Context: Groundwater contamination India
The National Green Tribunal has directed states to curb arsenic and fluoride contamination in groundwater and asked the Centre to monitor actions, highlighting a serious nationwide water quality issue.
Key water pollutants
- Arsenic: Toxic metal; causes skin lesions, organ damage, cancer (common in eastern regions).
- Fluoride: Excess leads to fluorosis, affecting bones and teeth (central and western regions).
- Nitrate: From fertilizers and sewage; causes “blue baby syndrome” and other health risks.
- Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium): Industrial sources; damage nervous system and organs.
- Pathogens (bacteria, viruses): From untreated sewage; cause water-borne diseases.
- Pesticides and chemicals: Agricultural runoff; long-term toxicity and bioaccumulation.
CGWA vs CGWB
- Central Ground Water Authority: Regulatory body — controls and monitors groundwater use.
- Central Ground Water Board: Scientific body — surveys, data collection, and assessment.
