SRINAGAR: Rising levels of contamination in groundwater across India, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, have sparked concerns about public health and environmental impacts. The Central Ground Water Board’s 2024 report reveals a troubling increase in nitrate levels, with excessive traces found in 440 districts across the country.
As of 2023, Jammu and Kashmir reported nitrate contamination in several districts, including Baramulla, Jammu, Kathua, Kupwara, Rajouri, and Samba, all of which exceed permissible limits for drinking water.
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, nitrate contamination is largely attributed to human activities such as overuse of fertilizers, agricultural runoff, and poor wastewater management. The contamination trend has worsened, with the number of districts affected rising from 359 in 2017 to 440 in 2023. While the overall proportion of contaminated groundwater samples decreased slightly from 21.6 per cent in 2017 to 19.8 per cent in 2023, localized nitrate pollution remains a significant challenge. These findings highlight a concerning rise in contamination across the central and southern regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, where nitrate levels have exceeded safe limits in isolated locations.
In addition to nitrates, fluoride contamination beyond safe drinking levels has been reported in 263 districts across India. This presents additional health risks, as prolonged exposure to these contaminants is linked to issues such as dental and skeletal fluorosis, birth defects, and thyroid complications. The government has taken various measures to address the situation, including enhancing water quality monitoring, setting up water purification plants, and promoting the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water.
Despite these efforts, the responsibility for groundwater management remains primarily with state governments. With an increasing number of districts affected, more targeted actions are needed to mitigate contamination and safeguard the health of populations in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and other regions.
