Nagaland University researchers study Dhansiri river pollution levels, offer reforms

A research team at Nagaland University is studying the neglect of the Dhansiri river, which is a major ecological and cultural river in Northeast India, and finding ways for how to restore it, to ensure potable water for residents and river cleanliness across the country. The research is led by M Romeo Singh, associate professor at the department of botany, Nagaland University.

Researchers have measured the Water Quality Index (WQI) of the river from three distinct points - upstream, middle and downstream stations. For this research, 16 physicochemical parameters of the river water have been assessed through the Weighted Arithmetic Index (WAI) technique, “which allocates varying weights to each water parameter according to its influence on health and water quality”.

Water quality parameters like turbidity, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids, and biochemical oxygen demand have been assessed for all four seasons. Total alkalinity was found to exceed national restrictions as well as World Health Organisation (WHO) restrictions in both summer and winter, while the other metrics drastically increased in the summer months, making the water “non-potable” and “unfit for consumption”.

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Dhansiri river pollution

The study found that the Dhansiri river faces a lot of pollutants from human activities, namely urbanisation, discharges from towns, agricultural runoff and inadequate domestic waste management.

Singh’s team highlighted some major reforms that need to be implemented in order to restore the Dhansiri river. The study is hopeful that the reforms could be applicable to polluted rivers in similar conditions throughout the country.

The study suggests relocation of dumping sites, prohibition of direct trash discharge, adoption of advanced wastewater treatment techniques, improving drainage systems, establishment of robust regional water management policies, and regular monitoring.

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Dhansiri river conservation

Community participation through education and awareness is essential for restoring the river system and for guaranteeing safe drinking water for the residents.

“Implementing the measures we had suggested for the Dhansiri River can substantially enhance the welfare of the residential populations and the overall environmental health of the nation. Cleaner water will reduce the risk of diseases and support sustainable agriculture through safer irrigation. Efforts to control pollution will facilitate ecological restoration, improving biodiversity and natural ecosystems.” Said Singh.

Some of the research findings have been published in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology in 2022.