This section highlights the current and completed research and field initiatives undertaken by Ballia Water Center (BWC) in collaboration with academic institutions and partners. Our work focuses on groundwater quality assessment, arsenic contamination, and community-based solutions to ensure safe drinking water.
🔴 Live Projects
Groundwater Arsenic Assessment – Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh
This project is being carried out in collaboration with IIT Bombay (Department of CTARA) under the guidance of Prof. Pennan Chinnasamy. The objective of this study is to assess the extent of arsenic contamination in groundwater across villages in Ballia district and generate reliable, field-based data for scientific analysis and policy support.
The project is planned over a one-year period and is divided into two phases. In the first phase, approximately 3000 groundwater samples will be tested across different villages to identify the spatial distribution of arsenic contamination. Based on the findings from this phase, the second phase will focus on dense sampling in the identified high-risk (contaminated) areas to generate more detailed and localized data. In total, around 6000 water samples will be tested during the project.
Field surveys are being conducted using standardized arsenic test kits, covering multiple water sources including handpumps and wells. The collected data is systematically mapped and analyzed to identify contamination hotspots and patterns.
A key outcome of this project is the development of an Arsenic Risk Map, which provides village-level insights into groundwater safety. This will support government agencies, researchers, and development organizations in designing targeted mitigation strategies and safe water interventions.
As part of this initiative, students from IIT Bombay will visit and stay at Ballia Water Center (BWC) to engage directly with field activities and understand the real ground scenario in affected villages. This collaboration strengthens both research and community-level impact.
The project also emphasizes community awareness by informing local residents about water safety and encouraging the use of safer water sources.
Status: Ongoing
Coverage: Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh
Partner: IIT Bombay (CTARA)
Implementing Agency: Ballia Water Center (BWC)