Rewari: The alarming presence of uranium, nitrates, arsenic, fluoride, and chloride in the groundwater of South Haryana has raised serious concerns about public health and environmental sustainability. The Annual Ground Water Quality Report-2024, released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), highlights that groundwater in 16 districts of Haryana contains uranium levels exceeding the permissible limit of 30 parts per billion (ppb), posing a significant threat to the local population.
Groundwater Contamination: The Extent of the Problem
According to the CGWB report, the most affected districts include Rewari, Mahendergarh, Bhiwani, Narnaul, Charkhi Dadri, and Hisar, where high uranium concentrations have been detected. The findings suggest that over-extraction of groundwater, excessive use of phosphate-based fertilizers, and urbanization are key contributors to contamination.
Key Findings from the CGWB Report:
Uranium levels exceed 30 ppb in several borewell water samples, making the water unfit for consumption.
Nitrate contamination is widespread, with 14.56% of groundwater samples in Haryana exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg per liter.
Arsenic contamination has been found in groundwater from five Haryana districts, posing a risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Fluoride and chloride concentrations are beyond safe limits in several districts, increasing the risk of skeletal and dental fluorosis.
Health Risks of Uranium and Other Contaminants
Long-term consumption of uranium-contaminated water can lead to kidney damage, bone toxicity, and an increased risk of cancer. Similarly, high nitrate levels in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants, while arsenic poisoning is linked to skin diseases, organ failure, and neurological disorders.
Doctors and health experts in South Haryana are reporting a rise in kidney ailments, weak bones, and gastrointestinal diseases among villagers who rely on borewell water.
What is Causing the Groundwater Crisis?
1. Overexploitation of Borewells: Due to Haryana’s semi-arid climate, excessive groundwater extraction has led to deeper drilling into uranium-rich rock formations.
2. Use of Chemical Fertilizers: Studies show that phosphate fertilizers used in agriculture contain uranium concentrations between 1 mg/kg and 68.5 mg/kg, contributing to water contamination.
3. Lack of Water Management Policies: Unregulated borewell drilling and insufficient groundwater recharge methods have worsened the situation.
Government Action and Need for Immediate Solutions
Despite repeated warnings, large-scale mitigation efforts remain slow and insufficient. Some of the current government initiatives include:
Installation of RO water purification plants in affected villages.
Introduction of surface water supply schemes to reduce groundwater dependency.
Awareness campaigns on water safety and contamination risks.
However, experts demand urgent intervention, including:
Strict regulation on borewell drilling to control over-extraction.
Implementation of uranium filtration technology in rural areas.
Expansion of rainwater harvesting projects to improve groundwater recharge.
Promotion of organic farming to reduce fertilizer-induced contamination.
What Can Residents Do?
Get borewell water tested for uranium, fluoride, and other contaminants.
Use certified RO filters capable of removing heavy metals and nitrates.
Avoid excessive use of chemical fertilizers in farming.
Demand stronger action from local authorities for clean drinking water.
The water crisis in South Haryana is no longer just an environmental issue—it is a public health emergency. If immediate steps are not taken, the long-term health impact on millions of people will be devastating. Stronger policies, advanced water purification methods, and community awareness are essential to address this crisis before it spirals out of control.
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