Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann states uranium contamination in groundwater is severe, urges Centre’s support, citing CGWB 2025 report.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated  that uranium contamination in the state’s groundwater has been a longstanding issue, and his government is actively engaging with the Centre and the Jal Shakti Minister to address it.

He stated that he had brought up the issue at the Northern Zonal Council, emphasizing that Punjab’s groundwater is in deteriorated condition and that the upper layers of rivers are characterized by blackness. He further observed the absence of financial assistance from the Centre, notwithstanding the visits of multiple inspection teams to the state.

A recent publication by the Central Ground Water Board’s (CGWB) Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2025 indicated that Punjab exhibits the highest uranium levels in groundwater across the nation.

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CM Bhagwant Mann issued the statement following his participation in the voting process for the block samiti and zila parishad elections at the Government High School in Mangwal, Sangrur, accompanied by his wife. Urging residents to participate in large numbers, he stated, “I encourage the public to visit polling stations in greater numbers and exercise their right to vote, as these elections are centered on local development issues.” These ballots establish the fundamental basis of democracy.

In response to the opposition’s allegations, Mann rejected their assertions, implying that they had already conceded defeat. He referenced the substantial number of candidates participating in the elections, including more than 2,400 from Congress and approximately 2,000 from Akali Dal in the block samiti ballots.

He also denied allegations of abuse of authority, asserting that the opposition was attempting to distract from their setbacks. “These individuals initially issue tickets to relatives of gangsters and intimidate the public, only to later criticize the law and order situation,” he stated, further noting that the electoral environment in the state remains peaceful, based on reports from the director general of police and the election commission.

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CM Bhagwant Mann characterized these elections as a vital tier of democracy, situated just above the sarpanch ballots, facilitating the allocation of development initiatives to villages. He stated that for young and inaugural candidates, these elections function as a preliminary stage in their political trajectories.

He further stated that adulteration is not confined to Punjab, citing examples of counterfeit blood in blood banks in states such as Uttar Pradesh.