ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS OF ROORKEE CANTONMENT

Abstract

Roorkee is situated in Hardwar District of Uttranchal and is well connected with rail and roads communication network with Delhi, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Mumbai. Apart from the civilian population in the town, a significant domicile also resides in the segments of HT, CBRI and Military Cantonment. This study has been undertaken to critically examine the ambient environmental status of the Military Cantonment of Roorkee and also to develop an effective Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for waste disposal to encompass the aspect of wastewater and solid wastes. In addition an assessment of ambient air quality standards of the cantonment area was carried out to compare the same with the standards. It has been authenticated by the Military authorities that the present study is a pioneer attempt in this field. The main objectives of the study were to assess the ambient environmental status. The study was conducted in three phases viz collection and collation of data on ground, laboratory analysis for assessing the characteristics of wastewater and air quality parameters and finally developing an EMP for effective disposal of wastewater and solid wastes. It has been observed that the characteristics of wastewater, solid waste and the air quality states of the cantonment are comparable and within the specified limits of standards. On the basis of study the under mentioned proposals have been put forward: Wastewater disposal: (a) Repair of the existing sewerage lines and appurtenances for carrying the wastewater to the treatment site. (b) Upgradation of increased capacity of the three-oxidation ponds, existing on ground in three different segments. (c) Co-opting a screening unit along with each of the treatment plants for removal of floating matters. (d) Utilization of the treated effluent for ferti irrigation and settled sludge as manure.