Arsenic in Drinking Water: An Emerging Human Right Challenge in India

Abstract

Arsenic is a dangerous contaminant that occurs naturally in the groundwater in many parts of the world, including India. The presence of this contaminant threatens enjoyment of the human right to water, negatively impacting upon people’s health, economy and social wellbeing. This in turn thwarts people’s enjoyment of the rights to health, education and development. This chapter presents the scenario of the impact of arsenic in groundwater in the Indian state of Bihar, elaborating on the health implications through detailed case studies. It further critically evaluates the measures adopted for arsenic mitigation in the state, finally suggesting that the need is to find sustainable solutions for securing safe drinking water for the people. This alone can enable enjoyment of the human right to water and other related rights in arsenic-affected areas in India and elsewhere in the world.