CGWB Report: A shocking report on the ground water of Haryana and Punjab has come out, claiming that there are many districts in the state where groundwater is not potable. The amount of uranium, nitrate and arsenic is found to be higher than the approved range. Its risk is so high that drinking it can cause organ damage, disease in newborns and cancer.
According to the annual quality report of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the quality of ground water is very poor in 20 districts of Punjab and 16 districts of Haryana. Uranium levels here were found to be more than 30 PPB. Samples were collected in May 2023. The special thing is that in 2019, there were 17 such districts in Punjab and 18 in Haryana. Now the number of affected districts in Punjab has increased.
According to the report, it is not suitable for drinking water with more than 30 PPBs with uranium content. Because it can affect body parts. Along with this, its wires are also associated with urinary tract cancer. 42 percent from Rajasthan and 30 percent from Punjab are such where this figure is more than 100 PPB.
What is the cause of more uranium?
The high amounts of uranium in the ground water of Punjab and Haryana can be due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural land.
Nitrate
According to CGWB report, nitrate level in 128 samples in Haryana was found to be higher than the range of 45 mg per liter. 112 samples have failed in Punjab. Groundwater has been found to be contaminated in 21 districts in Haryana and 20 districts in Punjab. This can cause blue baby syndrome in newborns. In addition, this water is not considered suitable for human consumption.
Hartal
Arsenic level in ground water in 12 districts of Punjab and 5 districts of Haryana was found to be more than 10 PPB. The report states, ‘Arsenic can cause diseases such as skin and internal cancer. In addition to carcinogenic effects, arsenic’s prolonged contact can cause cardiovascular and diabetes problems.
Chloride
Chloride in groundwater comes from natural or anthropological sources. Where the amount of chloride in ground water is more than 1000 mg per liter, that water is not potable. 9.67 percent samples in Haryana have crossed this limit. In addition, less than 2 percent of the tests in Punjab failed. Chloride levels in 17 districts of both states have been found to be higher than the acceptable limit.
