India’s Groundwater: 81% Fit for Irrigation, But Regional Hurdles Remain

A recent assessment reveals that 81% of India's groundwater is suitable for irrigation, offering relief to the nation's agricultural sector. This evaluation, based on hydrochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, and sodium absorption ratio, underscores the overall health of the country's subterranean water resources. However, regions like Bagpat district in Uttar Pradesh face significant challenges, with reports of heavy metal contamination, including arsenic levels 4,000 times above acceptable limits, posing severe health risks to local communities. These findings highlight the need for localized water quality assessments and targeted interventions to ensure safe irrigation practices nationwide.