Monitoring and Evaluation of River Ganga System in Himalayan Region with Reference to Limnological Aspects

Abstract

2 Abstract: Water is an important asset for every developing country especially the river water which is the prime source for drinking water. The Ganges, one of the largest river system of Indian subcontinent is being severely polluted by mass bathing, sewage treatment plants, factory effluents and various other human activities. In Haridwar River Ganga System comprising of River Ganga and Ganga Canal emerging out from Ganga River, both with great ritual importance among pilgrims and tourists at Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. Here also Ganga River and Canal are day by day getting polluted due to mass bathing, washing, disposal of sewage, industrial waste and these human activities deteriorating its water quality severely. River water samples collected in all the seasons of the years 2013 and 2014 were analyzed for various water quality characteristics. Data has statistically been analysed indicating positive and negative relation among parameters. The present study revealed that major factors contributing to deterioration of water quality might be continues discharge of industrial discharge, tourism, anthropogenic and spiritual practices. Therefore, to restore the vitality and water quality of river, proper water resource planning programme should be developed.