Perceptions of water quality-collection of evidences from residents along Yamuna River in the upstream of Delhi
Student name: Mr Sarvesh Kumar Sinha
Guide: Dr Sapna Narula
Year of completion: 2013
Host Organisation: TERI University
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Ms Fawzia Tarannum
Abstract: Water is one of the most valuable and essential resources that humans need to sustain their livelihood.
However, over a period of time, surface water of the country has become vulnerable due to pollution
from untreated industrial effluents and municipal wastes. River Yamuna, considered to be one of the
sacred rivers is also a victim of this pollution. Though the pollutants are from various sources, Yamuna
Action Plan for replenishment of its water quality mainly stresses on domestic sewage and sanitation
issues. The contribution of industrial sector to the pollution load has been totally ignored. Industrial
trade effluents contribute toxicity to the river systems if discharged untreated. Further, this leads to
deterioration of surface water as well as the ground water in the vicinity. The ultimate sufferers of this
are the people who depend on Yamuna for their daily needs like washing, bathing, drinking
occupational, etc. Along with this the foul smell of the water adversely impacts the environment. This
study therefore focuses on water quality perception and sources of pollutants in Sonepat district of
Haryana and Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh. The results of the study reveal that it is primarily
domestic and industrial sector which are responsible for the pollution of the river. Besides water quality
perception varies strongly with income and literacy level of people. Gender and age have a very weak
relation with perception.
