KOLKATA, 25 JULY: The state water resources investigation and development department today formed a seven-member committee to assess the situation with the state's groundwater ahead of preparing the state’s water policy. Headed by the secretary of the department, the committee includes environmentalists and scientists. Mr Saumen Mahapatra, water resources investigation and development minister, said there is a need to come up with a proper water management system. “Unless we come up with proper groundwater-recharging system, the groundwater level may reach an alarming situation after 10 years,” said Mr Mahapatra. The committee will assess the various sources of water and their present condition. A recent study has revealed that there are several fluoride-affected blocks in Bankura, Birbhum, South Dinajpur, North Dinajpur, Malda, Purulia and South 24-Parganas, while 81 blocks of Malda, Murshidabad, Howrah, North 24-Parganas , South 24-Parganas, Nadia, Burdwan and Hooghly are arsenic-affected. sns