A serious and alarming threat has emerged regarding drinking water in Delhi as the uranium levels above safe limits in groundwater have been detected in several areas of the capital.

The contamination is feared to cause serious effects not only on the kidneys and bones, but also directly on the brain, nervous system, and mental health.

Jagran.com cited experts saying that the problem is growing slowly and harming the health of millions without any immediate symptoms, pushing Delhi towards a 'silent health emergency'.

According to a report by the Central Groundwater Board, 13 of the 103 groundwater (12.63 per cent) samples taken in Delhi contained uranium levels above the safe limit. This means that approximately one in eight samples is contaminated.

The situation is said to be most serious in areas like North Delhi, North-West Delhi, West and South-West Delhi, as well as Rohini, Bawana Industrial Area, and Nangloi-Rajpura.

The experts suggest that long-term consumption of uranium-contaminated water doesn't just limit damage to the kidneys and bones, but rather affects the entire nervous system. This profoundly impacts brain function, memory, concentration, and mental balance. If corrective measures aren't taken in time, the long-term consequences can be devastating.

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Uranium is becoming a silent killer

Uranium is called a "silent killer" because it accumulates slowly in the body and initially causes no obvious symptoms. The report cited Dr. Harshal R. Savale of the Department of Internal Medicine at AIIMS, stating that neurotoxicity from uranium damages the nervous system.

This directly affects the brain, leading to memory impairment, reduced learning ability, and increased mood disorders. Accumulated uranium disrupts nerve signaling, increasing the risk of stress, anxiety, and depression.

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What is the safe limit?

According to drinking water standards, the safe limit for uranium in water is 30 micrograms per liter (30 ppb). A Central Ground Water Board report shows that 13 samples had uranium levels above the limit, and some areas even recorded levels as high as 59 ppb.