Mitigate arsenic and fluoride contamination in groundwater: NGT instructs state govts, Pg2

Key Highlights:

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed state governments to address arsenic and fluoride contamination in groundwater.
• The NGT has instructed the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) to monitor mitigation efforts across all states.
• Data presented in court reveals significant arsenic contamination in eastern and southeastern regions, and fluoride in central, eastern, southern, and western states.
• Bihar reported arsenic presence in 4,709 wards and fluoride in 3,789 wards, while West Bengal is affected in eight and seven districts respectively.

Detailed Insights:

• The NGT initiated a suo motu action based on news reports highlighting widespread groundwater contamination.
• Arsenic consumption through water leads to arsenicosis, causing skin lesions, pigmentation issues, and potential cancer, while fluoride impacts bone and teeth health.
• The CGWA has proposed remedial measures like water filtration plants, ion-exchange processes, and reverse osmosis to combat contamination.
• States like Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh have reported implementing measures such as installing removal plants and piped water supply schemes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Arsenicosis: A disease caused by chronic arsenic poisoning, typically through contaminated drinking water.
• Suo Motu: An action taken by a court on its own cognizance, without a specific request from a party.
• Reverse Osmosis: A water purification technology that uses pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane.