Study of Change in Water Quality at Different Distances form Sea in Mahi Estuarian Area

Abstract

Main perennial rivers of Gujarat, Tapi, Narmada, Mahi and Sabarmati<br />are meeting Arabian Sea in Gulf of Khambhat. The out flow of Mahi River into<br />the sea is decreased due to construction of dams like Bajaj Sagar, Kadana, Panam<br />and Wanakbori weir. So, Tidal effect of sea and sea water intrusion is being<br />increased on landward side. Moreover, due to erratic nature of rainfall and<br />improper management of the existing water resources in the region, the ground<br />water withdrawal rate has increased. Since the existing ground water resources<br />have not been replenished as per demand, Mahi estuarian area is facing a problem<br />of sea water intrusion. Day by day quality of ground water and soil going on<br />deteriorating. An attempt is made to study the pre and post-monsoon ground water<br />quality by collecting and analyzing the water samples of open well, bore well etc.<br />Considering radial distances from Kavi Town (sea) i.e. to study the effect of<br />salinity ingress. It is observed that as the distance from Kavi village increases, the<br />T.D.S, Cl and, TH, values decreases. The high pre-monsoon values get<br />normalized after the post monsoon because of rain water recharge and dilution,<br />except some locations due to many reasons.