Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu reported the largest extent of nitrate contamination, with 49%, 48% and 37% of the samples reporting numbers beyond the limit. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have a perennial nitrate problem, primarily from geological factors, with relative levels fairly constant since 2017, the report says. However regions in central and southern India are reporting a rise, which is a reason for worry. Through the years, several studies have established the correlation between elevated nitrate levels and the practice of intensive agriculture. Other significant chemical contaminants affecting groundwater quality were fluoride and uranium. Fluoride concentrations exceeding the permissible limit were “a major concern” in Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The report drew attention to the fact that States with over-exploited groundwater blocks — where extraction is more than replenishment — were more likely to have excessive chemical contaminants. Overall, the country’s degree of groundwater extraction is 60.4%, or roughly the same as it has been since 2009. About 73% of the blocks analysed for groundwater levels are in the ‘safe’ zone, meaning that they are replenished enough to compensate for the water drawn out. While it is a good sign that India now has a robust, scientific system of assessment to monitor the health of groundwater blocks annually, efforts are lacking in getting States to act on these findings. There needs to be more concerted awareness programmes led by the highest levels of leadership to contain the crisis.