Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Groundwater in Shallow Aquifer System of Udhampur-Dun Terrace; J & K; India

Priya Kanwar, Pragya Khanna

Abstract: An intermontane depression developed due to folding of Siwalik molasses called as Udhampur Dun. This depression provided a site for deposition of terraces that extends from east of Dudhar Khad to Bramin Di Khad in Udhampur District and another stretch starts from Manwal in Udhampur district to Billawar in Kathua District. The area is devoid of deeper aquifer systems; thus depend either on surface water resources or shallow dugwells and springs for quenching their water requirements. In this study an attempt has been made to assess the effect of geochemical processes and antropogenic activities on quality of shallow aquifer system of Udhampur-Dun Terrace. Fifteen groundwater samples were collected from the dugwells NHNS during pre monsoon season viz. ; May 2012. These water samples were chemically analyzed for major physicochemical parameters viz. pH; Ca; Mg; Na; K; Cl; SO4; HCO3; NO3; F; TH and Fe. The results were compared with the water quality standards of BIS for drinking purpose.

Keywords: Ground water, dugwells, BIS, physico-chemical parameters, cations, anions