adequate funding and infrastructure for monitoring, treatment, and remediation of contaminated groundwater.
• Competing priorities: Balancing economic development needs with environmental protection and sustainable water management practices.

Possible Solutions

• Promoting sustainable water management: Encouraging rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and water conservation practices to reduce groundwater extraction.
• Regulation and enforcement: Implementing stricter regulations and ensuring proper enforcement to prevent pollution from various sources.
• Public awareness: Raising public awareness about the issue, its health impacts, and the importance of water conservation.
• Investing in infrastructure: Allocating resources for monitoring, treatment of contaminated water, and remediation of polluted sites.
• Promoting alternative livelihoods: Creating alternative livelihood options for communities dependent on unsustainable water extraction practices.

Conclusion

• Addressing groundwater contamination in India requires a multi-faceted approach involving regulatory measures, sustainable agricultural practices, industrial responsibility, and community participation. Ongoing efforts are essential to mitigate the risks associated with groundwater pollution and ensure access to safe drinking water for all.

Must Read Articles:

NATIONAL GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT SCHEME: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/national-groundwater-management-improvement-scheme

GROUND WATER:  https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ground-water#:~:text=Groundwater%20in%20India&text=The%20Central%20Groundwater%20Board%20of,critical%20and%20semi%2Dcritical%20stages.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How can India ensure equitable access to safe groundwater for all citizens, particularly considering the vast rural-urban divide and marginalized communities, while simultaneously addressing the challenges of overexploitation and contamination? Answer Structure: ●Briefly introduce the situation of groundwater in India, highlighting the importance of safe water access and the challenges of overexploitation and contamination. ●Discuss the rural-urban divide in water access. Mention government initiatives like the Har Ghar Jal Mission and the need for decentralized water treatment systems in rural areas. Address the challenges faced by marginalized communities like lack of infrastructure and affordability. ●Explain the causes of overexploitation, including agricultural practices, industrial water demands, and lack of awareness. ●Briefly explain the sources of groundwater contamination in India (industrial waste, agricultural runoff, improper sanitation). ●Discuss measures to control contamination: Regulation and enforcement of environmental laws for industries and waste management. Improving sanitation infrastructure in urban and rural areas to prevent sewage contamination. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. ●Summarize the key points and emphasize the need for a holistic approach that balances equitable access, sustainable management, and pollution control. Mention the role of technology and community participation in achieving these goals.