Post News Network
Cuttack, April 27: Faulty management of solid waste has turned the groundwater in the district soporific posing grave threat to the residents here, claimed recently conducted surveys.
Concentration of acid, alkali, iron and chloride in groundwater is on the rise, district soil conservation department deputy director Bijay Kumar Panigrahi said.
The pH value of Cuttack’s groundwater varies between 5 and 6.8, which is acidic in nature as pure water has a pH value of 7. “Though the water is potable now, it will turn unfit if the pH value increases to 8.5,” said Panigrahi.
“The turbidity of groundwater is rising, which stands at 0.2-3.8 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit),” he said. The report revealed that groundwater in Khapuria and Kalyaninagar areas has more concentration of unwanted soluble chemicals. It contains 88-678 mg dissolving chemicals per litre.
While the iron concentration of groundwater in Pattapol, Khapuria and CDA area has 0.28-1.6 mg per litre, the alkali concentration is at 12-16 mg. The water could be harmful in future if the growth of chemical components goes unchecked, reports claimed.
Water and Land Management Institute former director SK Samantray said effluents released from hospitals and industries are not being disposed of properly, allowing them to dissolve in groundwater.
Bio-wastes, plastics and polythene should be carefully disposed of, he said, adding that excessive use of chemical fertilizers is harmful for ground water.
This apart, depleting water table, a fallout of deforestation, is also a grave concern. Trees help soak water like sponge and ensure enough groundwater, environmentalist Ashutosh Debta said.