The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the West Bengal government to regularly test water for arsenic and ensure no contamination. They also told authorities to speed up a Detailed Project Report (DPR) within three years, including plans for removing arsenic and iron from groundwater. Kolkata Municipal Corporation was directed to finish providing clean drinking water to the entire city in three years.
In an affidavit on September 22, 2023, the Public Health Engineering Directorate noted arsenic contamination in South 24 Parganas district. The DPR includes provisions for removing arsenic and iron in the new piped water supply scheme. Considering the contamination trend, the DPR includes plans for 232 removal plants, and 883 schemes worth Rs 6,114.41 crore are sanctioned in South 24 Parganas. Also, 1,144 big dia tube wells are projected under these schemes.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation, in an affidavit on November 23, 2023, claimed to provide arsenic-free drinking water to almost the entire city. About 98% of the city’s population, or 5 lakh premises, now have piped water.
NGT took up the matter based on a news report from March 23, 2023, stating Kolkata’s groundwater level dropped by 2.1 meters from 2017-21, a decline of 18.6%. Without action, it could fall by 44% by 2025, leading to higher arsenic contamination in Kolkata and South 24 Parganas.
On December 1, 2023, NGT directed the state to expedite DPR implementation in three years and urged water testing to prevent arsenic contamination. Kolkata Municipal Corporation was further directed to complete its clean water project in three years.
An affidavit on September 22, 2023, noted arsenic in South 24 Parganas, with provisions for removal in the DPR. Considering the contamination trend, the DPR includes 232 removal plants, and 883 schemes worth Rs. 6,114.41 crore are sanctioned. It also mentions 1,144 big dia tube wells under these schemes.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation, in an affidavit on November 23, 2023, stated providing arsenic-free drinking water to almost the entire city. About 98% of the city’s population, or 5 lakh premises, have piped water.
In a related report, the Central Ground Water Board showed that from 2017-21, Kolkata’s groundwater level dropped by 2.1 meters, a decline of 18.6%. In South 24 Parganas, the drop is 2.5 meters, or 27.8%. Without intervention, the fall in Kolkata’s groundwater level could reach 44% by 2025.
Higher arsenic contamination has been reported in Kolkata and South 24 Parganas, likely to increase due to groundwater depletion. Respondents, including the State Water Investigation Directorate, provided affidavits with data and plans for addressing the situation.
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