First Meeting of Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) for ‘Arsenic Mitigation’ (on 22 nd January, 2015)

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element, comprising an average concentration of approximately % of the Earth’s crust. Arsenic, derived from the Greek word arsenikon, meaning “potent” — has been used as a curative as well as a poison. In historical times, arsenic and its derivatives were used to treat diseases like ulcers, cancer and syphilis. Occurrence of Arsenic in ground water is attributed to Geogenic as well as Anthropogenic causes. The permissible limit of Arsenic in ground water for drinking purpose is 0.05 mg/l (IS 10500, 2012, BIS ). Occurrence of Arsenic 2

3 Distribution of areas affected by High Arsenic in Ground Water Indian Scenario Sr. No. StatesNo of districts where Arsenic contaminated ground water is reported 1 Assam18 2 Bihar15 3 Jharkhand1 4 Chhattisgarh1 5 Haryana13 6 Karnataka2 7 Manipur2 8 Punjab6 9 Uttar Pradesh20 10 West Bengal8 Total86

Meeting of Group of Officers(GOO) by Secretary (Coordination) To discuss coordinated approach to be adopted for dealing with occurrence of Arsenic in ground water. Recommendations:  Preparation of map depicting Arsenic affected habitations with WHO permissible levels at 0.01mg/l and above 0.05mg/l by CGWB.  D/o Health Research to assess the impact of Arsenic contaminated water on human health for Arsenic levels between mg/l. Map of affected areas to be superimposed on map prepared by CGWB.  Constitution of IMG under Mission Director, NWM, MoWR, RD & GR with Members from various Ministries/ Organisations etc.

Recommendations Contd….  IMG to examine issues of I.Revising standards for reducing the limit from 0.05 to 0.01mg/l. II.Preparation of action plans with budgetary requirement by Each Ministry/Department. III.Development of an integrated action plan for mitigation of Arsenic contamination in ground water.

Composition of Inter–Ministerial Group Mission Director, National Water Mission, MoWR, RD & GR - Chairman Representative of M/oDWS - Member Representative of MoEF&CC - Member Representative of Deptt. of Agriculture & Cooperation - Member Representative of D/o Animal Husbandry - Member Representative of D/o Dairying & Fisheries - Member Representative of M/o Health & Family Welfare - Member Representative of M/o Urban Development- Member Director, National Institute of Hydrology- Member Chairman, Central Ground Water Board- Member Representatives of Governments of affected States viz. - Invitees Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Manipur, Punjab, UP and West Bengal Director (GW), MoWR, RD&GRMember Secretary

Terms of Reference Identifying areas for demand driven research & development; Measures to ensure supply of Arsenic free potable water in affected areas; Social sensitization, institutional & governance issues; Studies to assess impact on human health, food chains and socio-cultural and socio-economic aspects; Regulatory changes; Focused approach to address health impact and capacity building.

Agenda Review of Action Taken on preparation of action plans by each Ministry/Department with budgetary assessment. Review of progress of preparation of map depicting Arsenic affected habitations with WHO permissible levels at 0.01 mg/l and above 0.05 mg/l by CGWB. Assessment of the impact of Arsenic contaminated water on human health for Arsenic levels between mg/l by D/oHR. Map of affected areas to be superimposed on map prepared by CGWB. Revision of standards for Arsenic contamination Constitution of Sub-committees as per TOR Any other item with permission of the Chair.

THANKS