Groundwater Contamination: Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tripura Submit Reports on Arsenic and Fluoride Levels

Keywords ; Groundwater contamination, arsenic, fluoride, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tripura, National Green Tribunal, Central Groundwater Authority, defluoridation, water purification, piped water supply schemes.

Presence of Arsenic and Fluoride in Groundwater

In a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on November 18, 2024, the Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA) provided an update on arsenic and fluoride contamination in the groundwater of Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tripura. The findings highlight regional differences in contamination levels and the measures taken to address them.

Maharashtra’s Groundwater Concerns

The report by Maharashtra stated that while arsenic contamination was not detected, fluoride contamination was found at 150 locations, with 140 in rural areas and 10 in urban areas. Subsequent retesting in rural areas revealed no contamination in five locations, but the remaining 135 sources were declared unfit for drinking. To mitigate the issue:

• Defluoridation techniques and Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants were installed in affected villages.
• Contaminated sources were prohibited for drinking purposes, ensuring safer alternatives for residents.

Odisha’s Groundwater Safety Measures

Odisha reported that its deeper aquifers remain free of arsenic contamination, ensuring the safety of underground water reserves. However, 18 habitations were affected by fluoride contamination as of June 2024. The state implemented short-term and long-term measures, including:

• Abandoning and sealing contaminated water sources.
• Installing community water purification plants in affected areas.
• Expanding access to piped water supply schemes via single and multi-village initiatives.

These interventions aim to provide fluoride-free drinking water to residents while ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Tripura’s Contamination-Free Report

Tripura’s submission highlighted the absence of contamination, reporting that 915 samples collected over five years (2019–2023) from eight districts showed arsenic and fluoride levels below detectable limits. This indicates effective groundwater management and limited exposure to such pollutants in the region.

Broader Implications

The CGWA report underscores the critical importance of monitoring and managing groundwater quality to address regional disparities in contamination. With arsenic and fluoride linked to severe health issues, state governments have employed various technological and infrastructural solutions, such as RO plants and piped water supply schemes, to ensure safe drinking water.

While Maharashtra and Odisha continue to face challenges, Tripura’s findings provide a template for proactive water quality management. The NGT’s oversight and CGWA’s methodology will play a crucial role in sustaining these efforts.

Conclusion:

Groundwater safety is a pressing concern for public health and environmental sustainability. As states like Maharashtra and Odisha combat contamination through advanced interventions, Tripura’s contamination-free status serves as a model for preventive measures. The continued collaboration between state governments and the CGWA will be pivotal in safeguarding India’s water resources.

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