Fluoride Contamination

Context

The Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam showed the presence of immoderate fluoride in 120 hamlets, affecting nearly 2 lakh people. 

About Fluoride

• Fluoride is a naturally occurring element observed in groundwater.
• The national drinking water limit for fluoride is 1.50 mg/L.
• Excessive fluoride intake can cause skeletal fluorosis, dental decay, and pose extreme health risks, particularly for children.

States with High Fluoride Contamination

• Rajasthan has the highest fluoride contamination in India.
• Other affected states encompass Telangana, western Andhra Pradesh, and jap Karnataka.
• Fluoride levels spike during the dry, summer pre-monsoon months, with arid regions in western India displaying higher contamination than humid areas.
• Other Groundwater Contaminants in India: Apart from fluoride, India’s groundwater is likewise infected with numerous different harmful elements:
  • Arsenic Contamination: Found in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, masking 90% of arsenic contamination instances in India.
  • Uranium Contamination: Found in 12 states, which includes Punjab.
  • Iron Contamination: Severe in states like Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Assam.
  • Other contaminants, including antimony, cadmium, copper, and barium, also pose risks, leading to toxicity, high blood pressure, and liver and kidney damage.

Legislative and Policy Measures to Address Contamination

• Several laws and projects were added to control water contamination:
  • Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
  • Environment Protection Act, 1986
  • The Water Cess Act, 1977
• Additionally, numerous government schemes attention on groundwater recharge and conservation:
  • Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Watershed Development
  • Atal Bhujal Yojana (focused on sustainable groundwater management)

Role of the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

• • CGWA was established under Section 3(3) of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 to alter groundwater assets.

• Major Functions of CGWA:

• • Regulating and handling groundwater resources to prevent over-extraction.
  • Issuing important regulatory directions for conservation and utilization.
  • Exercising powers under Section 4 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 to hire officers for enforcement.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? (2013)

1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride
4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

a) 1 and 3 only 

b) 2, 4 and 5 only 

c) 1, 3 and 5 only 

d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: C

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