What’s the news?

• As per study carried out by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to map areas with uranium contaminated groundwater during 2019, the occurrence of uranium in groundwater beyond the BIS permissible limits (0.03 mg/l) of water was observed in around 409 samples against 14,377 samples analyzed in 18 states.

News in detail

• The ministry of Jal Shakti stated that the uranium occurrence is natural which has been confirmed from the investigations.
• As per Department of Atomic Energy, hydrogeological and stable isotope tracer investigations carried out in the groundwater around the Tummalapalle uranium mining project have confirmed that there is no association between uranium mining industry and elevated uranium levels in groundwater.
• In addition, under the ministry, while allocating the funds to states/UTs, 10% weightage is given to the population residing in habitations affected by chemical contaminants, including heavy metals, and while planning for potable water supply to households through tap connection, priority is to be given to quality-affected habitations.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/uranium-found-beyond-permissable-limits-in-409-groundwater-samples-across-india/article65667440.ece