GROUNDWATER SALINITY, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND ECONOMIC BURDEN: EVIDENCE FROM RURAL JHARKHAND
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22029186Keywords:
Groundwater Salinity, Environmental Economics, Economic Burden, Externalities, Rural DevelopmentAbstract
Environmental degradation is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of economic outcomes, particularly in rural economies where natural resources directly influence livelihoods. This study examines the relationship between groundwater salinity, health outcomes and the resulting economic burden on rural households in Jharkhand, India. The analysis is based on primary data collected from 137 households across Garhwa, Godda and Hazaribagh districts representing varying levels of groundwater salinity.
The results indicate a strong positive relationship between groundwater salinity and health-related issues, with 40% of respondents in high-salinity regions reporting illness compared to 15% in low-salinity regions. Econometric analysis suggests that higher salinity significantly increases the probability of illness and reduces labour productivity. The study further estimates that households in high-salinity areas incur 25–40% higher health expenditure and experience 10–20% productivity loss.
The findings highlight groundwater salinity as a negative externality imposing hidden economic costs. The study emphasizes the need for integrated environmental and economic policy interventions.
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