Comparative assessment of natural springs from Akole and Sangamner blocks of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra and their present ecohydrological status

Student name: Ms Geetu Thakur
Guide: Ms Ranjana Ray Chaudhuri
Year of completion: 2016
Host Organisation: Watershed Organization Trust, Pune
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Renie Thomas

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Abstract: Springs and spring runs represent a unique class of aquatic ecosystems typified by high water clarity and relatively constant water temperature and chemical conditions. These serve as an essential component for the functioning of our forest cover and dependednt ecosystem. Structurally, springs are best characterized by their position in the landscape, type of origin/rock type, basin morphometry and their flora and fauna. Among the other parameters are the discharge measurements and quality of spring water that help in better analyzing their status.

Natural Springs in parts of Maharashtra are known to serve many vulnerable village communities. Many of these are either under the state of negligence or on the decline. Their discharge has been significantly impacted due climate change and human interference in recent decades. For the current study a total of 63 springs from over 13 different villages of the two talukas (Sangamner and Akole) were examined for their location, elevation, origin type (based on rock type and water releasing point), amount of discharge, availability of water, drainage order, type of flora, fauna and last but not the least quality of spring water. Comparative assessment of springs from the two talukas showed no difference in the geology/predominant rock type; as both the areas fall under the Deccan trap region, with Akole comprising the forested ecosystem while Sangamner being the semi-arid zone. Springs from Sangamner were majorly of two types: Flow Contact or Fractured/Sheet Joints, while those from Akole could be categorized into 2 more types: Sheet Vesicles and Weathered. In terms of elevation, maximum no. of springs were located within the elevation range of 700-800 m.a.s.l, while only springs from Akole were found to be located at an elevation >900 m.a.s.l. Out of the total perennial springs observed, 11 belonged to Akole while 2 belonged to Sangamner.

In addition to availability of water, the springs were checked for the sizes they belonged to. Of the springs examined for discharge measurements, maximum were found to belong to magnitude “First”. Parameters like lineaments, elevation and drainage order; determining discharge were checked for. Since, a considerable amount of population relies upon spring for drinking water and other domestic needs; quality check was a major concern. The springs were checked for general physico chemical parameters and bacteriological contamination. All parameters, with an exception of one or two springs; for one or the other parameter; most values were found to lie within the permissible limit as given by BIS. However, the water samples tested for detailed qualitative analysis; were found to be bacteriologically contaminated. These samples were also tested for the type of water; each belonged to. For which the result obtained was “Calcium Carbonate type”, implying fresh and shallow water.

KEYWORDS: Natural Springs, Categorization, Ecological-Hydrological- Geological Status, Qualitative- Quantitative Analysis