Uranium Found in Groundwater of Parts of Himachal, IIT Mandi Study

A research project conducted by IIT Mandi has found traces of naturally occurring uranium in groundwater samples from selected locations in Hamirpur and Mandi districts, opening up new questions about the region’s geology and groundwater quality.

The study, carried out between 2018 and 2020 with support from the Department of Atomic Energy’s Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), examined groundwater across parts of Mandi, Hamirpur and Kullu districts. Researchers detected uranium in samples collected from three locations each in Mandi and Hamirpur, while no uranium was found in the sites studied in Kullu.

In Mandi district, uranium was detected in groundwater samples from Drang, Gumma and Jhatingri. In Hamirpur, traces were reported from Chakmoh, Patlandhar and Hamirpur town, with the highest concentration recorded in Hamirpur town. Scientists reported an average uranium concentration of about 2.96 parts per billion (ppb), with the highest reading reaching 18.93 ppb.

Researchers believe the findings are closely linked to the geological makeup of the region. Hamirpur’s landscape is largely composed of sandstone, conglomerate and shale formations belonging to the Shivalik Group. According to the study, natural weathering and leaching processes may be allowing uranium present in these rocks to gradually enter groundwater sources.

The research also uncovered an interesting pattern: areas with higher uranium concentrations often showed elevated nitrate levels as well. This has drawn attention to the broader issue of groundwater quality and the need for more detailed scientific monitoring.

However, experts caution against jumping to conclusions. The presence of uranium in groundwater does not automatically mean that commercially viable uranium reserves exist beneath the region. Establishing that would require extensive geological exploration, detailed surveys and resource assessment by specialised government agencies.

What makes the study significant is that it provides one of the first detailed snapshots of uranium distribution in groundwater across parts of Himachal Pradesh. It adds to a growing body of scientific work exploring the Himalayan region’s complex geology and the movement of naturally occurring minerals through groundwater systems.

For now, the findings serve as an important scientific indicator rather than evidence of a uranium deposit. Researchers say further investigations will be needed to determine the source, spread and long-term significance of the uranium detected, while also assessing any implications for groundwater management and public health.

As scientists continue to explore the region’s underground geology, the study offers a valuable starting point for understanding what lies beneath the hills and how natural geological processes can influence the quality of the water people depend on every day.