Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Ramjilal Suman launched a scathing critique of the government on Monday, accusing it of displaying profound insensitivity toward the escalating crisis of groundwater pollution across India. The parliamentarian from Agra raised this critical issue during a session in the Upper House, asserting that the absence of an effective and comprehensive policy to tackle contaminated water is directly endangering millions of lives.
Government's Data and Claims Called Into Question
In his address, Suman challenged the government's assertions regarding groundwater quality, stating that authorities lack accurate and reliable data on the true state of the nation's water resources. He dismissed official claims that a significant portion of India's groundwater remains potable as "nothing short of a joke," highlighting a severe disconnect between governmental statements and ground realities.
Alarming International Ranking and Domestic Statistics
Citing a recent United Nations report, the SP MP revealed that India occupies a dismal 120th position among 122 countries in terms of water quality, a ranking that underscores the severity of the contamination issue. He presented startling domestic figures, noting that approximately 85% of the country's drinking water supply is sourced from groundwater. Shockingly, nearly 70% of this vital resource is polluted, creating a widespread public health emergency.
Severe Health Impacts and Mortality Rates
Suman elaborated on the dire consequences of consuming contaminated water, linking it to 21% of all serious diseases reported across India. He emphasized the human cost of this crisis, revealing that polluted water contributes to nearly two lakh deaths annually. These statistics paint a grim picture of the health ramifications stemming from inadequate water quality management and policy failures.
Specific Incidents and Project Failures Highlighted
The parliamentarian did not limit his criticism to general statistics. He pointed to specific instances of failure, questioning the water quality during the recent Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Suman stated that the Sangam water was so severely contaminated that it was deemed unfit even for bathing purposes, contradicting official assurances about the sanctity and safety of the water body.
Furthermore, he raised serious doubts about the government's much-publicized initiative to create 69,000 ‘Amrit Sarovars’ (ponds of nectar). Suman alleged that many of these water bodies have either completely dried up due to neglect or have been transformed into dumping grounds for waste, thereby failing to serve their intended purpose of water conservation and purification.
Through his detailed allegations and cited evidence, Ramjilal Suman called for immediate governmental action, transparency in data reporting, and the formulation of a robust national policy to address the groundwater pollution crisis before it leads to further irreversible damage to public health and the environment.
