There were many schemes for pollution abatement of River Ganga. Ganga Action Plan (1 and 2) and thereafter NRCD and National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGBRA) launched by Government of India. But these plans focused only on big cities and did not take into account pollution generated in the entire stretch/catchment. In their efforts small cities, semi urban settlements, Industries and pollution from rural sector were not addressed. As a result program had limited success and the improvement in water quality of River Ganga was limited. The impact of human activity or a project on an environmental resource or eco-system may be considered insignificant when assessed in isolation, but may become significant when evaluated. This study aims at studying the assessment of assessment of pollution load on point source discharges in river Ganga catchment from Haridwar to Garhmukteshwar (160 km) based on field visits , satellite data supported with details from Survey of India topographical sheets, census data, district Industry data, water quality and discharge data. In study area seven point sources were identified based on the criteria of either existence of class I or class II city/town in the catchment of drain or falling of industrial effluent in drains.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Study Area
- Methodology
- Result
- Status of sewage generated in study catchment
- Treatment capacity in study catchment
- Pollution from industrial sources
- Spatial and temporal trend of water quality at Haridwar and Garhmukteshwar
Objectives and Key Themes
This study assesses the pollution load on the River Ganga from Haridwar to Garhmukteshwar, focusing on point source discharges. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of previous pollution abatement schemes and to quantify the pollution contributions from various sources within the specified stretch of the river.
- Assessment of pollution load from point sources in the Ganga River.
- Evaluation of the impact of urban and rural sewage discharge on water quality.
- Analysis of industrial effluent contribution to river pollution.
- Examination of spatial and temporal trends in water quality parameters.
- Assessment of the effectiveness of previous Ganga Action Plans.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by introducing the Ganga River basin, its immense size and significance, and its ecological importance. It highlights the river's vulnerability to pollution due to rapid industrialization, lack of sewage treatment, and the impact of climate change on glacial melt. The chapter emphasizes the inadequacy of previous pollution control efforts, particularly their failure to address pollution from smaller towns, rural areas, and industries outside of major cities. It establishes the need for a comprehensive study to evaluate pollution sources along a specific stretch of the river. The chapter also provides background information on the Ganga's origins, tributaries, and length. The issues of insufficient sewage treatment capacity and the significant number of polluting industries are introduced, setting the context for the study's focus on point source pollution.
Study Area: This section details the geographical area of focus, the 160 km stretch of the Ganga River from Haridwar to Garhmukteshwar. It identifies the key point sources of pollution within this area, including urban and rural sewage discharge and industrial effluent from various sources. The chapter specifically highlights seven major point sources (Haridwar drain, Laksar Drain, Solani River, Garh drain, Malin River, Chhoiya River, and Baia River) selected for detailed analysis based on criteria such as the presence of Class I or II cities/towns in their catchment areas or industrial effluent discharge. A map (Figure 1) visually presents the location and catchment areas of these key sources.
Methodology: This chapter outlines the methods used in the study to collect and analyze data. It describes the techniques employed to project future populations based on past census data and to estimate water consumption and wastewater generation. The methodologies for calculating the discharge of drains (treated as open channels) are explained, highlighting the use of formulas to determine mean velocity, area, and discharge. The chapter also mentions the use of spatial data from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to analyze trends in dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fecal coliform levels.
Result: This chapter presents the findings of the study, starting with a detailed analysis of sewage generation from both rural and urban areas within the study catchment. It provides data on the total populations, wastewater generation rates, and the significant gap between wastewater generation and treatment capacity. This section further breaks down the pollution from industrial sources, specifically from the Haridwar and Bijnor districts. The pollution loads from different point sources are presented in tables. Finally, it includes an analysis of the spatial and temporal trends of key water quality parameters (DO and BOD) at Haridwar and Garhmukteshwar, offering insights into the changing water quality along the river stretch.
Keywords
Ganga River, pollution load, water quality, point source discharges, sewage, industrial effluent, Ganga Action Plan, Haridwar, Garhmukteshwar, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), fecal coliform.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ganga River Pollution Load Assessment from Haridwar to Garhmukteshwar
What is the overall scope of this study?
This study comprehensively assesses the pollution load on the Ganga River from Haridwar to Garhmukteshwar, focusing on point source discharges. It evaluates the effectiveness of past pollution abatement schemes and quantifies pollution contributions from various sources along this river stretch.
What are the key objectives of the study?
The main objectives include assessing pollution loads from point sources, evaluating the impact of urban and rural sewage discharge on water quality, analyzing industrial effluent contributions, examining spatial and temporal trends in water quality parameters, and assessing the effectiveness of previous Ganga Action Plans.
Which areas are included in the study?
The study focuses on a 160 km stretch of the Ganga River between Haridwar and Garhmukteshwar. Seven major point sources (Haridwar drain, Laksar Drain, Solani River, Garh drain, Malin River, Chhoiya River, and Baia River) are analyzed in detail due to their significant pollution contributions.
What methodologies were employed in the study?
The study employed various methods including projecting future populations based on past census data, estimating water consumption and wastewater generation, calculating drain discharge using open channel formulas, and analyzing spatial data from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fecal coliform levels.
What are the key findings regarding sewage generation and treatment capacity?
The study presents a detailed analysis of sewage generation from both rural and urban areas within the study catchment, highlighting a significant gap between wastewater generation and treatment capacity. Data on total populations and wastewater generation rates are provided.
How does the study analyze industrial pollution?
The study breaks down pollution from industrial sources, specifically from Haridwar and Bijnor districts, presenting pollution loads from different point sources in tables.
What are the key findings on water quality trends?
The study analyzes the spatial and temporal trends of key water quality parameters (DO and BOD) at Haridwar and Garhmukteshwar, providing insights into the changing water quality along the river stretch.
What are the key words associated with this study?
The keywords include Ganga River, pollution load, water quality, point source discharges, sewage, industrial effluent, Ganga Action Plan, Haridwar, Garhmukteshwar, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fecal coliform.
What is the structure of the report?
The report includes an abstract, keywords, introduction, details of the study area, methodology, results (including sewage generation, treatment capacity, industrial pollution, and water quality trends), and a conclusion. Chapter summaries are provided.
- Quote paper
- Prabhakar Shukla (Author), 2014, Assessment of pollution load on river Ganga from Haridwar to Garhmukteshwar, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/284637
