- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sun, 11 Jan 2026 03:10 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
The drinking water crisis and widespread contamination in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand are severely affecting the physical and mental development of children, raising serious concerns about the state’s future generations. A recent report by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has warned that the lack of clean and safe drinking water has turned malnutrition into a silent crisis in the hills.
According to the report, contaminated water is leading to a rise in diarrhoea, intestinal infections, stunting, weakness and low body weight among children. Experts noted that children in the hilly regions already face limited access to adequate nutrition, and waterborne diseases are further undermining their health and growth.
TERI conducted an extensive study of drinking water quality across Uttarakhand, including water supplied to households from natural springs and traditional sources such as naulas. The findings revealed that even water drawn directly from these sources is not completely safe for consumption. The problem becomes more severe after the monsoon, when contaminated water leads to a spike in stomach-related illnesses, disrupting children’s nutritional absorption cycles.
Data from the National Family Health Survey further underscores the gravity of the situation. Nearly 27 per cent of children in Uttarakhand, around one in four, are affected by stunting. About 13.2 per cent suffer from wasting, while 21 per cent are underweight. Experts attribute contaminated drinking water as a major contributing factor behind these health indicators.
The report identified several challenges, including the presence of coliform bacteria in water sources, low total dissolved solids (TDS) in many samples, and a lack of essential minerals necessary for healthy physical development. Rainfall was found to significantly affect water purity, leading to a rapid increase in gastrointestinal diseases that prevent proper nutrient absorption and worsen malnutrition.
The study also highlighted the alarming condition of natural water sources in the hills. Of the 4,626 identified natural water sources, 461 have dried up, with water flow reducing by up to 76 per cent, while 1,290 sources are partially dried, showing a decline of 51 to 75 per cent. Around 60 to 80 per cent of the rural population continues to depend on these vulnerable sources for drinking water.
Officials said efforts are underway to address the crisis. Vinay Mishra, Additional Programme Director of the Uttarakhand Urban Sector Development Agency, said large-scale pipeline projects are being implemented under Asian Development Bank (ADB) funding to ensure the supply of safe and clean drinking water to all households.