Report by the state of Kerala on the status of fluoride and arsenic in the groundwater, 13/03/2024
Report by state of Kerala in OA No. 728 OF 2023 (News Item Appearing In Hindustan Dated 30.11.2023 Titled ARSENIC FOUND IN GROUNDWATER IN 25 STATES, FLUORIDE IN 27 STATES GOVT.)
The study by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) focused on mapping and monitoring of fluoride in selected regions of Palakkad district to delineate fluoride concentration in the groundwater samples. The Sholayur panchayat of Attappady block in Palakkad district is grossly contaminated with fluoride, said the report.
Selected schools of eastern parts of Palakkad were surveyed and water samples were collected and analyzed. Two defluoridation filters based on reverse osmosis technology was supplied to government H S S Muthalamada and government L P S Moochenkundu schools in Muthalamada panchayat where concentration of fluoride is greater than 1 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water (mg/l) was detected. One of the schools in Palakkad district, 'Government H S S Muthalamada' showed fluoride concentration of 3.10 mg/l.
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reported fluoride content in Malappuram (village Manjeri), Palakkad (village Koppanur and Vattaluki) and Alappuzha (village Pazhaveedu and Komalapuram) districts. Arsenic content was not found in the studies conducted by CGWB. The report recommended that it is necessary to earmark the affected areas by spatial analysis studies by the state ground water department and remedial measures like provision of rainwater harvesting facilities, provision of filter such as reverse osmosis plant, use of surface water for drinking purpose or alternative source of water to the people are to be taken in the affected area by concerned departments like the Kerala Water Authority or water resources department through the respective local self government institution.