Performance Evaluation of Conservation Programmes for Lakes of the Nainital Region

Research Paper from the year 2014 in the subject Geography / Earth Science - Physical Georgraphy, Geomorphology, Environmental Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, language: English, abstract: The lakes of the Nainital region are ecologically fragile, and due to rapid urbanization in the catchment, the lakes experience an increase in nutrient loading and rapid deterioration of water quality. The present work was done to assess the effectiveness of the conservation works done in the lakes of Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal. The various aspects that were kept in mind during the study were the water quality assessment, solid waste management practices, shoreline development, sewage works, public participation. Various physico- chemical parameters were determined during the water quality assessment like pH, temperature, DO, BOD,COD, turbidity, TDS, and metals namely Copper, Iron, Nitrate, and Chromium. These parameters were compared with the trends of the physico-chemical parameters in the recent years. A water quality index was prepared on the basis of these parameters to make an evaluation of the health of the lakes. Noteworthy improvement in the dissolved oxygen concentrations of the lakes were an evidence of the fact that significant work has been done regarding the conservation of the lakes. All the shortcomings and success regarding the conservation works done in the area have been studied and a performance evaluation chart was prepared on this basis. The results of the study suggested that effective works have been done in the area but this needs to be continued in the future too.