A Bipartite Techno-Policy Model for River Based Water Resource Management for Sustainable Future with Special Reference To Haora River in Tripura, India

Abstract

Surface water serves most of the water requirements to sustain lives on earth. Of all fresh water on earth, only 1.2% is making up of surface water and the rest is confined in ice and ground. As the rivers provide for the significant sources of surface water, there is a need for river-based water resource management to meet global water quality challenge. Haora River that originated in the India’s north-eastern state of Tripura and meets ultimately with the Titas River in the Bangladesh carries a significant impact on life in and around the river both on the Indian side and Bangladesh side. Thus, study emphasizes the test of water quality of the river and corresponding impact therefor based on a detail explanation of the monitoring data obtained through published sources, laboratory analysis of samples and relevant field observations. ANOVA revealed year wise significant variations in physicochemical and biological properties of the river water tested except for pH. Abnormalities were mostly observed in the values of T, DO, BOD, PO4-P and FC. Water Quality Index (WQI) revealed water quality status of the river fall under the category of very poor to unfit, and require proper treatment before the water is being used for drinking and other domestic purposes. Adversities in the water are also found to be affecting the aquatic life and overall river ecosystem. Cause and effect analogy of these abnormalities were established for taking corrective measures. Existing statutory law to prevent and control such anomalies have been found lacking enforcement in the state of Tripura. The broad-based state level water policy to protect and improve water resources has also been found lacking in the state. The study recommends policy level interventions at the earliest considering the specific measures suggested in this study.