Pollution of water resources due to industrialization in arid zone of Rajasthan, India

In arid zone of Rajasthan, India, nearly 21900 hm(2) area along Bandi River has been affected by industrial effluent discharge into the river bed. Analysis of groundwater samples collected from these sites revealed that area at the vicinity of the river is most affected. The effluent water in the river is the main source of contamination of ground water. Concentration of sodium and chloride has been higher with proportional increase in TDS and EC value in the area within zone A (river water), zone B (0 - 100m), zone C (101 - 250m), zone D (251 - 500m) and zone E (501 - 1000m). There is decreasing trend in ion concentration from zone A to zone E and F, reflecting reduced effect of effluents. The pollution of water resources has resulted in the degradation of other natural resources such as land, soil and vegetation. Nearly 4463 hm(2) (20.38%) area has been very severely affected. EC value at places exceeds 20 dS/m. Soil and land have become hard, compact and saline. Cropping intensity has declined. In the area (3633 hm(2)) affected severely, the EC value of water varies from 10 - 20 dS/m. Irrigation with such water has created problem of salinity, sodicity in soils. Herbal biomass declined considerably. Double cropping has almost stopped. Almost 8494 hm(2) area is affected moderately. E of ground water varies from 5 to 10 dS/m. Fragile surface crust, declining trend of phosphorous and potassium in the soil, poor density of natural vegetation are significant manifestations. Apart from this, 5305 hm2 area is slightly affected. Key words: pollution; water resources; industrialization; arid zone; India.