Current Science

Vikram Soni ¹, Shashank Shekhar ², Diwan Singh ³

Affiliations
1 Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi 110 025, IN
2 Department of Geology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, IN
3 Natural Heritage First, B49A, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110 057, IN

Abstract

With an eye on all the natural functions of a river, the present article considers the flow of the river Yamuna in Delhi as an example of monsoon rivers in India. About 80% of the total virgin flow of Indian rivers is during the monsoon period and the remaining 20% is during the non-monsoon period. In case of the river Yamuna in Delhi, we find that at least 50% of the vir-gin monsoon (July to September) flow is required for transport of the full spectrum of soil particles in the river sediment. A similar flow is needed for adequate recharge of the floodplain aquifers along the river. For the non-monsoon period (October to June), at least 60% of the virgin flow is necessary to avoid growth of still-water algae and to support river biodi-versity. We conclude that about 50-60% of the virgin flow is necessary throughout the year to maintain the health of the river system.

Keywords

Algal Choking, Environmental Flow, Flushing Flow, Monsoon Rivers, Sediment Transport, Soil Particles.

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Vikram Soni ¹, Shashank Shekhar ², S. V. N. Rao ³, Suman Kumar ², Diwan Singh ⁴

Affiliations
1 Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi 110 025, IN
2 Department of Geology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, IN
3 Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS), Hyderabad 500 004, IN
4 Natural Heritage First, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110 057, IN

Abstract

Cities world over are facing drinking water problem. The planners are often over emphasizing on sourcing surface water from far off places. This will involve exorbitant cost and many a times diversion of river flow beyond the permissible limit. Obviously such river flow diversions will have adverse ecological consequences. In this context, the article reinvents traditional knowledge with sound scientific rigour. It argues for ecologically sustainable local solutions for meeting drinking water need of cities from flood plain of rivers. A case of river Yamuna in Delhi has been discussed to highlight the potential of flood plain aquifer as a drinking water source.

Keywords

River Floodplains, Quality Drinking Water.

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