Groundwater pollution near Devguradia trenching site harmful: MPPCB

The groundwater pollution level near Devguradia trenching ground has reached the 'critical' mark and is hazardous for people living in the vicinity, says the chief chemist and laboratory head of MP Pollution Control Board.

The groundwater pollution level near Devguradia trenching ground has reached the 'critical' mark and is hazardous for people living in the vicinity, says the chief chemist and laboratory head of MP Pollution Control Board (MPPCB).

A recent analysis report of water sample, collected from a tubewell near Devguradiya trenching ground, reveals that various factors determining the quality of ground water has worsened in the last two years.

The lab head of MPPCB (Indore region) Dr DK Wagela said, "Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) present in the ground water near trenching ground is the major cause of worry. The TDS level in the water has touched the maximum permissible mark. It means, water beyond this level should not be used for drinking."

In 2013, the TDS in water was recorded at 1276 mg/l, and at present it stands at 1994 mg/l.

Dr Wagela suggested that, Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) should identify the contaminated source and immediately stop exploiting water from such body.

The total hardness of water which stood at 352 milligrams per liter (mg/l) in 2013 has shot up to 796 mg/l at the start of 2015, whereas the maximum permissible limit for drinking water is up to 600 mg/l.

Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the water has also touched the maximum mark, beyond which the water will not be potable. And the level of dissolved oxygen in the sample was found to be less than the required quantities.

Turbidity (suspended solid matter) in water has also doubled during this period, from 0.86 N.T.U to 1.64 N.T.U (Nephelometric Turbidity Units).

According to WHO, turbidity in drinking water should not exceed 1 N.T.U.

Dr Wagela said, "Tonnes of garbage (municipal solid waste) lying dumped in the trenching ground is the major contributor in polluting ground water in the area."