1.11 Lakh of 13 Lakh drinking water samples found contaminated
According to a recently released report, out of more than 13 lakh drinking water samples tested under the government programme, 1.11 lakh samples have been found to be contaminated.
The samples for this program have been taken from the drinking water testing and monitoring program of the government.
The following are responsible for contamination of samples: 1.11 Lakh of 13 Lakh drinking water samples found contaminated
- Naturally occurring chemicals and minerals such as arsenic, fluoride, iron and uranium.
- Local land use practices such as fertilizers, pesticides, livestock and concentrated feeding activities.
- Manufacturing processes such as heavy metals or cyanide near drinking water sources.
It should be noted that unsafe levels of contaminants in water negatively affect health and can even lead to chronic diseases such as cancer.
It is estimated that about 70% of the surface water in India is not fit for consumption.
During the testing of these samples, high levels of fluoride were found in 230 districts of 20 states. Among these, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are the most affected states.
Steps taken to improve the quality of drinking water-
- Framework and guidelines for testing, testing and monitoring of drinking water quality have been issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- An online portal named Water Quality Information Management System (WOMIS) has been launched. This portal provides detailed information on laboratories.
- Water quality is being monitored using Field Test Kits (FTKs) to train women in each village.
- The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF) has been launched.
- Also, Jal Jeevan Mission (JUM) is being operated to provide safe drinking water.
Source – The Hindu
