Arsenic Contamination of India’s Groundwater: A Review and Critical Analysis

Abstract

Over the past years, the extent and magnitude of arsenic contamination of India’s groundwater has been growing in enormous proportions. However, there has not been any integrated and holistic approach, or any concrete action taken to combat the issues and threats of arsenic contamination, specifically by the Indian Government. This paper aims to critically analyze the scope of arsenic contamination in India and the efforts taken by the Central Government of India to address this issue. First, this paper will introduce arsenic, examine its transportation and distribution in the environment and the human population, and discuss the impact of arsenic exposure on humans. Second, the paper will discuss the scope of arsenic contamination in India and how it is screened and identified. Third, this paper will critically review the water governance structure of India. Fourth, this paper will discuss the challenges in mitigating and combating arsenic contamination of groundwater in India. Finally, the paper will conclude by providing recommendations for risk-mitigation and local management of groundwater arsenic contamination.