Deterioration in Groundwater Quality in South-Western Punjab Raises Concerns
2 min read
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has conducted research revealing a significant decline in groundwater quality in the south-western region of Punjab. This deterioration has had adverse effects on the health of the local population. In contrast, areas in the north-eastern region, nourished by the Himalayan rivers, continue to maintain comparatively superior water quality.
The study conducted by IIT Mandi’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, led by Associate Professor Dr. D.P. Shukla and assisted by Ph.D. student Harsimranjit Kaur Romana, underscores growing concerns regarding groundwater pollution in Punjab. The research focused on a ten-year period, from 2000 to 2020, examining variations in groundwater quality at different locations, especially in relation to contaminants such as nitrates and fluorides that pose health risks.
Professor Shukla emphasized the need for immediate attention from the state government to evaluate the quality of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. He elaborated that over the past two decades, there have been significant alterations in groundwater quality. For instance, calcium levels have increased from 382 mg/L to 471 mg/L, while magnesium levels rose from 439 mg/L to 666 mg/L, increasing the risk of kidney stones. The excessive use of fertilizers has led to a surge in nitrates, soaring from 596 mg/L to 1306 mg/L. Additionally, fluoride levels have escalated from 7.2 mg/L to 8.6 mg/L, exceeding permissible limits by several folds. Professor Shukla’s study involved the measurement of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and iron levels from more than 315 locations across Punjab.
It is essential to note that 94% of Punjab’s population depends on groundwater to meet their water needs, making it crucial to address this issue urgently.
The study, conducted in collaboration with Professor Ramesh P. Singh and Dr. Dericks Stuti Shukla, has been published in the Environmental Science and Pollution Research journal.
