Faecal Coliforms

Lakes are integral components of the ecosystem and serve as natural habitats to a variety of plants and animals, besides being important sources of drinking water and livelihood for people. Industralisation has lead to the release of pollutants into the lakes and destruction of their natural habitats, thus making them unfit for use.

This document by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) provides information on the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP), launched by the Government of India, which aims at restoring the water quality and ecology of the lakes in different parts of the country. It includes information on the scheme and highlights the points that need to be considered while applying for the scheme. Read More

This document by the Department of Environment, Government of Tamil Nadu highlights the importance of the Kodaikanal lake as an important tourist destination and warns that this freshwater lake is under the threat of getting polluted and its biodiversity endangered.

The document presents the findings of the study that aimed at assessing the physico-chemical and biological quality of the Kodaikanal lake.Read More

Evidence indicates that unrestricted tourism activities have led to high use of plastic bottles, glass bottles, plastic bags, causing high levels of pollution and silting of the lake. Damaged fibreglass boats left inside the lakes also pose a serious threat to the lake ecosystem.

Arghyam has compiled a brief presentation which gives details of the permissible and desirable limits of various parameters in drinking water as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standard specifications for potable water (BIS-10500-1991). The BIS drinking water specification (IS 10500:1991) was drawn up in 1983 and its most recent revision dates back to July 2010 (Amendment No. 3). Read More

This longitudinal study was undertaken by The Foundation for Medical Research and The Foundation for Research in Community Health in the Parinche valley in Purandar block (Pune district) of interior Western Maharashtra with the aim of testing bacteriological quality of rural water supplies. A continuous feedback to the community was undertaken aiming a movement towards self-help against diseases like diarrhoea and improved water management through increased community participation.Read More