WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF PUNASA DAM (INDIRA SAGAR DAM), MADHYA PRADESH

The Indirasagar Dam (Punasa Dam) is a multipurpose key project of Madhya Pradesh on the Narmada river at Narmada Nagar in Khandwa (Tehsil of West Nimar district) Madhya Pradesh in India.The physical and chemical properties of water including temperature, pH, transparency, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, hardness, nitrate, calcium and phosphorus concentration, were monitored from October 2018 to September 2019. The physical and chemical parameters were analyzed as per APHA, revealed that there were fewer variations in the physicochemical parameters and results received through the entire one year of study showed that the status of water quality is quite normal and within the permissible limit as mentioned with ISI.Moreover, according to the findings of this research and their comparison with the national and international water quality guidelines/standards, it could be said that the water quality of Punasa dam during the study period was acceptable. However, due to the changes occurred in nitrate and phosphorus and extensive development of eutrophication problem, accurate and continuous evaluation of water quality in this reservoir is deemed necessary.

The Indirasagar Dam (Punasa Dam) is a multipurpose key project of Madhya Pradesh on the Narmada river at Narmada Nagar in Khandwa (Tehsil of West Nimar district) Madhya Pradesh in India.The physical and chemical properties of water including temperature, pH, transparency, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, hardness, nitrate, calcium and phosphorus concentration, were monitored from October 2018 to September 2019. The physical and chemical parameters were analyzed as per APHA, revealed that there were fewer variations in the physicochemical parameters and results received through the entire one year of study showed that the status of water quality is quite normal and within the permissible limit as mentioned with ISI.Moreover, according to the findings of this research and their comparison with the national and international water quality guidelines/standards, it could be said that the water quality of Punasa dam during the study period was acceptable. However, due to the changes occurred in nitrate and phosphorus and extensive development of eutrophication problem, accurate and continuous evaluation of water quality in this reservoir is deemed necessary.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Introduction:-
The Narmada river flows in central India and the fifth largest river in the Indian subcontinent. It forms the traditional boundary between North-India and South-India and flows westwards over a length of 1312 km (815.2 miles) before draining through the Gulf of Cambey (Khambat) into the Arabian sea, 30 km (18.6 miles) West of Bharuch city of Gujarat. It is one of only three major rivers in peninsular India that runs from East to West (largest west flowing river) along with the Tapti river and the Mahi river.
Water is the precious gift of nature. It is the most important medium for sustaining life and it is required in almost all the activities like drinking, municipal use, irrigation to meet out the needs of growing food and fiber, for industries, power generation, navigation, railways and recreation. The development, conservation and use of water therefore, form the main elements in the country's development planning. Water has been described as the 'Elixir of Life' and cleanser of sins'. People's lives and livelihoods depend on water. The demand for water is rising as population and economic activity as well as agriculture irrigation grows. However, worldwide resources of accessible water are decreasing due to over use and pollution. Today most of the rivers of the world are polluted by domestic water, industrial and agriculture effluents. The water resources in the country are however limited considering the future demands. In the very near future water will be a scarce resource and therefore, needs to be harnessed in the most scientific and efficient manner.

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The aim of the present study deals with to determine the water quality of Punasa dam. Water is to determine the nutrient status of the water with reference to drinking water quality as well as irrigational purpose. Also observe the seasonal variations of selected water parameters and identify the pollution sources at this dam. Hence the water quality parameters which focus on the Punasa dam have been mentioned in this paper. All the results point out that the Punasa dam is out of pollution.

Results and Discussion:-
The overall systematic analysis of the present water quality parameters undertaken and results received through the entire one year of study showed that the status of water quality is quite normal and within the permissible limit as mentioned with ISI. Basically this entire premises of the study area is in the remote and tribal also natural area, hence, the pollution load is minimum. The Punasa dam in the rural region is relatively clean. The average value of various water quality parameters had been represented in graphs.
The water temperature varied between 19 o C to 32 o C. The minimum temperature of 17 o C was recorded in the month of January and maximum temperature 35 o C was recorded in the month of May. pH varied between 7.6 to 9.1. The minimum pH 7.6 was recorded in the month of September and maximum 9.1 in the month of January. Transparency fluctuated between 12 cm and 53 cm. The minimum transparency of 12 cm was recorded in the month of July and maximum of 53 cm in the month of January. The Total hardness varied from 100 mg/l to 160 mg/l. Dissolved oxygen showed variation from 7.3 mg/l to 9.1 mg/l and the biochemical oxygen demand varied between 2.2 mg/l to 3.