Government outlines remedial action plans to address groundwater contamination across India

The Government of India has detailed a series of remedial measures and policy interventions aimed at tackling groundwater contamination, supported by scientific monitoring and coordinated implementation across states. The Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) continues to generate groundwater quality data at a regional scale across the country through its groundwater quality monitoring programme and scientific studies, following established Standard Operating Procedures.

In 2024, the CGWB undertook a focused groundwater quality hotspot monitoring exercise to assess the distribution of contaminants and their spatial spread. The objective was to identify localised contamination zones and understand the extent to which contaminants migrate into surrounding areas, enabling targeted remedial planning.

Based on long-term assessments, the CGWB has recommended multiple remedial measures for groundwater contamination caused by various pollutants. These recommendations are disseminated through Annual Ground Water Quality Reports, National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM) study reports, advisories issued to state and district administrations, and through training and public outreach programmes. The Board has also developed techniques for constructing arsenic- and fluoride-safe wells, which have been shared with state governments for replication and large-scale implementation.

The issue of drinking water safety is being addressed in parallel through the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has been implemented since 2019 in partnership with states to provide safe drinking water to every rural household. While the mission covers the entire country, priority is given to habitations affected by water quality issues. States and Union Territories have been advised to implement piped water supply schemes based on bulk water transfer from safe surface water sources or alternative safe groundwater sources in villages facing contamination.

As a result of sustained efforts by the government and other stakeholders, there has been a substantial decline in the number of habitations affected by major groundwater contaminants such as arsenic and fluoride. According to data reported by states, the number of arsenic-affected habitations reduced from 14,020 in August 2019 to 314 by January 2026, while fluoride-affected habitations declined from 7,996 to 245 during the same period. The remaining affected habitations have also been provided access to clean and safe drinking water through Community Water Purifier Plants (CWPPs).

The government has also highlighted concerns related to nitrate contamination in groundwater, which typically originates from nitrogen-rich wastes deposited at or near the land surface. Elevated nitrate levels are often linked to the leaching of chemical fertilizers, animal waste, and other nitrogenous residues used in agricultural practices. To address this, the CGWB has recommended enhanced groundwater recharge to dilute nitrate concentrations, along with measures to reduce nitrate discharge in upper soil layers.

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In addition, the government is promoting the balanced and judicious use of fertilizers based on Soil Health Card (SHC) recommendations. Under the National Project on Soil Health and Fertility, Soil Health Cards are being used to improve soil health and optimize fertilizer application. Organic farming is also being encouraged nationwide through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) across all states and Union Territories, except the North Eastern states, while the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) is being implemented exclusively in the North East.

The information was provided by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.