The Ministry of Science & Technology has answered a Parliamentary Question concerning the scientific assessment of groundwater contamination in Uttar Pradesh’s industrial and river basins. The response includes Annexure‑I, which extracts data from the Annual Ground Water Quality Yearbook‑2025 . This information is vital for understanding the state’s water‑quality challenges and the policy measures required to address them. Key Developments Release of Annexure‑I detailing the groundwater quality status for Uttar Pradesh. Focus on contamination hotspots in industrial basins and river basins . Data sourced from the 2025 edition of the Annual Ground Water Quality Yearbook , the authoritative reference for groundwater monitoring in India. Information made public on 11 March 2026 via the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Important Facts The annexure presents a state‑wide snapshot of key water‑quality parameters such as nitrate, fluoride, arsenic, and total dissolved solids (TDS). While the exact figures are not reproduced here, the Yearbook typically categorises water samples into “acceptable”, “moderately polluted” and “severely polluted” based on national standards. Uttar Pradesh, being one of the most populous states, has a high dependence on groundwater for drinking and irrigation, making these classifications critical for public health and agricultural productivity. UPSC Relevance Understanding the governance framework: The interaction between the Ministry of Science & Technology , the Parliament , and technical agencies like the Central Ground Water Board illustrates the multi‑layered approach to environmental policy. Environmental management: Groundwater contamination ties directly to GS‑III topics on water resources, pollution control, and sustainable development. Policy formulation: Data from the Yearbook informs state‑level interventions such as the installation of treatment plants, regulation of industrial effluents, and community awareness programmes. Ethical dimension: Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental right, linking to GS‑IV discussions on ethics and governance. Way Forward To translate the scientific assessment into actionable outcomes, the following steps are recommended: Strengthen monitoring networks : Expand the number of observation wells in identified hotspots and ensure real‑time data sharing. Enforce effluent standards : Rigorously implement the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 for industries located in the affected basins. Promote community participation : Involve local bodies and NGOs in water‑quality testing and awareness campaigns. Integrate scientific research : Encourage collaborations between the Ministry of Science & Technology, academic institutions, and state agencies to develop low‑cost remediation technologies. Policy linkage : Align groundwater management with broader initiatives like the National Water Mission and the Swachh Bharat Mission for holistic water‑security planning. By systematically addressing the contamination issues highlighted in the annexure, Uttar Pradesh can safeguard its groundwater resources, protect public health, and set a precedent for evidence‑based environmental governance across India.