IMPACT OF SEWAGE IRRIGATION ON GROUND WATER REGIME OF ROORKEE AREA

Abstract

Irrigation is one of the best uses for sewage effluent because the effluent contains nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and minor elements) that are of value to crops. However, its use must be approached with caution because sewage effluent is almost always a nuisance, even after it is treated. Current concern about environmental quality requires a more responsible and integrated approach to effluent reuse so that both health risks and costs are minimized. Associated environmental hazards are contamination of ground water, accumulation of heavy metals and toxic organicsin surface soils and water In Roorkee area, sewage irrigation is being practiced by the Roorkee Municipality since 1975, in the` nearby villages but the disposal of sewage in, the agricultural land is not scientific, there is a sewage farm under Roorkee Municipality Board at a distance of 6 km towards North-west direction from Roorkee Town, situated between Saliar and Ibrahimpur village. The total land area of this sewage farm is 100.25 acres. These plots . are auctioned for cultivation, for three years duration in one instance by the Municipal Board to local farmers. The untreated sewage of old Roorkee area is collected and pumped at Mahigram pumping station and it is supply to the sewage farm. When the sewage is not required on agricultural land, it is directly disposed off to the river Solani from Mahigram pumping station.