Chandigarh, March 18 – The presence of uranium in groundwater across Punjab’s Malwa region has once again raised alarm bells, with concerns over its potential link to rising cancer cases. The issue was taken up in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday through a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the health risks posed by uranium contamination.
The Punjab government, in its submission to the court, revealed that 4,406 water samples had been collected for testing. Among them, 108 samples contained uranium levels exceeding permissible limits, posing a significant health hazard to residents.
Decade-Long Legal Battle Over Uranium Contamination
The issue of uranium contamination in Malwa's groundwater has been a matter of concern for years. In 2010, Mohali resident Barjinder Singh Lumb had filed a petition in the High Court, linking rising cancer cases in the region to uranium presence in drinking water. Despite being pending for 14 years, the court has now ordered a fresh investigation into the matter.
During the hearing, the court noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) had revised its permissible uranium level in drinking water to 30 parts per billion (ppb). However, the Punjab government, citing a letter from the central government, claimed that 60 ppb was considered an acceptable limit. The court is expected to deliberate further on this discrepancy.
Health and Environmental Concerns
The Malwa region has long been identified as a cancer hotspot, with multiple studies pointing to groundwater contamination as a possible cause. The presence of uranium in drinking water raises concerns about its long-term health effects, including kidney damage and increased cancer risks.
With the issue now back in the spotlight, the High Court’s directives on further investigation and remedial action will be crucial in addressing this public health crisis.
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