Pollution of water and its health impact at Bhimtal: A tourist destination of Kumaun, Himalaya

Pages: 201-203
Rajesh Kumar Lohchab (Department of Environmental Science & Engineering Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana)

Untreated or inadequately treated municipal sewage is a major source of groundwater and surface water pollution in the developing countries and lack of sanitary waste disposal and of clean and adequate water for personal hygiene is responsible for water-borne diseases. These diseases are more prevalent in areas with poor sanitary conditions. This study was carried out to assess the condition of water resources and their associated health effects at Bhimtal. The main sources of water contaminations are poor management and disposal of sewage and solid wastes in addition to open defecation which are responsible for health problems mainly water-borne diseases at Bhimtal. Most prominent diseases reported during the survey at Bhimtal are jaundice, dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid, skin disorders, cholera, round worm, scabies, amoebiasis, and stomach problems.