Spatial Analysis of Uranium Content in Groundwater of Bathinda, India

This study deals with the excessive uranium contamination in the groundwater of Bathinda district. Bathinda district is located in southern part of Punjab, it lies between 29º 33¿ and 30º 36¿ North latitude and 74º 38¿ and 75º 46¿ East longitude. It covers an area of 2267 sq. Km. The district is surrounded by Sirsa and Fatehabad district of Haryana State in the south, Sangrur and Mansa districts in the East, Moga in the North-East and Faridkot and Muktsar districts in North-West. The region has good canal network for domestic and irrigation purposes. This region came into spotlight with reports on high mortality due to cancer. According to a survey conducted by health department (2005) there are over 59 cancer patients per lakh in the district. This mortality rate has been linked to high uranium contamination in the groundwater of the region by many experts.