Physico-Chemical Studies of the Waterbodies in and around Shivkhori Area, Jammu Himalaya, In Relation to Geology of the Area

The waters of Shivkhori stream, Raunra Tawi khad and Thanna Tawi khad stream of Kalakot area, Rajouri district, J&K state were subjected to analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry for elements Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr. All the elements except Si and Al were present within permissible limits in all the samples according to Bureau of Indian Standards and WHO. Aluminium is objectionable in four out of the 15 samples analysed, and silicon is present more than the permissible limits in all the samples. A good afforestation programme together with adopting Vetiver technology in the watershed areas of the region will screen out many of the elements including Al and Si not to enter the solution of the waters. Nitrates, sulphates, chlorides, bicarbonates, TDS and total hardness (TH) are all within the prescribed limits, and hence with respect to all these parameters, the waters are safe to be used for human consumption and also for agricultural use. SAR and SSP values of all the samples are within the prescribed limits, and hence the waters cannot be considered to create any harm as far as agricultural use is concerned. The waters of all the three streams are recommended to be subjected to chlorine/bromine disinfection to render the same safe for human consumption. Last, but not the least, attention needs to be paid towards bad sanitation prevailing near the banks of all the streams, which needs to be improved upon.