India’s Groundwater Quality Assessment by CGWB

• The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has reported a rise in districts with excessive nitrate in their groundwater, from 359 in 2017 to 440 in 2023.

• Excessive nitrate content can lead to methemoglobinemia and environmental issues, such as algal blooms in lakes and ponds.

• Nearly 19.8% of groundwater samples from 15,239 samples across India had nitrates above safe limits.

• Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu reported the largest extent of nitrate contamination.

• Other significant chemical contaminants affecting groundwater quality include fluoride and uranium.

• States with over-exploited groundwater blocks are more likely to have excessive chemical contaminants.

• The country’s degree of groundwater extraction is 60.4%, roughly the same as it has been since 2009.

• More concerted awareness programs are needed to contain the crisis.