Water quality assessment and conservation strategies for the upper stretch of Hindon river - a tributary of Yamuna, India

Abstract

The study was conducted to know the pollution status of upper stretch of Hindon River and its temporal changes over monsoon, post-monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons due to change of physiochemical parameters during the period June 2011 to May 2012. The upper stretch of the river receives large amount of untreated domestic discharge, agricultural runoff and industrial effluents and now considered to be the toilet bowl of western Uttar Pradesh. This study critically examines the present status of the Hindon River by analysing various physiochemical parameters. Pollution load in pre monsoon is more prominent as compared to monsoon and post monsoon due to the fact that Hindon River is entirely rain fed river and in pre monsoon season flow in the river is mainly due to the discharge of untreated municipal and industrial effluents. To restore the water quality and ecological stability of this river, the installation of sewage treatment plants, common effluent treatment plants, proper solid waste management, public awareness and participation programme are suggested.