An explainer on drinking water contamination in India

The issue of drinking water contamination in India is a critical challenge with profound implications for public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The forthcoming "State of India’s Environment 2026" report, as highlighted by downtoearth.org.in, will undoubtedly provide a comprehensive and crucial snapshot of this pervasive problem, serving as a vital resource for policymakers and the public alike. Understanding this issue requires delving into its multifaceted causes, consequences, and the policy frameworks attempting to address it.

Historically, India's rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural expansion since independence have placed immense pressure on its water resources. While the focus initially was on increasing water supply to meet the demands of a growing population and economy, water quality often took a backseat. Untreated or inadequately treated sewage from urban centers, industrial effluents discharged directly into rivers and water bodies, and agricultural runoff laden with pesticides and fertilizers have systematically polluted both surface and groundwater sources. Natural contaminants like arsenic, particularly prevalent in the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin, and fluoride, found in various parts of the country, further exacerbate the problem, affecting millions. The lack of robust infrastructure for water treatment and distribution, coupled with poor sanitation practices, has contributed to a cycle of contamination.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this complex issue. The **Central Government**, primarily through the Ministry of Jal Shakti (which encompasses the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), formulates policies and provides financial and technical support. The flagship Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through tap connections to all rural households by 2024, demonstrating a significant commitment. **State Governments** and their Public Health Engineering Departments (PHEDs) are responsible for the implementation and maintenance of water supply schemes. **Local Self-Governments**, including Panchayats (under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992) and Municipalities (under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992), play a crucial role in local water management, distribution, and sanitation. **Industries** are significant polluters, and their compliance with environmental norms, monitored by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, is vital. The **agricultural sector** contributes to non-point source pollution. Finally, **civil society organizations, research institutions, and citizens** themselves are crucial stakeholders, advocating for change, monitoring water quality, and participating in community-led initiatives.

The significance of safe drinking water for India cannot be overstated. It directly impacts **public health**, with waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and viral hepatitis being major causes of morbidity and mortality, especially among children. According to UNICEF, diarrheal diseases are a leading cause of death for children under five in India. This health burden leads to substantial **economic costs** through healthcare expenditures, lost productivity, and diminished human capital. Socially, the lack of access to safe water disproportionately affects marginalized communities and women, who often bear the brunt of fetching water from distant or unsafe sources. Environmentally, the contamination degrades ecosystems, harming biodiversity and the natural resource base. Politically, it’s a matter of governance and the State's ability to fulfill its obligation to its citizens.

The Indian Constitution implicitly guarantees the right to safe drinking water. While not explicitly stated, the Supreme Court has interpreted the **Right to Life under Article 21** to include the right to a clean environment and safe drinking water. Furthermore, **Article 47** of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) mandates the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health. **Article 48A** also directs the State to protect and improve the environment. Key legislative instruments include the aforementioned Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the overarching Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The National Water Policy, last updated in 2012, emphasizes water quality alongside quantity management.

Looking ahead, the future implications of drinking water contamination are profound. Without concerted efforts, India risks a worsening public health crisis, increased economic strain, and further environmental degradation. The "State of India’s Environment 2026" report will be instrumental in providing updated data and insights, guiding future policy. The focus must shift towards integrated water resource management, strict enforcement of pollution control norms, massive investment in advanced water treatment and wastewater recycling infrastructure, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Decentralized approaches, leveraging the 73rd and 74th Amendments, are crucial for effective local governance of water. Public awareness campaigns, community participation, and the adoption of innovative technologies for water purification and monitoring will be essential in ensuring that every Indian has access to safe and clean drinking water, truly upholding the spirit of Article 21.