Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Rising Uranium Levels in Delhi's Groundwater
Scientists found that some of Delhi's groundwater has too much uranium, a harmful substance.
This can come from farms, factories, or rocks underground.
Drinking this water for a long time can hurt your kidneys and might cause cancer.
Experts want the government to clean the water and tell people which wells are safe.
They also want to stop the problem by using better farming methods and checking the water more often.
13-15% of groundwater samples in Delhi show elevated uranium levels.
Uranium contamination poses health risks, including kidney damage and increased cancer risk.
Main sources of uranium in groundwater are phosphate fertilizers, industrial waste, and natural geology.
Environmental groups demand transparent testing and treatment of tubewell water.
Punjab has the highest uranium contamination, with 50% of samples showing excessive levels.
- Who
- Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and environmental groups
- What
- Rising uranium levels in Delhi's groundwater
- When
- Report released in November
- Where
- Delhi, India
- Why
- Due to phosphate fertilizers, industrial waste, and natural geology
- Contaminated Samples
- 13-15%
- Daily Groundwater Supply
- 450 million litres
- Tube Wells in Delhi
- 5,500
- Highest Contamination State
- Punjab (50% of samples)
- Health Risks
- Kidney damage, increased cancer risk