Ecological effect of urbanization on swan river watershed District Una, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Rivers being one of the major sources of water, are the circulatory system of the nations. They are helping in meeting the demands of rapid industrialization. India ranks 5th in world in potential waterpower resource. But mere possession is no reason for celebrations. In developing countries like India poor designed or ill managed irrigation is the main source of non point pollution of river bodies. Negative effects of rapid industrialization, expanding urbanization and advanced agricultural activities have kept the rivers under high levels of pollution .In the present study Swan River watershed, Una district, Himachal Pradesh has been taken, which is receiving effluents discharges and wastewater.  The economic growth of the district has accelerated the pace of industrialization and urbanization. Increase in number of residents, industries and agriculture activities are imposing environmental stress on the watershed. The main pollutional sources to Swan River watershed are domestic and municipal waste, agro-chemicals. Industrial wastewater, solid waste disposal. Domestic and municipal wastewater is also discharged through various nallas and choes. The catchment area of Swan River is also used for agricultural activities accompanied by over doses of fertilizers and pesticides. All these activities are adding toxic substances, oxidized organics, in organics, suspended solids, sewage, pathogens to river water disturbing the river ecosystem and its morphology. The present study is aimed at studying the nature and impact of various effluents discharge in river swan.