India's Success in Reducing Arsenic and Fluoride Contamination in Rural Areas

India has drastically reduced its arsenic and fluoride-affected rural habitations from 2019 to 2024. The government has implemented Community Water Purification Plants and set up numerous water quality testing labs to ensure safe drinking water is available.

In a noteworthy achievement, India has significantly decreased the number of arsenic and fluoride-affected rural habitations. According to a government report presented to the Rajya Sabha, the figures have dropped from 14,020 and 7,996 in April 2019 to just 316 and 265, respectively, as of July 31, 2024.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti, V Somanna, highlighted these figures in a written response, emphasizing the government's ongoing efforts to provide potable drinking water. Key to this success has been the deployment of Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs) across the affected areas.

To further ensure water safety, 2,163 drinking water quality testing laboratories have been established at various administrative levels. These labs, accessible to the public for a nominal fee, have played a pivotal role in consistently reducing the number of contaminated habitations year by year.

(With inputs from agencies.)