Groundwater contamination India water pollution public health agriculture environment policy sustainable development water management rural health urban water crisis environmental monitoring climate resilience

Groundwater Contamination in India: Causes, Impacts, and Government Response

Groundwater contamination in India poses a severe threat to public health, agriculture, and economic productivity. With nearly 20% of samples across 440+ districts exceeding safe limits for fluoride, arsenic, nitrate, and heavy metals, millions rely on unsafe water for drinking and irrigation. Industrial effluents, overuse of agricultural chemicals, untreated sewage, and over-extraction are key drivers. The multidimensional impacts include health crises, reduced agricultural yields, economic losses, and social inequality. Government initiatives like the National Rural Drinking Water Programme, Jal Jeevan Mission, and National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis aim to provide safe water and monitor quality, but challenges remain. Urgent, coordinated action integrating real-time monitoring, pollution control, sustainable agricultural practices, and public awareness is essential to safeguard India’s water security and health.