RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge says no major health impact reported; over 2.46 lakh samples tested as per BIS 10500-2012 standards
Bengaluru: Amid rising concerns over chemical contamination in food items, another alarming revelation has emerged in Karnataka. Laboratory tests conducted under the Jal Jeevan Mission have detected chemical elements and bacterial contamination in thousands of rural drinking water samples across the state.
According to official data, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, RDPR, department has tested 2.46 lakh water samples so far this year. Of these, 10,911 samples were found to contain chemical elements beyond permissible limits.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge stated that despite the findings, there have been no reported cases of adverse public health impact linked to contaminated rural drinking water during the current year.
“The department has been implementing time-bound programs to ensure safe drinking water supply in rural areas. No public health has been adversely affected due to contamination this year,” the Minister said.
Testing as Per BIS Standards
Water sources across rural Karnataka are being tested in accordance with Bureau of Indian Standards guidelines under BIS 10500-2012 norms. The state currently operates district-level laboratories in all district headquarters, along with 47 taluk-level laboratories. These facilities have been actively testing water samples since 2023-24.
Year-Wise Contamination Data
Official figures reveal a fluctuating trend in chemical detection over the past three years. In 2023-24, out of 2.98 lakh samples, nearly 25,000 samples showed chemical presence. In 2024-25, chemicals were detected in 17,261 samples out of 3.9 lakh tested. For the current year, 10,911 contaminated samples have been identified out of 2.46 lakh tested so far.
The department has stated that alternative safe drinking water arrangements have been made in areas where contamination was detected.
The findings highlight the continuing challenge of ensuring potable water supply in rural Karnataka, even as authorities assert that monitoring and corrective mechanisms are in place.
