Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Punjab Worst Hit By High Uranium Levels In India’s Groundwater; Raise Health Concerns

The latest Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025 by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has delivered a worrying revelation: Punjab now records the highest intensity of uranium contamination ever reported in India, with 62.5% of groundwater samples exceeding the safe limit post-monsoon. This is followed by Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, indicating a dangerous pattern across north and north-central India.

While nitrate and fluoride remain more widespread contaminants, uranium’s increasing presence raises an urgent public health concern because even low-dose, long-term exposure can quietly harm vital organs.

<h2>Where Is Uranium Contamination Rising?</h2>

The CGWB tested 3,754 groundwater samples across India in pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The findings show a clear upward trend:

Nationally, uranium exceedance rose from 6.71% (pre-monsoon) to 7.91% (post-monsoon).

<h3>Punjab recorded the highest contamination:</h3>

<ul><li>53.04% pre-monsoon</li><li>62.50% post-monsoon</li></ul>

Haryana followed with 15–23.75% of samples above limits.

<ul><li>Delhi: 13–15.66%</li><li>Karnataka: 6–8%</li><li>Uttar Pradesh: 5–6%</li></ul>

The report highlights northwestern India: Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh — as the main hotspot, likely due to geogenic factors, aquifer depletion, and intense groundwater extraction. Meanwhile, eastern and southern states reported minimal contamination.

<h2>Why Uranium in Water Is Dangerous</h2>

According to the 2025 study “Uranium’s hazardous effects on humans and recent developments in treatment,” the real threat from uranium lies in its chemical toxicity, not its radioactivity.

<h3>Kidney Damage: The Most Significant Risk</h3>

Uranium behaves like a heavy metal that gets absorbed and stored in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste.

<ul><li>Proteinuria (excess protein in urine)</li><li>Reduced kidney function</li><li>Long-term kidney diseases</li></ul>

Even low-dose, chronic exposure through drinking water can gradually weaken renal functioning.

<h2>Respiratory Harm and Lung Cancer Risk</h2>

People who inhale uranium particles — especially workers in mining or processing — face:

<ul><li>Chronic respiratory irritation</li><li>Persistent coughing</li><li>Higher risk of lung cancer, particularly due to radon gas produced as uranium decays</li></ul>

<h2>Gastrointestinal Entry and Toxic Build-Up</h2>

Recent findings note that the gastrointestinal system is the main route of uranium entry. Once consumed through contaminated water, uranium moves from the stomach and intestines into soft tissues and organs.

<h2>Bone Accumulation and Cancer Risk</h2>

Because uranium is a chemical analog of calcium, it can get deposited into bones. Over time, this raises the risk of bone cancer and may interfere with normal bone cell functioning.

<h2>Possible Reproductive and Developmental Effects</h2>

<ul><li>Potential risks of congenital disabilities</li><li>Effects on reproductive organs</li><li>But direct evidence in humans remains incomplete, calling for more research.</li></ul>

<h2>Neurological and Immune Effects Being Explored</h2>

<ul><li>Behavioral changes</li><li>Cognitive deficits</li><li>Unclear impacts on the immune system</li></ul>

These areas remain under-studied but concerning.

The CGWB report warns that while most groundwater in India remains safe, the pockets of rising uranium contamination require immediate monitoring and mitigation. With millions relying on groundwater for daily consumption, even a small rise in toxic metals can translate into widespread health damage over time.

Long-term exposure rarely shows immediate symptoms, which makes the threat quiet but deeply harmful.

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The latest Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025 by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has delivered a worrying revelation: Punjab now records the highest intensity of uranium contamination ever reported in India, with 62.5% of groundwater samples exceeding the safe limit post-monsoon. This is followed by Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, indicating a dangerous pattern across north and north-central India.While nitrate and fluoride remain more widespread contaminants, uranium’s increasing presence raises an urgent public health concern because even low-dose, long-term exposure can quietly harm vital organs.Where Is Uranium Contamination Rising?The CGWB tested 3,754 groundwater samples across India in pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The findings show a clear upward trend:Nationally, uranium exceedance rose from 6.71% (pre-monsoon) to 7.91% (post-monsoon).Punjab recorded the highest contamination:53.04% pre-monsoon62.50% post-monsoonHaryana followed with 15–23.75% of samples above limits.Delhi: 13–15.66%Karnataka: 6–8%Uttar Pradesh: 5–6%The report highlights northwestern India: Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh — as the main hotspot, likely due to geogenic factors, aquifer depletion, and intense groundwater extraction. Meanwhile, eastern and southern states reported minimal contamination.Why Uranium in Water Is DangerousAccording to the 2025 study “Uranium’s hazardous effects on humans and recent developments in treatment,” the real threat from uranium lies in its chemical toxicity, not its radioactivity.Kidney Damage: The Most Significant RiskUranium behaves like a heavy metal that gets absorbed and stored in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste.This can lead to:Proteinuria (excess protein in urine)Reduced kidney functionLong-term kidney diseasesEven low-dose, chronic exposure through drinking water can gradually weaken renal functioning.Respiratory Harm and Lung Cancer RiskPeople who inhale uranium particles — especially workers in mining or processing — face:Chronic respiratory irritationPersistent coughingHigher risk of lung cancer, particularly due to radon gas produced as uranium decaysGastrointestinal Entry and Toxic Build-UpRecent findings note that the gastrointestinal system is the main route of uranium entry. Once consumed through contaminated water, uranium moves from the stomach and intestines into soft tissues and organs.Bone Accumulation and Cancer RiskBecause uranium is a chemical analog of calcium, it can get deposited into bones. Over time, this raises the risk of bone cancer and may interfere with normal bone cell functioning.Possible Reproductive and Developmental EffectsAnimal studies suggest:Potential risks of congenital disabilitiesEffects on reproductive organsBut direct evidence in humans remains incomplete, calling for more research.Neurological and Immune Effects Being ExploredSome studies hint at:Behavioral changesCognitive deficitsUnclear impacts on the immune systemThese areas remain under-studied but concerning.Why India Must Worry NowThe CGWB report warns that while most groundwater in India remains safe, the pockets of rising uranium contamination require immediate monitoring and mitigation. With millions relying on groundwater for daily consumption, even a small rise in toxic metals can translate into widespread health damage over time.Long-term exposure rarely shows immediate symptoms, which makes the threat quiet but deeply harmful.