Suitability assessment of the river yamuna in upper stretch for bathing purposes

Present investigation has been carried out for assessment of the suitability of the river Yamuna in the upper stretch for bathing purpose. Accordingly, ten sampling locations were selected, two in Uttarakhand, one in Himachal Pradesh, six in Haryana and one in outskirts of Delhi. Sampling was done in the month of November, 2011. A total of five parameters, namely, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Total Coliforms and Faecal Coliforms were studied. Results of this study were compared with the water quality standards prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for designated best-use. The sampling sites of Uttarakhand (Dakpathar U/S and Dakpathar D/S) showed physico-chemical and biological parameter within the prescribed limits of water quality standards and the quality of water was good and fit for bathing purpose. All other sampling stations were found to harbour coliform organisms in numbers greater than the required CPCB standards for outdoor bathing and hence are not suitable for bathing.