Environmental Assessment of Narmada River Water Quality at Pilgrim Sites Seasonal Variations and Pollution Impact

The Narmada River is one of India's most sacred and ecologically significant rivers, providing water for domestic use, agriculture, fisheries, and religious activities. In recent decades, increasing urbanization, agricultural runoff, untreated sewage discharge, and large scale pilgrimage activities have adversely affected its water quality. The present study evaluates the seasonal variation in physicochemical parameters and overall water quality of the Narmada River at selected pilgrimage sites between Hoshangabad Narmadapuram and Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Water samples were collected during summer, monsoon, and winter seasons and analyzed for pH, dissolved oxygen DO , total dissolved solids TDS , chemical oxygen demand COD , hardness, chloride, and electrical conductivity using standard methods. A Water Quality Index WQI was computed to assess the suitability of water for human use.The results reveal significant spatial and seasonal variations in water quality. Sites such as Bandrabhan, Kharra Ghat, Kheda Ghat, and Abhay Ghat exhibited good water quality, whereas Sethani Ghat and Narmada Ghat showed poor water quality due to high organic pollution and anthropogenic pressure. Elevated COD, turbidity, and hardness values were observed particularly during the monsoon season. The study highlights the environmental and public health implications of deteriorating river water quality at pilgrimage centers and emphasizes the urgent need for improved wastewater treatment, effective solid waste management, and sustainable river management strategies. Dhannalal Yadav | S. K. Diwakar "Environmental Assessment of Narmada River Water Quality at Pilgrim Sites: Seasonal Variations and Pollution Impact" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-9 | Issue-6 , December 2025, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd99983.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/other-scientific-research-area/other/99983/environmental-assessment-of-narmada-river-water-quality-at-pilgrim-sites-seasonal-variations-and-pollution-impact/dhannalal-yadav