Nashik: Groundwater Chromium Levels Reportedly 1,000 Times Above Limit Near Ambad Industrial Estate
Nashik: Reports of severe groundwater contamination near the Ambad industrial estate have sparked serious health concerns among nearly 25,000 residents ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Residents of Dattanagar, Maruti Sankul and Tulja Bhavani Nagar have complained of yellowish, foul-smelling water from borewells and hand pumps, while 119 people have reportedly developed skin problems,…
Groundwater contamination near Nashik's Ambad industrial estate has alarmed nearly 25,000 residents, who are worried about the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. People in Dattanagar, Maruti Sankul and Tulja Bhavani Nagar have complained of yellow and smelly water from their water sources. One hundred nineteen people have suffered skin issues like rashes and boils, though the exact cause remains unclear. Public borewells have been closed, causing hardship for families reliant on groundwater.
The South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP) discovered hexavalent chromium levels in groundwater samples at 50.3 milligrams per litre, far exceeding the safe drinking-water limit of 0.05 milligrams per litre – more than 1,000 times the limit. Total chromium was found at 50.5 milligrams per litre.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is taking action against the industrial estate for alleged violations of wastewater treatment standards. Thirteen factories have been shut down, with electricity and water disconnected from five more. Five public borewells have been closed as a precaution.
Hexavalent chromium, a toxic form of chromium, can cause serious health issues like cancer with prolonged exposure. The contamination raises concerns about industrial pollutants reaching the Nandini and Godavari rivers. However, the impact on the rivers is still unconfirmed. A full investigation into groundwater, industrial discharge points, drainage channels, and areas near both rivers is needed to find the source of the contamination and verify water-quality reports.
As Nashik and Trimbakeshwar gear up for the 2027 Kumbh Mela, this issue takes on new urgency. Authorities must strengthen industrial pollution monitoring, stop illegal wastewater discharge, and ensure polluted sources aren't used for drinking or cooking. Public health teams should check affected residents and advise on safe water use. Stronger environmental safeguards must accompany infrastructure development and river management for the religious gathering.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
