Chandigarh: Expressing concern over the findings of a study conducted by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi, which uncovered water pollution in Punjab due to agricultural runoff, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to different departments of Punjab — Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), departments of water supply and sanitation and agriculture and farmers welfare. The Central Pollution Control Board and IIT-Mandi have also been impleaded parties in the case.
The PPCB has been directed to file a report in response to facts disclosed in the study, including the issue of heavy metals, radioactive substances, pesticides and chemical pollutants found in the groundwater of the concerned area in sample testing within six weeks.
The tribunal had taken suo motu notice of a TOI news report ‘Agricultural Runoff Causing Groundwater Pollution in Punjab, Making Drinking Water Unsafe, Reveals Study’. The study highlighted an increase in demand for groundwater, local farmers exploiting groundwater from deeper geological strata which have heavy metals and a few are radioactive, having serious health impacts. Such incidents relating to the decline in water quality are mainly in the southwestern region of Punjab.
The study stated that Punjab, once celebrated as the “bread bowl of India”, is now referred to as the “cancer capital of India”, reflecting the dire consequences of water pollution and its impact on human health. It called for immediate action by the authorities concerned to investigate the quality of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes.
The PPCB sought time to examine the report and file its reply before the tribunal. It submitted that Punjab groundwater is being monitored regularly by the department of water supply and sanitation to supply drinking water to the people. It added that the data related to usage of groundwater from deeper geological strata, which is allegedly used by the farmers, might be available with the department of agriculture and farmers welfare, hence both departments would be in a better position to provide insights into the matters raised in the study.
It was noted that the board is actively monitoring groundwater quality at 46 different locations. However, the tribunal observed that while the PPCB claims to be monitoring groundwater quality at various locations, they were unable to provide the current water quality status.
The case is scheduled for its next hearing on January 18, 2024.
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