Recent findings shared in the Lok Sabha have revealed major groundwater quality concerns across Gujarat, with 28 out of 33 districts (85 per cent) impacted by salinity. According to data from the Central Ground Water Board’s (CGWB) 2022-23 report, 30 districts (91 per cent) are grappling with high fluoride levels, while an alarming 32 districts (97 per cent) are experiencing significant nitrate contamination.
Gujarat is among six Indian states where more than 75 per cent of the districts are affected by all three types of contamination.
The data was presented by Raj Bhushan Choudhary, the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, in response to questions raised by MPs Rajesh Verma, Shrikant Shinde, Naresh Mhaske and Shambhavi.
The CGWB report highlighted that, of the samples tested, 50 per cent exhibited high salinity, 18 per cent showed very high salinity and seven per cent were found to have extremely high salinity. The state’s overall water quality index paints a troubling picture, with only 11 per cent of samples categorised as “excellent” and 43per cent as “good.”
A considerable 45 per cent of the samples were below acceptable standards, with 30 per cent rated as “poor,” nine per cent as “very poor” and six per cent considered unsafe for consumption.
Certain regions in Gujarat, such as Viramgam in Ahmedabad, Sihor in Bhavnagar, Jodiya in Jamnagar, Mangrol in Junagadh and Lakhtar in Surendranagar, face significant salinity issues. Meanwhile, areas with high nitrate concentrations include Dhandhuka in Ahmedabad, Rajula, Babra and Bagasra in Amreli, Petlad in Anand, Mahuva and Ghogha in Bhavnagar, Kalyanpur and Bhanvad in Devbhumi Dwarka as well as Jodiya and Kalavad in Jamnagar.
State-level groundwater specialists noted that advancements in surface water availability, particularly through initiatives like the Narmada Yojana, have improved the quality and availability of groundwater compared to two decades ago. However, they emphasised that enhancing the overall quality of water will require years of continuous and deliberate efforts.
Mohan Sharma, the head of the Development Support Centre (DSC), an NGO dedicated to groundwater conservation, pointed out that Gujarat’s varied geological features—ranging from hilly regions to coastal zones, grasslands to deserts—demand localised solutions for water management.
Sharma recommended the construction of barriers and retention systems to protect freshwater in coastal areas and prevent the intrusion of saline water. He also highlighted the establishment of de-fluorination plants where fluoride levels exceed the safe threshold of 1.5 mg, noting that fluoride concentrations in some areas range from three to four micrograms per litre.
Sharma also addressed the widespread issue of high nitrate levels, which are primarily attributed to the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. He suggested that transitioning to pesticide-free farming practices and controlling industrial runoff would be essential to reducing nitrate contamination.
Several NGOs working on groundwater conservation are training local communities to monitor water levels and quality. Sharma believes that a deeper understanding of local geology, along with effective water conservation methods, will be crucial for improving the quality of water.
Health professionals have raised concerns about the dangers of high fluoride and nitrate levels in drinking water. Fluoride contamination can lead to dental and bone health problems, while high nitrate levels can cause oxygen-related health issues, especially in pregnant women and young children.
Addressing these water quality issues is therefore a critical step in protecting public health. Furthermore, data shows that 12 districts in Gujarat have arsenic concentrations above the permitted limits and 14 districts have iron levels that exceed the safe standard.
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