Groundwater Contamination in India

As of 2023, 440 districts in India have excessive nitrates in their groundwater, compared to 359 districts in 2017, as reported by the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) on January 1, 2025.

  • 56% of districts exceed the nitrate safety limit of 45 mg/litre.
  • Monsoon worsens contamination: 32.66% samples unsafe in 2023 rainy season.

Regional Hotspots

  • High Nitrate: Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), Tamil Nadu (37%).
  • Uranium Contamination: Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Fluoride remains a concern in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Haryana.

Groundwater Use & Availability

  • 60.4% of groundwater extracted (stable since 2009).
  • Safe groundwater blocks increased from 67.4% (2022) to ....
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