VI-10-Geogenic Contaminants in Groundwater of North East India -Status and Treatment Options.

Abstract

Ground water forms the major source of water supply for drinking purposes in most part of India. For proper utilization of water for various purposes, understanding of geo chemical controls and study of the extent of ground water contamination are of prime importance. There has been heavy dependence on ground water in recent decades due to growth in agriculture, population and industries in many parts of our country. The situation is not so alarming at present in the North-Eastern Region of the country. However, the occurrence of ground water of poor quality having high concentration of natural contaminants like iron, fluoride and arsenic has come to focus but comprehensive water quality monitoring has not been attempted for quality assessment. In this paper an attempt has been made to highlight some of these issues for scientific and sustainable approach in managing ground water resources and its quality. Major programmes are required to be launched for comprehensive assessment of ground water quality mapping, its relative vulnerability for pollution and identification of degraded water quality zones for quality improvement. Resource utilization should be done in a systematic and scientific manner with due consideration of the prevailing hydrogeological conditions and mass awareness should to be created at all levels for judicious and effective management of ground water resources and its quality with sustainabi I ity.