30 Aug 11: A study conducted on ground water quality in the city by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reveals that the city’s ground water is polluted with many chemical contaminants being present in more than the permissible amounts. In view of the tests carried out, the board has suggested that the ground water in major parts of the city should not be used for drinking purposes unless it is treated for chemical and biological contamination. Even the HMDA has included the above suggestion in its environmental building guidelines.
The study was conducted by CGWB in the areas of Uppal, LB Nagar, Golconda, Yusufguda, Doctor’s colony, Attapur, Bollarum industrial area, Sanjeevayya Park, Jeedimetla, Sanathnagar, Hyderguda, Kattedan, Bhulaxmi nagar, Sirinagar and Niralanagar.
The ground water samples collected from all the above areas have failed in various crucial parameters and tests which include test of total hardness and calcium, sulphate, chloride, nitrate and magnesium contents. And the chemical components in these samples are present above the desirable quantities.
The report given by the Central Ground Water Board says that in the areas of LB Nagar, the ground water is highly polluted by the disposal of industrial effluents. The areas surrounding Musi have ground water contaminated with organic pollution and the areas surrounded by the industries have ground water contaminated by the industrial pollution. Further, the ground water in Hyderabad has total hardness up to 1000 ppm, when the desirable hardness is just about 300 ppm.
HMDA has warned the public that if the ground water is consumed without chemical treatment, it will lead to possible health risks such as cancers, blue baby disease, learning impairment and neurological disorders, dental and skeletal fluorosis, scaling of skin and hair loss.
Source: Deccan Chronicle