January 3rd 2025.
The recent findings of the Central Ground Water Board have raised significant concerns about the health of the people living in the state. According to the 'Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024', high levels of nitrates and excessive fluoride have been detected in the groundwater of 15 and 10 districts, respectively.
Among the 15 districts with high nitrate levels are Angul, Bolangir, Bargarh, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Khurda, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Nuapada, Puri, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Sundargarh. This is a cause for alarm as nitrate contamination can have serious environmental and health consequences, especially in areas where nitrogen-based fertilizers and animal waste are heavily used in agriculture. Exposure to high levels of nitrates can lead to health issues such as blue baby syndrome in infants and is not safe for drinking. The report also highlights that excessive irrigation can push nitrates from fertilizers deep into the soil, while poor management of animal waste in livestock farming can further contribute to the problem.
The rapid pace of urbanization and population growth also play a role in the contamination of groundwater with high levels of nitrates. Wastewater and sewage, which often contain nitrates, can seep into the groundwater, while leaking septic systems and improper sewage disposal can worsen the situation. In addition to high nitrates, the report also reveals that several districts, including Angul, Bolangir, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Nayagarh, Nuapada, Puri, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Sundargarh, have high levels of fluoride in their groundwater. This can have serious consequences for human health, as long-term consumption of water with excessive fluoride can lead to waterborne fluorosis, which can cause dental and skeletal issues.
It is worth noting that the study was conducted at 15,259 monitoring locations across the country in May 2023. Out of these, 440 districts were found to have high nitrate levels in their groundwater, with 20% of samples exceeding the permissible concentration. This is a cause for concern and urgent action needs to be taken to address this issue. In the meantime, it is important for individuals to be aware of the potential health risks and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their drinking water.
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