Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part C (2024)

Ghaggar River flowing through the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, plays a significant role in supporting regional agriculture and local livelihoods. However, rapid industrialization, urbanization and agricultural activities have led to significant pollution, impacting its physicochemical integrity. This paper presents an analysis of key physicochemical parameters-pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrates, phosphates and heavy metals-measured at various points along the river. The results reveal critical deviations from WHO and BIS standards, highlighting the urgent need for water management strategies to restore the river’s ecological balance and safeguard public health.
Rivers form the lifeblood of civilizations and their health reflects environmental integrity. The Ghaggar River, historically important and ecologically sensitive, is now threatened by unregulated effluents from domestic and industrial sources. Understanding the physicochemical characteristics of its water is essential to assess its quality and usability for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes. This study aims to scientifically assess the physicochemical status of Ghaggar water, identify pollution sources and recommend sustainable solutions.
Water quality assessment is a fundamental aspect of environmental monitoring. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), nitrates, phosphates and heavy metals serve as essential indicators of aquatic ecosystem health (APHA, 2017) [1]. These parameters are influenced by natural processes and human activities, including industrial effluents, domestic sewage and agricultural runoff.