In Gujarat, there has been no regulation on the excessive use of water acquired from borewells, resulting in excessive extraction of groundwater.

Despite the government spending millions on groundwater conservation, the water levels are yet not satisfactory. On the contrary, water levels are sinking, and groundwater is no longer safe for drinking. 

The Ministry of Water Resources has revealed that fluoride levels in groundwater have risen in 25 districts of Gujarat, making it hazardous for human consumption.

Groundwater usage is excessive in Gujarat, and as a result, in North Gujarat, there is no water even at depths of 100 feet, suggested the reports. Experts say that if control is not imposed on the use of groundwater, it won’t be long before groundwater runs out completely. 

In response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Water Resources presented a report stating that the Central Ground Water Board had taken a total of 632 water samples from various regions of Gujarat. Among these, 88 samples showed the presence of fluoride.

A total of 25 districts in Gujarat have fluoride levels above 1.5 mg, which is considered hazardous. The districts with higher fluoride levels include Ahmedabad, Amreli, Anand, Aravalli, Banaskantha, Bhavnagar, Botad, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kutch, Mehsana, Morbi, Narmada, Porbandar, Patan, Panchmahal, Rajkot, Sabarkantha, Surat, Surendranagar, and Vadodara.

The fluoride levels in these areas are above the acceptable limit, which can prove harmful to human health. Consuming water with high fluoride content can lead to various health issues.

The consumption of fluoride-contaminated groundwater has caused an increase in health problems in rural areas, including joint pain, weakened bones, dental decay, skin issues, digestive problems, weakened immunity, and hair loss. 

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