'Traces of uranium found in underground water in Punjab'

Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation Jairam Ramesh said that a study conducted by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar has found traces of uranium and other radio-active, heavy metals in the groundwater in the state.

Though the Lok Sabha did not meet today, Ramesh said in a written reply that in the year 2009, Guru Nanak Dev University analysed nearly 100 ground water samples of 22 villages in Bhatinda district in Punjab and found traces of uranium.

Subsequently, the state Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, has so far sent 2,000 drinking water samples from deep public tube-wells and hand-pumps to BARC, Mumbai for analysis.

"Of these, reports for 1,686 water samples have been traced, of which 261 samples show uranium concentration above the permissible limits of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)," Ramesh said in his written reply.

Out of 981 water samples sent to Punjab Bio-Technology Incubator (PBTI), Mohali, for testing of heavy metals, reports of 976 water samples have been received, of which 188 water samples show heavy metals concentration in excess of permissible limits, the Minister said.

He also spelt out the steps taken by the Centre for dealing with the issue.