Ensuring sustainable water supplies: A study of groundwater conditions in Salboni Block, West Bengal

Concerns about the scarcity of freshwater are growing worldwide. The research discussed here sought to analyze certain aspects of the problem, focusing particularly on groundwater conditions in the study area. Salboni Block of West Medinipur district, West Bengal, India, is under serious threat of water scarcity, especially during the summer season. The authors carried out a socioeconomic survey to assess current conditions in the study area, which is heavily dependent on agriculture. They evaluated the quality of groundwater by analyzing six water-quality parameters observed in wet and dry seasons at 13 sites. They found that, although there are considerable variations in some water-quality parameters from site to site and from year to year, the quality of groundwater is suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes. They concluded that long-term monitoring of groundwater levels and quality, in conjunction with intensive field investigations, will be required in order to formulate strategies for sustainable development and management of groundwater resources in the study area.