The recent report released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) raises a serious alarm regarding groundwater contamination in Punjab and Haryana. The presence of uranium concentrations exceeding 30 parts per billion (ppb)—the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO)—poses a severe health risk to millions of residents.

Water is life, but contaminated water threatens life itself. Prolonged exposure to high uranium levels in drinking water has been linked to chronic kidney diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. Studies have previously shown that districts such as Bathinda, Mansa, Fazilka (Punjab), and parts of Hisar, Fatehabad (Haryana) have dangerously high uranium levels in their groundwater.

This is a public health emergency. I urge the Government, policymakers, and citizens to take immediate action by:

Conducting large-scale testing of groundwater across affected areas.

Implementing advanced water treatment solutions to remove uranium contamination.

Raising awareness among local communities about the health risks.

Exploring alternative water sources such as surface water and rainwater harvesting.

Punjab and Haryana are already facing a groundwater crisis due to over-extraction and pollution. If this issue is not addressed urgently, the health consequences could be devastating. Immediate intervention is crucial to safeguard public health and ensure access to safe drinking water for all.