Kerala Environment Department says groundwater is contaminated due to fluoride in three districts
Fluoride contamination has been detected beyond permissible limits in nine areas in Palakkad, Malappuram and Alappuzha districts, according to the State Environment Department.
The contamination has been detected in Muthalamada, Pallassena, Agali, Sholayur, Koppannu and Vattalakki (Palakkad); Komalapuram1 and Pazhaveedu (Alappuzha); and Manjeri (Malappuram).
The source of contamination is probably geogenic in nature, which means these constituents are already present in the rock or soil matrix and get into the groundwater through various chemical processes, according to a report dated February 16, 2024 filed by the department before the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi.
It was given to illustrate the current status of Kerala with regard to the case pending before the Bench based on a report by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti which stated in December 2023 that arsenic has been detected in groundwater in parts of 230 districts in 25 States and fluoride in 469 districts in 27 States.
The maximum permissible limit of arsenic in groundwater meant for drinking is 0.01 mg/l, while the corresponding limit of fluoride is 1.0 mg/l.
Report sought
The Environment Department had asked the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the State Groundwater Department, the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), and Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to submit a report based on the findings of the Ministry. The study by the CWRDM, which focused on Palakkad district, found that Sholayur panchayat was grossly contaminated with fluoride. The CGWB reported fluoride content at Manjeri (Malappuram); Koppanur and Vattalakki (Palakkad); and Pazhaveedu in Alappuzha. The KSPCB found arsenic beyond permissible limits in a well at Kureepuzha, Kollam.
The report submitted before the NGT said the government plans to conduct spatial analysis studies in the affected areas. The State Groundwater Department will initiate remedial measures such as setting up rainwater harvesting facilities, and reverse osmosis plants.