Arsenic detected in Baramulla, Kupwara, report warns of long-term risks
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The latest Annual Ground Water Report issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, assesses the groundwater quality in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting both positive indicators and concerns related to nitrate, arsenic, and overall irrigation suitability.
As per the report, Jammu and Kashmir have reported zero fluoride contamination, meaning all tested water samples were well within the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS 10500) permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L.
High nitrate levels (above 45 mg/L) were found in the groundwater of six districts—Baramulla, Jammu, Kathua, Kupwara, Rajouri, and Samba. The contamination is likely due to agricultural runoff and fertilizer use, which can lead to health risks, especially for infants and pregnant women.
Additionally, 9.2% of the wells tested in J&K showed nitrate contamination above the permissible limit. Unlike some other states, Jammu and Kashmir reported 100% of their groundwater samples within the permissible chloride limit (1000 mg/L), making it safe for both drinking and irrigation.
Elevated arsenic levels (above 10 ppb) were detected in Baramulla and Kupwara, posing potential health risks. Arsenic contamination is often linked to natural geological processes and can cause serious health effects with long-term exposure.
Unlike many states where iron levels exceed the safe limit (1.0 mg/L), Jammu and Kashmir did not report excessive iron contamination in groundwater. J&K’s groundwater is highly suitable for irrigation, with 100% of the samples falling within the low sodium category (S1). This means that groundwater poses no threat to soil fertility or crop productivity.
Similarly, no samples exceeded the critical Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) limit of 2.5 meq/L, further confirming the water’s excellent irrigation quality.
While the overall groundwater quality in Jammu and Kashmir remains safe for drinking and agriculture, high nitrate and arsenic levels in certain districts call for immediate monitoring and corrective measures.
Experts have recommended reducing excessive fertilizer use to prevent further nitrate buildup, conducting regular groundwater testing in affected areas, and implementing sustainable water management practices to mitigate arsenic contamination risks.
