A recent report by the Ministry of Water Resources has revealed that drinking water in 74 locations across 10 districts in Kerala has been contaminated, raising concerns about public health and water safety. The affected districts include Alappuzha (12 locations), Idukki (3), Kannur (21), Kasaragod (2), Kozhikode (15), Malappuram (8), Palakkad (2), Thiruvananthapuram (1), Thrissur (2), and Wayanad (8).
The findings are part of a larger assessment that identified the water contamination in 11,348 settlements across 96 districts in seven states, including Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Tripura. The committee strongly criticized state governments for failing to implement the timely measures to combat pollution caused by factors such as high salinity, excessive iron content, nitrate, and mineral deposits.
The situation in Punjab is particularly alarming, with radioactive uranium contamination reported in 32 settlements across nine districts. While temporary interventions have been made in 22 locations, 10 settlements remain without any remedial action. Experts warn that uranium accumulation in vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and bones can result in severe health complications, including fatal diseases.
The report calls for urgent action from both state and central governments to address the crisis. Effective solutions, including improved water treatment facilities and pollution control measures, are essential to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water for affected communities.
