Guwahati, June 9: A team of researchers from Nagaland University has completed a comprehensive year-long study on the seasonal pollution status of the Dhansiri River—one of Northeast India’s major but overlooked river systems—highlighting a disturbing decline in water quality and calling for immediate policy intervention.
Led by Dr M. Romeo Singh, Associate Professor in the Department of Botany, the study examined the river across all four seasons and three key locations—upstream, midstream, and downstream—using the Water Quality Index (WQI) and Weighted Arithmetic Index (WAI) techniques. The findings reveal that the Dhansiri River is under growing threat from urban discharge, agricultural runoff, sand mining, and poor waste management.
“Several physicochemical parameters, including turbidity and total alkalinity, exceeded both national and WHO standards, especially during the summer months,” Dr. Singh said. “The water was found to be non-potable and unfit for human use in many areas, particularly downstream.”
By analysing 16 water quality parameters, the research revealed significant seasonal and spatial fluctuations, with water quality improving in winter and deteriorating drastically in summer. Elevated temperatures and increased runoff during the summer were found to worsen turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Turbidity remained above safe thresholds throughout the year.
The study, published in part in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (DOI: 10.1007/s13762-021-03897-9), also draws attention to downstream pollution accumulation caused by urban growth, religious offerings, and open waste dumping.
To address the crisis, the research team has proposed a detailed action plan, including:
1.Relocation of garbage dumping sites
2. Prohibition of direct trash discharge into the river
3. Advanced wastewater treatment systems Improved urban drainage infrastructure
4. Formulation of a regional water management policy
5. Regular monitoring and community awareness programmes
“This study provides a scientific foundation for restoring not just the Dhansiri, but also other neglected rivers in India,” said Dr. Singh. “Our approach integrates data-driven research with community engagement and policy reform—essential elements for long-term environmental resilience.”
Dr. Singh added that future phases of research will include bioassessment using biological indicators and an investigation into heavy metal and emerging pollutants in the river ecosystem.
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