Nagpur: Groundwater in Wardha, Beed, Yavatmal, Amravati, Buldhana, Nanded, and Jalgaon has been found to contain high levels of nitrate, rendering it unsuitable for consumption due to severe health risks.
According to the 2024 Ground Water Quality report by the Central Ground Water Board, nitrate levels in these regions exceed the permissible limit of 45 mg per litre set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The report also highlighted that 20% of groundwater samples collected across the country contain nitrate levels above the safe threshold.
A National Concern
The study reveals that 440 districts in India are grappling with high nitrate levels in groundwater. States like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Bihar are the most affected, while Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland remain safe.
The Health Hazard
Nitrate enters the body through contaminated water or food and is converted into nitrite by bacteria in the mouth and intestines. This process leads to the formation of methemoglobin, which hampers hemoglobin’s ability to transport oxygen in the blood. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe health complications.
Call for Action
Experts warn that the rising nitrate levels pose a dual threat to public health and the environment. Immediate measures to monitor and reduce nitrate contamination are imperative to ensure safe drinking water for affected regions.