Bihar's Bottled Water Consumption Rises but Lags National Average, Says Pollution Board Chief
In an exclusive interview with TOI's B K Mishra, Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) chairman D K Shukla has revealed that while consumption of bottled water has increased significantly in the state, it remains substantially lower than in many other parts of the country. The packaged drinking water industry in Bihar continues to expand, driven by urbanization and health concerns, but regulatory compliance remains a critical issue.
Current Status of Water Packaging Industries in Bihar
Bihar currently hosts a growing packaged drinking water industry that primarily consists of small and medium bottling plants. According to official data, the state has 148 operational units with a combined production capacity of approximately 20,000 kilometers per day. Despite this substantial infrastructure, consumption levels remain relatively low when compared to national averages.
Only 4.4% of urban households in Bihar use bottled water regularly, while the national average stands at a significantly higher 12.2%. This gap highlights the unique consumption patterns within the state, even as demand continues to increase steadily.
Factors Driving Increased Bottled Water Consumption
The consumption of bottled water has experienced a phenomenal rise over the past decade due to several interconnected factors:
- Health Concerns: Growing awareness about water-borne diseases has made consumers increasingly prefer packaged water that is perceived as hygienic and properly purified.
- Urban Lifestyle: Busy urban schedules and frequent travel patterns have made bottled water a convenient option for many residents.
- Economic Growth: Expansion of the tourism and hospitality sectors in Bihar has created additional demand for packaged water products.
- Quality Perceptions: Many consumers view bottled water as a safer and more premium alternative to traditional water sources.
- Infrastructure Development: Rapid urbanization, population growth, and concerns about groundwater quality have further accelerated consumption trends.
Mineral Content Compliance in Bottled Water Products
Mineral water brands operating in Bihar are required to follow strict standards established by regulatory bodies including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). These comprehensive standards regulate mineral content, microbial safety parameters, and labeling requirements to ensure consumer protection.
However, recent tests conducted by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board on selected packaged drinking water samples revealed concerning results. The quantities of essential minerals were found to be below prescribed standards in some cases:
- Calcium Levels: Test results showed calcium content of 14.42 mg/L, which falls below the FSSAI-prescribed range of 20-75 mg/L.
- Magnesium Levels: Magnesium content measured 8.26 mg/L, below the required range of 10–30 mg/L established by regulatory authorities.
These findings raise important questions about quality control implementation across the industry.
Quality Control Compliance Across Packaging Industries
When asked whether packaging industries strictly adhere to quality control mandates, Chairman Shukla provided nuanced insights. "In principle, yes. However, in practice, compliance varies significantly across different segments of the industry," he explained.
Regulatory mechanisms currently in place include:
- FSSAI licensing and regular inspection protocols
- Comprehensive laboratory testing requirements
- Systematic quality audit procedures
- Stringent hygiene and sanitation standards
Organized companies with established brands generally follow these standards diligently, but significant challenges exist with smaller operations. Many small-scale or illegal bottling plants have been found to violate regulations, while informal units often fail to implement stringent quality control measures consistently.
The Bihar State Pollution Control Board continues to monitor the situation closely, recognizing that as bottled water consumption increases, so does the responsibility to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance across all segments of the packaging industry.
