Dipping groundwater cause of worry in Bihar districts

• The fall in groundwater level and deterioration in its quality in some districts of Bihar over the past two years has caused concern for state authorities
• An assessment of the pre-monsoon groundwater level across the state revealed that districts have seen a decline in groundwater levels in the last two years
• The state Govt's PHED has developed a quality monitoring protocol

The fall in groundwater level and deterioration in its quality in some districts of Bihar over the past two years has caused concern for state authorities, according to the state's latest economic survey. An assessment of the pre-monsoon groundwater level across the state revealed that districts like Aurangabad, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Khagaria, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar have seen a decline in groundwater levels in the last two years.

When asked, Bihar Public Health Department Minister Lalit Kumar Yadav said, “The department is looking into the matter. We are planning a new study to find out the causes of water quality deterioration and preventive steps that can be taken to control it. “Measures to control the drop in the groundwater level will also be discussed with other concerned departments of the state government,” he said.

According to the Bihar Economic Survey (2022-23), the groundwater levels in districts like Aurangabad, Nawada, Kaimur and Jamui were at least 10 m below ground in the pre-monsoon season of 2021.

The pre-monsoon groundwater level in Aurangabad was 10.59 meters in 2020, but dropped to 10.97 meters in 2021. The case is similar with other districts like Saran (5.55 meters in 2020 to 5.83 meters in 2021), Siwan (4.66 meters in 2020 and 5.4 meters in 2021), Gopalganj (4.10 meters in 2020 and 5.35 meters in 2021), East Champaran (2021). 5.52 meters in 2020 and 6.12 meters in 2021), Supaul (3.39 meters in 2020 and 4.93 meters in 2021).

“Decreasing water table in various districts of the state is alarming as it critically supports agricultural, industrial and domestic activities. Apart from affecting the state's economic growth, declining groundwater levels have other consequences such as depleting fresh water resources and creating ecological imbalances,” said the Bihar Economic Survey. Apart from human activities, rainfall fluctuations due to climate change can also impact water recharge groundwater, he said.

As for groundwater contamination in the state, the report says it has increased in recent years despite its abundant water resources. As of 2021, Bihar has a total of 968 canals, 26 reservoirs and many state tube wells. “The water quality of river Ganga and its tributaries in Bihar shows the presence of higher bacteriological population (total and faecal coliform). This is mainly due to the discharge of sewage/domestic sewage from the cities lying on the banks of Ganga and its tributaries,” it said.

Out of 1,14,651 rural areas in Bihar, 30,207 rural areas spread over 29 districts have been found to have affected groundwater quality, the report said. The state government's PHED has developed a quality monitoring protocol for testing water and sharing test results with users to ensure that a surveillance system is in place, he added.

To a question from gastroenterologist Manoj Kumar, he said that consumption of water that is not properly treated poses a serious threat to human health. Contamination of drinking water causes many types of diseases such as typhoid, diarrhoea, hepatitis, cholera, and other viral infections. “Groundwater is mostly contaminated by leaks in sewer lines or through septic tanks. It has high levels of total dissolved solids, which essentially need to be reduced to make the water drinkable. They can also contain other dangerous elements. For example, drinking water containing fluoride can lead to fluorous, he said.