Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Groundwater constitutes a vital freshwater resource, providing approximately 40% of India’s irrigation needs and a significant portion of domestic and industrial water supply. However, its quality is increasingly threatened by various pollutants. Groundwater pollution refers to the contamination of groundwater by anthropogenic and natural activities, rendering it unfit for human consumption and other uses. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) identifies 12 states as being critically affected by groundwater depletion and contamination, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. This answer will briefly account for the sources of groundwater pollution in India and discuss the management of groundwater resources.
Sources of Groundwater Pollution in India
Groundwater pollution in India stems from both natural and anthropogenic sources. While natural sources contribute to baseline levels of certain contaminants, anthropogenic activities are the primary drivers of widespread pollution.
Anthropogenic Sources
- Industrial Effluents: Discharge of untreated or partially treated industrial wastewater containing heavy metals (lead, mercury, chromium), organic chemicals, and other toxic substances. Examples include tanneries in Kanpur, chemical industries in Gujarat, and pharmaceutical industries in Hyderabad.
- Agricultural Runoff: Excessive use of fertilizers (nitrates, phosphates) and pesticides leads to leaching into groundwater. The Green Revolution significantly increased fertilizer use, exacerbating this problem.
- Sewage and Domestic Waste: Lack of adequate sewage treatment facilities results in the contamination of groundwater with pathogens, organic matter, and nutrients. This is particularly prevalent in urban areas.
- Solid Waste Disposal: Improperly managed landfills and open dumping of solid waste contribute to leachate contamination.
- Mining Activities: Mining operations can release heavy metals and other pollutants into groundwater. Iron ore mining in Odisha and coal mining in Jharkhand are examples.
- Over-extraction: Excessive groundwater pumping leads to saltwater intrusion in coastal areas (e.g., West Bengal, Kerala) and arsenic contamination in certain regions (e.g., West Bengal, Bihar).
Natural Sources
- Geogenic Contamination: Naturally occurring elements like arsenic, fluoride, iron, and salinity can contaminate groundwater in specific geological formations.
- Seawater Intrusion: As mentioned above, this is a natural process exacerbated by over-extraction.
Management of Groundwater Resources
Effective groundwater management requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing regulatory frameworks, technological interventions, and community participation.
Regulatory Frameworks
- Ground Water Model Bill, 2011 (not yet enacted nationally): Aims to regulate groundwater extraction and promote sustainable management.
- National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUAM): Launched by CGWB to characterize and map aquifers across the country.
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: Provides a framework for preventing and controlling water pollution, including groundwater.
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Empowers the government to take measures to protect and improve the environment, including groundwater.
Technological Interventions
- Artificial Recharge: Techniques like rainwater harvesting, check dams, and percolation tanks to replenish groundwater levels.
- Wastewater Treatment: Implementing effective sewage treatment plants and industrial effluent treatment facilities.
- Remediation Technologies: Using technologies like bioremediation and activated carbon adsorption to remove pollutants from groundwater.
Community-Based Approaches
- Water User Associations (WUAs): Promoting participatory groundwater management through WUAs.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities about the importance of groundwater conservation and pollution prevention.
- Demand-Side Management: Promoting water-efficient irrigation techniques and reducing water consumption.
| Challenge | Management Strategy |
|---|---|
| Over-extraction | Regulation of groundwater extraction, artificial recharge, demand-side management |
| Industrial Pollution | Stricter enforcement of pollution control norms, effluent treatment, promoting cleaner production technologies |
| Agricultural Runoff | Promoting balanced fertilizer use, integrated pest management, organic farming |
Conclusion
Groundwater pollution is a serious environmental challenge in India, threatening water security and public health. While regulatory frameworks exist, their effective implementation remains a major hurdle. A holistic approach integrating robust regulations, technological interventions, and active community participation is crucial for sustainable groundwater management. Investing in research and development of cost-effective remediation technologies and promoting water conservation practices are essential steps towards ensuring the long-term availability of this vital resource.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.