CHANDIGARH, March 24 — A Parliamentary standing committee on water resources has identified a severe public health crisis in Punjab, reporting that 401 villages across six districts are currently grappling with contaminated drinking water. The findings, tabled in the Lok Sabha on March 17, reveal that toxic heavy metals have been detected in various regions, making Punjab the fourth worst-affected state in the country for chemical water pollution, following Tripura, Assam, and Rajasthan.
The 30-member committee, chaired by MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, stated that the presence of substances such as mercury, uranium, and cadmium in groundwater poses an alarming threat to rural habitations. The report maintained that southwest Punjab is the most impacted area, specifically noting that districts like Fazilka and Ferozepur are struggling with uranium and mercury levels. The panel affirmed that immediate remedial measures, including strengthened monitoring and the provision of safe water alternatives, are necessary to prevent further health risks.
According to the committee’s observations, the long-term consumption of this unsafe water is linked to severe health complications. The report asserted that districts including Moga and Patiala are affected by multiple heavy metals, while Fatehgarh Sahib and Rupnagar have reported high nitrate contamination. The panel declared that the health hazards of water contamination require urgent consideration due to the immediate risks posed to local populations.
To address these growing threats, the committee recommended a rigorous schedule of regular testing and intervention. It affirmed that timely detection is the only way to safeguard public health in the affected districts. The report noted that the current situation in Punjab highlights a critical need for the Ministry of Jal Shakti to prioritize infrastructure that ensures consistent access to clean drinking water in contaminated zones.
