Impact of disturbance index on spring ecosystem and its policy implementation

Abstract

Spring water acts as sources of fresh water for the people Northeastern states. With increasing human population and intensity of human interventions at the vicinity of the springs, both the quality and quantity of springs has been affected. The water quality, socioeconomic and disturbance status of three springs viz. Longtharai spring, Binoy Kumar spring and Larai Kappa spring of Tripura, Northeast India were investigated. The Water Quality Index value ranged from 28.9 to 54.6 and Human Disturbance Index varied from 32.75 to 44.30. The recorded temperature range was 29.7–30.7°C and turbidity value was above the standard value for Larai Kappa spring only i.e., 7.51 NTU. The poor water quality in Larai kappa spring might be due to higher disturbance index and also influence by the location of the spring, population and the sum of activities surrounding the springs. The result clearly shows the impact of human activities on spring ecosystem and suggested strategies and policy intervention for sustainable spring management.