Rising Nitrate Levels in India’s Groundwater

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) annual report of December 2024 revealed a sharp rise in groundwater pollution across India.

The number of districts with excessive nitrate levels increased from 359 in 2017 to 440 in 2023, now affecting more than 60% of the country.

Key Findings and Impacts

Area	Details
Worst-Hit States	Rajasthan recorded 49%, Karnataka 48%, and Tamil Nadu 37% nitrate exceedance in groundwater samples.
Primary Drivers	Excessive use of nitrogenous fertilisers such as urea and over-exploitation of aquifers reducing natural dilution.
Health Hazard	High nitrate levels can cause Methaemoglobinaemia (Blue Baby Syndrome), which impairs oxygen transport in infants.
Safe Limit	The BIS acceptable limit for nitrate in drinking water is 45 mg/L.

Why Nitrate Pollution is Rising

Cause	Impact
Fertiliser Runoff	Nitrogen-rich fertilisers seep into groundwater through agricultural runoff.
Over-Extraction	Excessive groundwater extraction reduces dilution and increases pollutant concentration.
Sewage Contamination	Untreated sewage and waste disposal add nitrates to groundwater systems.
Public Health Risk	Contaminated drinking water poses severe risks to infants and vulnerable populations.

PT Facts

CGWB: Functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
BIS: Stands for Bureau of Indian Standards.
Nitrate Pollution: Commonly linked to fertiliser runoff, sewage, and overuse of groundwater.
Blue Baby Syndrome: Reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, especially in infants.

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