Bengaluru: Water from 524 borewells collected after NGT flags excessive nitrates

“The samples have been collected and sent for testing after the NGT asked the district administration to do so. The results are awaited. Based on the test results, we will also take steps to purify the water. If the borewell water is polluted, it means groundwater is not good. We are also restoring several lakes in the four urban local bodies,” a senior IAS officer said.

In March, the NGT team prepared a report saying, “The borewell samples collected show higher levels of nitrate. In some cases, higher levels of the ammonia and sulphate and hardness were also found. This indicates that the borewell samples should be treated before using it for drinking purposes.”

The team also comprised members from the central and state pollution control boards, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, National Wetland Authority, State Wetland Authority and the district magistrate.

The report recommended ensuring “the treatment and conformity to the drinking water standards of borewell water before supplying it for drinking purposes”.