Over 62% of Punjab’s groundwater is contaminated with uranium beyond safe limits, according to the Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025 released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The report reveals that 62.50% of Punjab’s groundwater samples contain uranium levels exceeding the safety threshold, the highest proportion in the country, followed by Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
Nationwide, nitrate contamination was found to be the most widespread, followed by fluoride and salinity.
The study noted that uranium concentrations exceeding the safe limit of 30 ppb were detected sporadically in Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Rajasthan.
“A total of 3,754 groundwater samples were tested across India during the pre- and post-monsoon periods of 2024 to assess uranium concentration. Samples with levels above the safe limit of 30 ppb constituted 6.71% during the pre-monsoon and 7.91% during the post-monsoon, showing a slight increase after rainfall. The highest contamination was observed in Punjab, where 53.04% of samples in the pre-monsoon and 62.50% in the post-monsoon exceeded the limit,” the report stated.
“High concentrations were also found in Haryana (15–23.75%), Delhi (13–15.66%), Karnataka (6–8%), and Uttar Pradesh (5–6%). Moderate contamination was reported in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, while most other states recorded uranium within safe limits,” it added.
The report further observed: “Spatially, northwestern India—comprising Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh—has emerged as the primary hotspot of uranium contamination, likely due to geogenic factors, groundwater depletion, and aquifer characteristics.
“In contrast, eastern and southern India recorded minimal contamination. Overall, the study indicates that while most groundwater in India remains safe, certain regions are experiencing rising uranium levels, underscoring the need for regular monitoring and targeted mitigation measures to safeguard drinking water quality and public health.”
For fluoride contamination, Rajasthan topped the list with 41.06% of samples affected, followed by Haryana at 21.82%.
The report also found that 13–15% of Delhi’s groundwater samples contain uranium contamination. The CGWB’s findings are based on approximately 15,000 samples collected across India in 2024.
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element composed of three isotopes—U-234, U-235, and U-238. It can enter the environment through wind and water erosion or volcanic activity. Industrial activities such as mining, milling, and processing of uranium can also release it into the environment.