ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The arsenic content in groundwater in both shallow and deep aquifers in West Bengal is causing concern. The situation in West Bengal appears to be similar to that reported in Bangladesh, where high arsenic levels in shallow aquifers is related to irrigation practices. Considering the fact that the root zones in paddy fields are enriched in arsenic, it is likely that irrigation practices may establish a continuous chain between high arsenic and low arsenic groundwater. It is high time that large scale canal irrigation is advocated in West Bengal through controlled interlinking of major rivers within Bengal Basin.
