Guwahati: Some areas in Assam have been found to have drinking water contamination, including heavy metals like arsenic, exceeding safe limits, the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti told the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
In response to a written question by Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said that groundwater assessments by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) indicate that, overall, Assam’s groundwater remains largely safe for drinking.
However, he acknowledged that a few isolated locations have reported contaminant levels above the permissible limits. “Certain pockets have shown the presence of contaminants, including heavy metals such as arsenic, beyond the safe thresholds for drinking water,” the minister said.
Choudhary warned that consuming arsenic-contaminated groundwater over long periods could have negative health effects. He also noted that further in-depth studies are required to clearly determine any direct link between arsenic levels and disease patterns in the state.
The minister explained that the CGWB monitors groundwater quality nationwide, carrying out scientific assessments following standard protocols as part of its national programme.
He added that arsenic contamination is mainly geogenic, meaning it naturally occurs from soil and rock formations, which can leach into groundwater and eventually enter the food chain.
Choudhary also noted that, as water is a state subject, managing groundwater and addressing contamination is primarily the responsibility of state governments. “The Centre provides technical guidance and financial support to states through various schemes and projects,” he added.