(a) whether the quantity of fluoride and arsenic in ground water has increased in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(c) the efforts made by the Government in this regard during the last eight years?
(a) whether the quantity of fluoride and arsenic in ground water has increased in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(c) the efforts made by the Government in this regard during the last eight years?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) to (c) As reported by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), it is carrying periodic
monitoring of ground water quality through a network of 10714 monitoring wells, once every
year to assess ground water quality on a regional scale. As per the findings of CGWB and
the States of Bihar and West Bengal, eight States have excess concentration of Arsenic,
beyond the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recommended maximum permissible limit of 0.05
milligram per litre (mg/l). Besides this, Fluoride in excess of BIS recommended maximum
permissible limit of 1.5 mg/l has been reported from 19 States. The names of districts
from where Fluoride and Arsenic in ground water have been reported in excess of BIS
recommended maximum permissible limits are given at Annexure. The contaminations
reported are mostly sporadic in nature and are geogenic.
Since in situ treatment of polluted aquifers is difficult, remedial measures are concentrated
on providing alternate sources of water supply. The CGWB has assisted State Governments in
identifying aquifers which are free from arsenic and fluoride. Additionally, the Central
Pollution Control Board which also monitors the ground water quality at limited locations
has (i) imposed standards for land disposal of wastewater and effluents for prevention of
groundwater contamination and (ii) imposed standards for land disposal of all categories
of wastes (hazardous waste, municipal solid waste, e-waste etc.)