Comprehensive water management plan with case studies of IMFA, Najafgarh drain and Agra canal

Student name: Ms Neha Mehendale
Guide: Dr Arun Kansal
Year of completion: 2012
Host Organisation: Jamia Millia Islamia
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Gauhar Mehmood

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Abstract: Water is a vital resource and is important for domestic, agricultural and industrial activities. The utilization pattern of water varies region-wise and activity-wise. Each site has its own specific need. Comprehensive Water Management deals with all aspects of utilization of water as well as its discharge. It aims at achieving the optimum condition where there is adequate availability of suitable quality water for all activities, effluent discharge complies with suggested standards and; alternatives for its recycle and reuse; and there are no problems due to flooding.

In this study three cases have been considered, which highlight different aspects of a Comprehensive Water Management Plan.

IMFA, Chaudhwar, is an existing Ferroalloy plant which is facing problems of flooding and wastewater discharge. Recommendations have been made for adopting rain water harvesting techniques, resizing of drains and sumps, construction of wastewater treatment plants and recycle and reuse of water.

Najafgarh Drain is a tributary of River Yamuna. Model Economic Township is set to be constructed alongside the drain near Jhajjar. The area faces a problem of flooding during high discharge in the drain. The introduction of a township would worsen the scenario as the run-off would increase. In this case, constructions of embankments, increasing the capacity of the drain and rain water harvesting have been suggested.

In the case of Agra Canal, the problem of contamination is a major issue. As a result, the local population is facing health problems. An attempt has been made to understand the problem and explore possible mitigation measures which may further be pursued.

As population increases, the stress on water resources will also increase. In such a time, water management becomes an indispensible part of project planning. This would ensure safety against problems such as flooding and contamination and also safe disposal or reuse and recycle of wastewater.