New Delhi: The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has continued its extensive efforts to monitor and mitigate groundwater contamination across India. According to a written reply by Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Mr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, groundwater quality monitoring and targeted remedial measures have led to a substantial decline in contamination caused by arsenic and fluoride, while initiatives are underway to address nitrate contamination.
CGWB’s Monitoring and Remedial Measures
The CGWB conducts regional-scale groundwater quality monitoring through its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which includes data collection, hotspot assessment, and scientific studies.
In 2024, hotspot monitoring was conducted to delineate localized contamination zones and understand contaminant migration patterns.
CGWB shares its findings through Annual Ground Water Quality Reports, NAQUIM study reports, advisories to state and district administrations, and training and public interaction programs.
Techniques for constructing arsenic- and fluoride-safe wells have been developed and shared with states for replication and upscaling.
Jal Jeevan Mission Ensures Safe Drinking Water
Since 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission has been implemented in partnership with states to provide safe drinking water to every rural household.
The program prioritizes quality-affected habitations.
States and UTs are advised to plan and implement piped water supply schemes using safe water sources, including surface water or alternative safe groundwater sources.
Community Water Purifier Plants (CWPPs) have been installed in remaining affected habitations to ensure clean and safe drinking water.
Significant Reduction in Arsenic and Fluoride Contamination
As a result of cumulative government efforts:
- Arsenic-affected habitations declined from 14,020 (August 2019) to 314 (January 2026)
- Fluoride-affected habitations dropped from 7,996 to 245
These figures reflect a major success in improving groundwater safety nationwide.
Addressing Nitrate Contamination
Nitrate contamination in groundwater often arises from fertilizer leaching, animal waste, and other nitrogen-rich residues in agricultural fields.
CGWB recommends enhanced groundwater recharge to mitigate nitrate contamination via dilution.
Measures to reduce nitrate discharge in upper soil layers are also encouraged.
The government promotes balanced fertilizer use based on Soil Health Card (SHC) recommendations under the National Project on Soil Health & Fertility.
Organic farming initiatives such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) are being implemented to further reduce chemical contamination.
Government Commitment to Safe Drinking Water
Through monitoring, remedial interventions, and large-scale water supply schemes, the government has successfully addressed groundwater contamination, ensuring safe drinking water for millions of rural households. These efforts continue under the guidance of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in alignment with the Jal Jeevan Mission.
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