Groundwater Woes: The Hidden Threat in Kujang's Water Supply

The Problem

In the Kujang area of Eastern Odisha, India, groundwater is facing a serious issue: it's getting saltier.

• Not just a minor problem
• Makes water hard and unsuitable for drinking

The Culprits

The main cause? Seawater intrusion.

Factors Contributing to the Problem

1. Over-pumping of groundwater
2. Return flow from agriculture
3. Wastewater infiltration

The Chemical Makeup

• High levels of sodium, chloride, magnesium, and other salts
• Clear sign of seawater intrusion
• High water hardness during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods

The Study

Scientists used various methods to study the problem:

• Chemical composition analysis
• Statistical analyses
• Other tools

Findings

• Water quality largely unsuitable for drinking
• Significant percentage of samples categorized as poor to extremely poor

Subsurface Conditions

• Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) profiles showed:
• Saline horizons at both shallow and deeper levels
• Problem is widespread, not just on the surface

The Significance

• First study of its kind in the Kujang Block
• Provides comprehensive understanding of groundwater salinization
• Offers valuable insights for sustainable aquifer management

The Question

What can be done to fix this problem?