Nagpur's 5,948 Wells Face Water Quality Concerns Amid Scarcity
As Nagpur grapples with severe water shortages, the safety of its numerous borewells and wells is under scrutiny due to high fluoride levels.
Nagpur has 5,948 wells and borewells, but many may not be safe for drinking.
Recent tests show excessive fluoride in 12 out of 57 groundwater samples.
CGWB recommends sealing contaminated wells and implementing water conservation measures.
Nagpur is currently facing a critical water shortage, prompting attention to its 5,948 wells and borewells as potential water sources. However, concerns about the safety of this groundwater have emerged, particularly as local reservoirs are operating at less than half their capacity. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has submitted findings to the Bombay High Court that highlight the quality issues associated with these water sources.
In a report linked to a public interest litigation filed by resident Sandesh Singalkar, the CGWB tested 57 groundwater samples from Nagpur's municipal area during the pre-monsoon season of 2023. The analysis focused on 14 water quality parameters, revealing alarming levels of fluoride. Concentrations ranged from 0.45 to 3.84 mg/l, with an average of 1.97 mg/l. Notably, 12 samples surpassed the Bureau of Indian Standards' maximum permissible limit of 1.5 mg/l, and eight samples were deemed unfit for human consumption.
While nitrate levels in 50 samples remained within the acceptable limit of 45 mg/l, other parameters raised red flags. Total dissolved solids varied significantly, with some samples exceeding 2,594 mg/l. Additionally, electrical conductivity levels in two samples from east Nagpur surpassed 3,000 microsiemens per centimeter. Fortunately, uranium concentrations were reported to be below the permissible limit of 30 parts per billion.
The CGWB's pre-monsoon assessment for 2024 included an analysis of 65 groundwater samples for heavy metals. Fortunately, the tested metals, including arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, and manganese, were within safe limits. However, the report did not clarify whether the sites with high fluoride levels were subsequently retested, leaving some uncertainty regarding the safety of those sources.
In light of these findings, the CGWB has made several recommendations, including regular groundwater sampling and the immediate sealing of contaminated wells. They also suggest blending contaminated groundwater with surface water where feasible, along with promoting rooftop rainwater harvesting and water reuse initiatives. These measures aim to enhance water quality and ensure sustainable water management in Nagpur as the region continues to face water scarcity.
