Central University of Punjab Signs MoU with CGWB, Chandigarh, to Study Uranium Contamination in Groundwater

Central University of Punjab Signs MoU with CGWB, Chandigarh, to Study Uranium Contamination in Groundwater

A Collaboration to Support Groundwater Quality Assessment and Safe Drinking Water Strategies in Bathinda District

Bathinda 27 October ( PDL ) : Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab), Bathinda, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), North Western Region (NWR), Chandigarh, on Monday to undertake collaborative investigations into groundwater quality, with special reference to uranium contamination in the Bathinda and Goniana Mandi blocks of Bathinda district, Punjab. The collaboration aims to strengthen groundwater quality investigations and uranium contamination studies under the National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM) programme. The partnership will combine the technical expertise of CGWB with the university’s research capabilities to assess groundwater quality, identify contamination-prone areas and develop scientific inputs for sustainable groundwater management.

The MoU signing ceremony was held in the presence of Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika, Acting Vice-Chancellor of CU Punjab, and Mr. Nidhish Verma, Regional Director, CGWB, NWR, Chandigarh. Dr. Vijay Sharma, Registrar, and Prof. J. K. Patnaik, the university’s nodal officer, represented CU Punjab as signatories, while Mr. Kuldeep Gopal Bhartariya, Scientist-C, represented CGWB.The university delegation included Prof. Monisha Dhiman, Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC); Prof. Anjana Munshi, Director, Research and Development; Prof. V. K. Garg, Head, Department of Environmental Science and Technology (EVST); Prof. Bandana Samant, Head, Department of Geology; Dr. L. T. Sasang Guite, Head, Department of Geography; Prof. Sunil Mittal; Prof. Yogalakshmi K. N.; Prof. Sameer Durani; and faculty members from the Departments of Environmental Science and Technology and Geology. Under the MoU, CGWB will collect and analyse groundwater samples during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The analysis will cover uranium, other heavy metals and major chemical components present in groundwater. The Board will also study groundwater quality data, prepare maps showing the distribution of contaminants, monitor groundwater levels and prepare the final study report with technical inputs from CU Punjab.

CU Punjab will conduct mineralogical and geochemical studies to understand the composition of groundwater and the factors responsible for uranium contamination. The university will also undertake health risk assessments and study possible measures to reduce the risks associated with uranium contamination. Both institutions will appoint nodal officers to coordinate the study and support its implementation. The study will help identify areas where groundwater quality requires special attention, examine changes in contamination levels and understand the factors affecting the presence and movement of uranium in groundwater. Its findings are expected to support groundwater quality management, planning of suitable mitigation measures and the development of safe and sustainable drinking water strategies for the affected areas of Bathinda district. By combining their scientific knowledge and technical expertise, both institutions aim to improve understanding of groundwater quality issues and contribute to the protection and sustainable management of groundwater resources in the region.