Delhi's Groundwater Crisis: Uranium Levels Show Alarming Rise
New Delhi faces a growing public health emergency as uranium contamination in its groundwater has reached alarming levels, according to the latest government data. The capital has now become the third worst-affected region in India for uranium contamination in groundwater, trailing only Punjab and Haryana in percentage of samples exceeding safety limits.
Disturbing Statistics Reveal Worsening Situation
The Central Ground Water Board's Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025 reveals that 13-15% of analyzed samples in Delhi contain uranium levels above the permissible threshold of 30 parts per billion (ppb). This marks a significant deterioration from 2020, when a detailed assessment found the radioactive metal exceeded safety limits in 11.7% of samples.
The situation has been progressively worsening across multiple districts. By 2024, groundwater in six districts — North, North West, South, South East, South West, and West — was found to have uranium levels beyond the safe limit, contributing to a citywide contamination share of 10.7%.
Identified Hotspots and Historical Data
Specific areas have emerged as particular concern zones. The 2020 study recorded one of Delhi's highest ever uranium readings at 89.4 ppb from a tubewell in North West district. Recent monitoring has identified Narela's Auchandi (42 ppb) and Kanjhawala's Nizampur (46.5 ppb) as current contamination hotspots.
The national picture shows even more alarming trends. After testing 3,754 groundwater samples across India during pre- and post-monsoon periods of 2024, the Central Ground Water Board found uranium safety limits were breached in 6.71% and 7.91% of samples respectively, indicating a slight spike after rainfall.
Multiple Contaminants Compound Health Risks
Environmental groups have expressed grave concern, noting that uranium often appears alongside other dangerous contaminants. "Particularly alarming is the presence of uranium along with high nitrate, fluoride and salinity levels in groundwater, all of which pose severe health risks," warned environment group Earth Warrior in a letter to Delhi's lieutenant governor and chief minister.
The group highlighted that Delhi Jal Board relies on 5,500 tubewells to supply nearly 450 million liters per day of semi-treated or untreated groundwater to residents, potentially exposing millions to health hazards.
Severe Health Implications and Agricultural Impact
The scientific evidence presents a disturbing health outlook. The report confirms that long-term consumption of uranium, arsenic and lead in water can cause neurological damage, skeletal deformities, kidney disorders, and elevated cancer risk. Elevated iron and manganese levels further endanger infants and children, while overall contamination compromises groundwater potability.
The contamination crisis extends beyond drinking water safety. With a sodium adsorption ratio of 179.8, Delhi recorded one of the highest levels in the country, placing it among 1.11% of areas nationwide where groundwater is unsuitable for irrigation. Additionally, 7.23% of areas report high salinity or electrical conductivity, threatening agricultural productivity by enabling toxin accumulation in soil and crops.
Call for Action and Ongoing Monitoring
Environmental advocates have demanded more granular water quality data and details of treatment protocols being followed. The Central Ground Water Board, operating under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, issues fortnightly alerts on groundwater quality to state government agencies to facilitate action and raise public awareness about water safety.
As Delhi grapples with this invisible threat, the escalating uranium contamination represents not just an environmental challenge but a significant public health crisis demanding immediate and comprehensive intervention.
