31% Areas in Punjab Affected by Contaminated Water..

Punjab : A significant portion of Punjab is grappling with contaminated water, with 31% of the state’s areas affected by unsafe drinking water. The contamination is primarily due to high levels of iron, nitrate, and heavy metals found in the water supply of districts like Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Firozpur, Moga, Patiala, and Roopnagar. In some regions, uranium has been detected in alarmingly high quantities, raising further concerns about the long-term health implications for the residents.

The water contamination problem in Punjab is becoming increasingly alarming, as multiple districts have reported unsafe water that exceeds the permissible limits for heavy metals and harmful substances. In addition to iron and nitrates, the presence of uranium in districts like Bhatinda, Faridkot, Moga, Muktsar, Firozpur, and Mansa has been found to be significantly above the safe levels. The high levels of uranium can have severe health consequences over time, including an increased risk of cancer and kidney diseases, which poses a major public health risk for the residents of these regions.

Despite the serious nature of this contamination issue, there has been no effective provision of an alternative clean water supply for the affected areas. The residents are left with no choice but to rely on contaminated water sources for drinking and daily use, leading to a surge in waterborne diseases in the affected regions.

The government has been urged to take immediate action to address this growing crisis by providing clean and safe drinking water to these areas. Experts have recommended implementing water purification systems that can remove harmful chemicals and heavy metals from the water. Additionally, there is an urgent need to develop better water management and filtration technologies to ensure that the residents of Punjab have access to clean and safe water.

The situation in Punjab calls for immediate attention from the state government and health authorities to prevent further deterioration of public health. Without swift action, the contamination could lead to a wider public health emergency, further endangering the lives of the people in these affected areas.