The Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti informed Parliament that arsenic contamination beyond prescribed limits has been detected in some isolated pockets of Assam’s groundwater.

Key facts from Parliament reply

• Data from the Central Ground Water Board shows that groundwater in Assam is largely potable, but localized contamination exists.
• Heavy metals like arsenic have been found above permissible drinking water limits in certain areas.
• Long-term consumption of arsenic-contaminated water may cause adverse health effects, though detailed epidemiological studies are still required to establish direct disease linkages in Assam.

About Arsenic

• It is a naturally occurring substance that can be found in air, water, and soil.
• It can also be released into the environment by certain agricultural and industrial processes, such as mining and metal smelting. 
• It is a chemical element in the nitrogen group (Group 15 of the periodic table), existing in both gray and yellow crystalline forms.
• It comes in two forms i.e. organic and inorganic. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form.

Understanding arsenic contamination

• Arsenic is mainly geogenic, meaning it originates from natural soil and rock formations and leaches into groundwater.
• Once present in water, arsenic can enter the food chain through irrigation and cooking.
• Inorganic arsenic is highly toxic and more dangerous than organic forms.

Health implications

• Short-term exposure: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
• Long-term exposure:
  • Skin pigmentation and lesions
  • Increased risk of cancers
  • Damage to internal organs
• Arsenic contamination is a chronic public health issue in parts of the Ganga–Brahmaputra plains.

Governance and responsibility

• Water is a State subject, so State governments are primarily responsible for groundwater management and mitigation.
• The Ministry of Jal Shakti supports States through:
  • Technical guidance
  • Financial assistance
  • Nationwide groundwater quality monitoring programmes

One-line wrap

Arsenic contamination in parts of Assam highlights the need for targeted groundwater monitoring and sustained public health interventions.

Exam Hook

Consider the following statements:

1. Arsenic contamination in groundwater is largely caused by industrial pollution in Assam.
2. Long-term consumption of arsenic-contaminated water can lead to serious health effects.
3. Management of groundwater quality is primarily the responsibility of State governments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 2 and 3

Source