ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY IN RAPTI RIVER FROM GORAKHPUR TO KAPARWAR GHAT IN UTTAR PRADESH

The Rapti, originally Irawati and then corrupted as Ravati has its source in the outer ranges of Nepal. After traversing Bahraich, Gonda and Basti it enters Gorakhpur district between Talnatwa and Bersar and after forming the boundary for a few kilometres, flows in a south easterly direction. It again forms the boundary from Rigauli to Juinaraynpur village between Basti and Gorakhpur districts. Thereafter it moves southwards and traversing about 20 km. It turns towards east and touches Gorakhpur city and again takes a turn towards south-east. It then flows in an extremely tortuous course and flowing south-east.it then flows in an extreme south-east corner of tehsil Bansgaon. Rapti river has a confluence into Ghaghara river at Kaparwar ghat near Barhaj. Rapti river is joined by Ami river, which carries polluted water from industrial sources, at Sohgaura. So, it is worthwhile to assess the water quality of Rapti river and the impact of the discharge of polluted water of Ami river into it at Sohgaura into Gorakhpur district. For this purpose, the stretch of Rapti river from Gorakhpur to Kaparwar ghat were chosen for water quality assessment. Nine sampling stations were selected along Rapti river at Koliyan north (S1), Khadkhadwan (S2), Rajghat bridge (S3), Dangipar (S4), Kashihar (S5), Sahgaura (S6), Gajpur (S8), Kotha (S9) and Aswanpar (S10). In addition one sampling station was chosen at Jarlahi (S7) along Ami river whereas three sampling stations at Muktidham (S11), Kaparwar ghat (S12) and Barhaj (S13) were chosen along Ghaghara river. Monthly samples were taken from all the sampling stations and were analysed for pH, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, MPN, Turbidity, Hardness and Chloride. The data were analysed and based on inferences suitable recommendations are made. The outcome of the study is indicative and suggested in many ways and may help in formulating the action plan toward the cleaning of river and saving it from the fury of industrial pollution from the pollutant carried by Ami River into the Rapti River. The best way of managing the problem is to stick through the saying "let the river remain a river".