The Bihar government is taking decisive steps to address arsenic contamination in groundwater, a growing threat to agriculture and public health. Recent studies have revealed arsenic traces in various crops and water sources across multiple districts, prompting urgent action.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha chaired a high-level meeting with key departments, including Public Health, Health, and Minor Water Resources, to devise a strategy for mitigating the crisis. With arsenic, fluoride, and iron detected in groundwater in 31 out of 38 districts, the government has announced an ambitious plan to eliminate hand pumps and ensure safe drinking water under the ‘Har Ghar Nal ka Jal’ scheme. This initiative aims to make rural Bihar ‘hand pump-free’ and protect residents from long-term health risks associated with contaminated water.
