Punjab, often referred to as the “Granary of India” for its lush fields and abundant agricultural produce, is facing a hidden crisis that threatens both its residents and its food production. High levels of uranium and heavy metals have infiltrated the underground water table of Punjab, resulting in dire consequences for the health of its people and the vitality of its crops. In this edition of Green Chronicles, we delve into this alarming issue and explore how it affects both health and agriculture.
The Hidden Threat of Heavy Metals
More than two dozen reports have been published in The Tribune over the last decade, shedding light on the high toxicity of uranium and heavy metals in Punjab’s water sources. The report by Ruchika M. Khanna in 2016 revealed the use of canal water for drinking and toxic groundwater for irrigation, based on data from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department (PWSSD).
Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department’s Research
The Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department (PWSSD) conducted comprehensive research, collecting groundwater samples from more than 50% of Punjab’s habitations. This sophisticated analysis used state-of-the-art instrumentation, including ICPMS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and Ion Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (IC-MS). Their report revealed heavy metal contamination in 2080 habitations out of 15384 homes analyzed.
The Impact on Health
Heavy metals contamination in groundwater poses a severe health risk to the people of Punjab. The contamination includes elements like aluminium, iron, nickel, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, arsenic, selenium, and uranium. Previous investigations have focused on uranium contamination and its associated health hazards. Arsenic and selenium contamination have also been reported, with higher levels than the permissible limit in some areas.
Agricultural Implications
The contamination of groundwater by heavy metals not only affects human health but also has significant implications for agriculture. The crops and food grains grown in Punjab are at risk of absorbing these heavy metals from the soil and water, potentially leading to reduced crop yields and compromised food safety.
Conclusion
Punjab’s battle with heavy metals and uranium contamination in its groundwater is a silent crisis with far-reaching consequences. It endangers the health of its residents and the future of its agriculture, which is the backbone of the state’s economy. Green Chronicles will continue to monitor this pressing issue, urging authorities to take necessary steps to mitigate the contamination’s impact on both health and food grain production. It is crucial to raise awareness and push for sustainable solutions to safeguard the well-being of Punjab’s people and the health of its agriculture.