Title: A study on the assessment of pollution and strategies for rejuvenation of Bharathapuzha river in Kerala, India

Authors: C. Agnes Anto; Vincy Verghese; P.K. Kurian; M.G. Cyriac; S. Archana

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Jyothi Engineering College, Thrissur, 679531, Kerala, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, Jyothi Engineering College, Thrissur, 679531, Kerala, India ' Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences (Deemed to be University), Coimbatore, 641114, Tamil Nadu, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, Jyothi Engineering College, Thrissur, 679531, Kerala, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, Jyothi Engineering College, Thrissur, 679531, Kerala, India

Abstract: Human civilisation has historically thrived along riverbanks; however, anthropogenic interventions in rivers, especially in developing nations like India, have negatively impacted its environment, economy and society. This calls for studies on assessing river pollution and formulating strategies to conserve and rejuvenate the polluted rivers. The present study focuses on assessing the state of pollution in the Bharathapuzha river, the second longest river in Kerala, India. It is inferred from the study that the disposal of domestic sewage and untreated wastewater are major factors for river pollution. In the light of these findings, the authors propose: i) sustainable measures to control the domestic pollution existing in the vicinity of the river; and ii) establishing sewage treatment plants to abate the river pollution. The current study also highlights the significance of stakeholder involvement in river conservation and delineates various social strategies oriented towards river rejuvenation.

Keywords: Bharathapuzha river; water quality; pollution assessment; physico-chemico-biological water characteristics; domestic pollution; rejuvenation strategies; sewage treatment plant; stakeholder engagement; asset pentagon lens; sustainable management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJW.2024.138721

International Journal of Water, 2024 Vol.16 No.1, pp.42 - 68

Received: 15 Nov 2023
Accepted: 18 Feb 2024
Published online: 29 May 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article