Tanks battle polluted groundwater, Pg 6

Key Highlights

Groundwater Crisis in Haryana

• Villages in Nuh district face severe groundwater contamination, pushing residents to construct underground tanks (kunds).

• Water tankers (₹1,500–₹2,000 per fill) supply water, especially in summer, increasing financial burden on poor households.

• Borewell water is deemed unsafe for both humans and livestock due to high contamination levels.

Pollution Sources & Spread

• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) found permissible limits exceeded in key parameters like fluoride, nitrate, and iron in several villages.

• High uranium levels (up to 73 ppb vs safe limit of 30 ppb) reported, with possible causes including:

  • Natural geological factors

  • Overexploitation of aquifers

  • Agricultural runoff (nitrates)

• Contamination found in areas of Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Telangana.

Impact on Health & Livelihood

• Water unfit for consumption leads to health issues (e.g., skeletal fluorosis, digestive disorders).

• Significant economic strain on households dependent on tanker water.

• Animal health also impacted; villagers say milk yield declines due to poor water quality.

Administrative Response

• Government claims piped water via Jal Jeevan Mission has improved supply in many areas.

• Haryana PHED Minister noted that water testing labs were established in every district.

• But field reports suggest irregular piped water supply and continued dependence on tanker services.

Local Solutions & Community Action

• Community-led efforts like tank construction, advocacy, and awareness by organisations like Mewat Jal Samiti are helping address the crisis.

• Reverse osmosis (RO) units and private filters being used where affordable.

• Some residents selling treated water to neighbours.

India-specific Angle

• Groundwater serves as India’s primary drinking water source in rural areas.

• Need for urgent investment in groundwater treatment, testing infrastructure, and sustainable extraction policies.

• Public health concerns and rising water inequality highlight failures in last-mile delivery of welfare schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission.

Mains Mock Question:

"Groundwater contamination is an invisible but grave threat to rural India. Discuss the causes, consequences, and sustainable strategies to ensure safe drinking water access."