National Green Tribunal (NGT). file Photo Courtesy: Sushil Kumar Verma
West Bengal and Bihar are worst affected by arsenic contamination of groundwater, the Center informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The tribunal is hearing a case on the potential for arsenic contamination in rice because it absorbs more of the toxic semi-metal from water and soil. Earlier, the Center had sought an answer on this matter.
In a December 16 order, a bench of NGT chairman Justice Prakash Srivastava and expert member A Senthil Well noted that the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had filed its reply seeking inputs from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
“The states of West Bengal and Bihar are reported to be the most affected by arsenic contamination from contaminated groundwater irrigation, a major route for arsenic entry into agricultural soils which ultimately leads to its entry into the food chain,” the Center said in its reply. .
Rice can have “significant build-up” of the toxin because it is a water-intensive crop, the response said.
“Transportation of arsenic-contaminated rice grains in arsenic-endemic areas to non-endemic locations and consequent dietary intake will also spread arsenic exposure to non-endemic populations,” it noted.
The tribunal noted that, according to the reply, the distribution of arsenic content in plant parts generally followed the order of roots, stems and leaves.
“Leafy (spinach, fenugreek etc.) and underground vegetables (beetroot, radish etc.) contain more arsenic than edible fruits (eggplant, beans, lady’s finger, tomato etc.). In general, fruits/grains of the plants showed lower accumulation of arsenic than roots, stems and leaves,” it noted.
The response also suggested various remedial measures to reduce the impact of arsenic on the soil-plant system.
These include replacing water-intensive rice varieties with other less water-intensive crops and relatively arsenic-tolerant rice varieties, growing dry season non-food and fruit crops in hotspot areas, using biochar (modified charcoal produced by burning biomass sources). ), and increased use of green manures and silicate fertilizers.
The response also suggested other remedial measures, such as storing arsenic-contaminated groundwater in ponds and mixing rainwater with combined use of ground and surface water to dilute the arsenic content.
The Tribunal then impleaded ICAR as respondent and sought its reply. The matter will be heard on April 15.
published – December 22, 2024 at 12:55 pm IST