Seven Maharashtra districts have high nitrate levels

Maharashtra has flagged seven districts for having high levels of nitrate in their groundwater. This issue raises serious health concerns, particularly after more than a hundred people in Buldhana experienced sudden hair loss earlier this year. Government surveys found that the nitrate content in Buldhana, Wardha, Amaravati, Nanded, Beed, Jalgaon, and Yavatmal exceeds safe limits. The high nitrate levels are linked to excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and untreated industrial waste. Dr. Deepak Baid, a physician, emphasized that high nitrate levels can cause various health problems, including thyroid issues and complications during pregnancy. In January, people in Buldhana reported unusual hair loss, which is thought to be connected to nitrate pollution. However, the exact cause is still not confirmed. Nanded was found to have the highest number of contaminated samples, while Beed had only one case above safe levels. The state’s water supply department is addressing the issue by marking contaminated water sources and launching a cleanup initiative. They are also awaiting a report from central agencies regarding the hair loss incident, which has raised significant alarm among local residents.