I remember to have read somewhere quite some time ago that in one of the Indian States (is it Orissa?) the tapping of underground water through a large number of tube wells has turned the area to a near desert because tube wells suck out all the underground water drying up the fountains.

I have also heard it said that this water contains certain chemical elements that is/can be harmful to health unlike the water that comes through natural fountains and gets filtered through a natural process.

In Sri Lanka too, tube wells have been dug in several areas such as Hambantota, Anuradhapura as a quick solution to the scarcity of water especially during droughts.

If it is true that tube wells cause the above-mentioned harmful effects, should not our geologists and health authorities feel guilty for not having warned the state authorities on these dangers?

Could someone please educate the public on the true facts?
S. Abeywickrama
Nugegoda