chapter -3 3.pdf · gwalior fonnation. the great boundary flaut enters the chambal basin from the...
TRANSCRIPT
CHAPTER -3
STUDY AREA
The Chambal region is of great geological significance. The area lies near the junction
of two different geological systems, namely Vindhyan system (geologically very old
system belonging to the Paleozoic era) and the Aravalis system. The Chambal river
valley throughout its course from Kota onwards, till its confluence with Yamuna
approximately represents the geological boundary between these two systems.
Chambal River Basin is located between latitudes 22°27' and 27°20' and longitudes
73°20' and 79°20'. Banas and Mahi river basins lie to its west, Garnbhir and Parbati
Basins to its north. Its eastern and southern edges border Madhya Pradesh State.
Charnbal River Basin extends over parts of Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Bundi, Sawai
Madhopur, Tonk, Jhalawar, Kota, Baran and Dholpur Districts.
The total catchment area of the basin is 31,460 Km2 (excluding Banas Basin, which is
also a tributary of Charnbal) according to the 1 :250,000 scale topographical maps
published by the Survey of India (www.rajirrigation.gov.in)
Orographically, the western part of the basin is marked by hilly terrain belonging to
the Vindhyan chain, with fairly sloping terrain along the Charnbal River and its
tributaries. East of Kota-Jhalawar lays an extensive alluvial plain sloping gently
northwards towards the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh.
The National Chambal Sanctury is famous for the rare Gagnetic dolphin. The
Sanctury was founded in 1979 and is a part of a large area co-administered by
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Apart from the Gagnetic dolphin, the
other inhabitants of the sanctury include magar (crocodile) and ghariyal (alligator),
chinkara, sambar, nilgai, wolf and wild bear. (Figure 3.1)
Study Area
Figure3.1 Crocodile in the river Chambal
Ferry used for the collection of samples
37
Study Area
3.1 DRAINAGE Chambal, the largest tributary of the Yamuna, which in turn feeds the great Ganga,
flows through three largest states of Indian Union namely Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
and Uttar Pradesh. It takes its birth in the heart of India among the Vindhyas of
Madhya Pradesh running dead north for about 257 Km (160 miles).
The main tributaries which confluence Chambal in MP are Shipra and Choti Kali
Sindh. The bludgeoning water way enters Rajasthan through an awesome gorge near
historic fort of Chaurasigarh. A little beyond, the river turns northeast, flows past
Kota, receives one of its major tributary, the Kali Sindh near Norera village (Laban).
Another major tributary, the Parbati joins about 48 Km (30 miles) downstream. Banas
is the largest tributary of the River Chambal. These two rivers meet near village
Rameshwar in Khandar Block at Sawai Madhopur District. Keeping up a straight
course for 212 Km (132 miles), it bends southeast at Panihat and makes for the
Yamuna, to join it near Muradaganj, after a total run of 965Km (600 miles) (Figure
3.2).
The first 274 Km (170 miles) of Chambal lies entirely in Madhya Pradesh, the next
153 Km (95 miles) entirely in Rajasthan. Beyond Pali upto Panihat, 241 Km (150
miles) of river divides Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In its last lap of 105 Km (65
miles), a little before it pays final tribute to Yamuna, it constitutes the borderline
between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the last 40 Km (25 miles) lying entirely
in Uttar Pradesh. The Chambal is thus the most shared river.
River Chambal is the most important tributary, occupying nearly half of the basin area
of Yamuna and contributes 5 to 10 times more water to the Yamuna than its own flow
in dry weather. The river basin is roughly rectangular in shape, with a maximum
length of 560 Km in northeast-southwest direction.
The course of Chambal may be considered as composed of the following three
sections:
• The upper valley or course in the Vindhyan hills, and Malwa Plateau.
• The middle valley through the concentric triple scraps and 32Km long gorge
between the Gandhi Sagar Dam and Kota in which potholes, rapids and
waterfalls are recurrent.
• The lower valley in the plain of the country joining the Yamuna.
38
Study Area
81.86 1 21
.
61
20 40 60 1 cm=20 km
Figure 3.2 Map of drainage area of the Chambal River Basin
39
Study Area
The lower vaHey is drained by the waters of the Chambal and its major tributaries,
namely, the Banas, the Kali Sindh and the Parbati. The valley resembles a rectangle
upto the junctions of the Parbati and Banas with the Chambal flowing along its major
axis. Downstream from the confluence of the Parbati, the valley becomes very narrow
and elongated. In this section there is no major tributary of the Chambal, therefore
vaHey and the drainage basin are almost one and the same.
The Drainage pattern, which is an indication of the underlying geological structure in
the course of fluvial cycle are important features. The drainage map of the Chambal
valley exhibits five types of drainage patterns, viz. a pinnate dendritic, trellis,
rectangular, radial and centripetal in different parts and varying geological
formations.
3.2 TRIBUTARIES
The main tributaries of river Chambal in MP are Shipra and Choti Kalisindh and in
Rajasthan are Kalisindh, Parbati and Banas (www.rajirrigation.gov.in).
3.2.1 Kshipra
The Shipra also known as the Kshipra, is a river in Madhya Pradesh state of central
India. The river rises in the Vindhyan Range north of Dhar, and flows south across the
Malwa Plateau to join the Chambal River. It is one of the sacred rivers in Hinduism.
The holy city of Ujjain is situated on its right bank:. Shipra is a perennial river. Earlier
there used to be plenty of water in the river. Now the river stops flowing after a
couple of months following monsoon.
3.2.2 Kalisindh
River Kalisindh originates in the northern slopes of the Vindhya hills. It originates in
MP and enters Rajasthan near Binda village in lhalawar District. It flows for about
145 Km north in Rajasthan before joining river Chambal near Nonera village in Kota
District. The catchment in Rajasthan extends over parts of lhalawar and Kota
Districts.
40
Catchment Area
Longitudes
Latitudes
Tributaries
3.2.3 Parbati
7944 Km2
75°39' and 76°30'
23°53' and 25°34'
Ahu, Amjhar and Parwan
Study Area
Parbati River originates in the northern slopes of the Vindhyan hills in MP. It enters
Rajasthan near Chatarpura village in Baran District where it forms the boundary
between MP and Rajasthan for about 18 Km, then flows for about 83 Km in Rajasthan
before again forming the boundary between MP and Rajasthan for a length of about
58 Km up to Pali village in Kota District, where it joins the Chambal. The river
catchment in Rajasthan is situated in Kota and lhalawar Districts.
Catchment Area 5001 Km2
Longitudes
Latitudes
Tributaries
3.2.4 Banas
75°22' and 77°12'
24°19' and 25°51'
Lhasi, Berni, Bethli, Andheri, Retri, Dubraj,
Bilas and Kunu
River Banas originates in the Kharnnor hills of the Aravali range (about 5 Km from
Kumbhalgarh) and flows along its entire length through Rajasthan. Banas is a major
tributary of the River Chambal, the two rivers meeting near village Rameshwar in
Khandar Block in Sawai Madhopur District. The total length of the river is about 512
Km.
Catchment Area
Longitudes
Latitudes
Tributaries
45,833 Km2
73°25' and 77°00'
24°15' and 27°20'
Berach and Menali on the right and Kothari,
Khari, Dai, Dheel, Sohadara, Morel and
Kalisil on the left
41
Study Area
3.3 GEOLOGY
Geologically, the Chambal basin is a junction between the northwestern lobe of the
Vindhyan basin and the southeastern fringe of the Aravali range in the sense that here
the younger formations of the Vindhyan period have truncated and faulted against the
Gwalior fonnation. The great boundary Flaut enters the Chambal basin from the
north-east Sapotra town (26°15':76°45'). It passes through the line of the
Ranthambore-Bundi hills covering a distance of about 800 Km and extends south
westwards upto Chittorgarh (24°54':74°42'). This fault roughly divides the basin into
two parts. The northwestern part comprises the intensely folded Archean formations
while the south-eastern part is composed of horizontally reposing Vindhyan system.
The Vindhyans of the southern part are covered by the Deccan Trap.
The lower Chambal Valley forms the extreme northeastern portion of the Chambal
basin. So, the valley more or less falls to the southeast of the great boundary fault.
Therefore, the region under study mainly comprises the Vindhyan Super Group and
unconsolidated sediments overlying the Vindhyans. The Gwalior fonnations occur
only in a narrow and elongated belt from Khenia to Sapotra along the Boundary fault
in the northwest.
3.3.1 The Gwalior Group
The Gwalior group of the valley is characterized by genesis, schists, shales, haematite
slates, quartzites, jasper, beds and dolerites. It occupies most of the area in the
northwest along the main fault.
3.3.2 The Vindhyan Super Group
The Vindhyans form the border hills of Bundi district north of the Chambal river, the
surface of the Dangland north-east of Banas water gap, the Kota plateau near the
Chambal canyon in the south-west and the circular dome of Ramgarh between the
Parbati and Kul rivers in the south-eastern portion of the Valley_ It is the only locality
where the Vindhyan strata shows any marked structural disturbances.
3.3.3 The Lower Vindhyans
The lower Vindhyan fonnations in the lower Chambal Valley are found between the
two main faults in the northeast. The lowest beds are exposed in the double syncline
42
Study Area
of the Vindhyans and extend to the Ranthambore hill. They rest uncomfortably over
the Gwalior quartzites.
3.3.4 The Upper Vindhyans
In the lower Chambal valley the Kaimur conglomerate is the interrupting rock
formation, which separates the upper Vindhyans from the lower by well-marked
unconformity. The upper Vindhyans are predominantly composed of stratified shales,
sandstones and limestones. They are found in disconnected areas, which are Kaimur
group, Rewa Group, Bhander Group etc.
3.3.5 Rocks and minerals
Igneous Rocks: Granite, Basalt and rhyolite are the types of igneuos rocks which are
found in upstream region of the Chambal Basin. It also covers southern part of
Gandhi Sagar.
Sedimentary rocks: Sandstone, shales and limestone are mainly found near Gandhi
Sagar, Rawatbhata Atomic Power Plant (RAPP), Kota and southeast region of the
Chambal Basin. Rajasthan is main center for export of sandstone to other parts of
country. Types of sedimentary rocks which dominate the region of three main
tributaries (Kalisindh, Parbati and Banas) of the Chambal River are alluvium, blown
sand and laterite.
Metamorphic rocks: Amphibolite, Epidiorite and unclassied crystal lines are
localized in the western parts of Rajasthan. Quartzite and schists which are the
metamorphic forms of sandstone lie comfortably on sedimentary rocks near Gandhi
Sagar (www.rajasthaninfoline.comlrinfolminerals.htm) (Figure 3.3).
Iron Ore: Iron ore deposits of economic interest are located in Zawar, Pali, Bhilwara,
Gwalior, Gandhi Sagar etc.
43
C Lead, Zinc and Silver
() A bestos
~ Garnate, Emrald
o Copper Scale • Limestone 0 t> Gypsum
+ Mangoese
20 40
1 em = 20 km
81.86 27.67
60
22.74 L-_--===-:~______====_____!'~:>........!:....=:=::::::::---------------------
73.68
Igneous (Granite, Basalts and Rhyollite) 1 Sedimentary (Alluvium, Blown sand and Laterite) :=====::::; ~=~
Sedimentary (Sandstone, Shale and Limestone) L-__ --l
~===~ "--__ ---'I Amphibolite, Epidiorite and Unclassified Crystalines
Metamorphic (Quartzite and Schists)
Figure 3.3 Geological map of rocks and minerals of the Chambal river basin
44
Study Area
Study Area
Lead, Zinc and Silver: Rajasthan produces 90% of the country's zinc. Famous zinc
mines are located at Dariba, Zawarmala (Zawar mines) and Rampura aghucha
(opencast) near Bhilwara. Lead and Silver are also found in some places of Bhilwara,
Udaipur, Rajasmand, Gwalior and Jhansi.
Asbestos: Rajashan produces 89% of the country's Asbestos and the region lies near
Pali, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Sirohi, Dungarpur etc.
Granite and Emrald: Region where Granite and Emrald are found is mainly located
in Rajasthan (Bhilwara and Tonk). Rajasthan is well known for exporting jewels like
diamond, emerald, granite etc.
Copper: 90% of country's copper is produced in Rajasthan. The largest copper
smelters in the country are based in the state. The Khetri area is especially rich in
copper ores. These were extracted, melted and then made into different kinds of
implements.
Limestone: Extensive deposits of limestone are known in the geological formations
of the Aravalli ranges in Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are the largest
producers of limestone in the country. Rich limestone deposits at Gotan in Rajasthan
are best available in the country for white cement. High-grade limestone and
chemical grade limestone deposits are also found in abundance. Several bands of
crystalline limestone varying in composition from high calcium to dolomite and
siliceous type are found in the vicinity of Sawai-Madhopur and Kota.
Gypsum: The total reserves of gypsum in the State are estimated at 1070 million
tones. The important localities are Bhadwasi (Nagaur), Kota and Tonk.
Manganese Ore: The manganiferous formations are associated with orthoquartzite
limestone and manganiferous cherts/quartzite. The important manganese deposits are
located between Ratlam, Banswara, Chittorgarh and Beawar.
3.4 SOIL TYPES
Soils of Chambal Valley are so diverse, so are the landforms that vary much over the
face of the Valley. On the soil map of India, the Chambal Valley falls within the
limits of two main soil groups, viz. the reddish grey and the yellowish brown alluvial
soil (Ultisols and Alfisols). These recent to post-tertiary river borne deposits of the
valley cover a large area and fonn a triangular riverine plain from Kota City to the
confluence with Yamuna. In the vast tract of the consolidated deposits, one finds the
45
Study Area
plains remarkably level for hundreds of kilometers and the only noticeable relief is
that of floodplain bluffs, belt of ravines and badlands. The alluvial deposits of the
valley are significant not merely because of their agricultural value but also due to
their geomorphic composition.
Surface soil of Chambal river basin is classified mainly into two main groups viz.
Alfisols, Ultisols, Vertisols and Inceptisols. Soil classes of Chambal command area
can be distinguished on the basis of the clay content, total soluble salts, pH and
calcium carbonates. According to USA soil taxonomy, the following are the four main
and sub soil types of the Chambal Valley (Figure 3.4).
Alfisols: Alfisols are formed in semiarid to humid areas, typically under a hardwood
forest cover. They have a clay and nutrient-enriched subsoil. "Alf" refers to
Aluminium (AI) and Iron (Fe). Because of their productivity and abundance, the
Alfisols represent one of the most important soil orders. They are more weathered
than inceptisols but less weathered than spodosols. Sub-groups of alfisols are
Rhodustalfs, Pellusterts (mixed red and black soils), Paleustalfs, Hapllaquents (older
alluvial soils) and Haplustalfs, Paleustalfs, Rhodustalfs (red sandy soils). These soil
types are spread over Chittaurgarh, Tonk, Bharatpur, Sawaimadhopur, Pratapgarh,
Bhind, Morena, Dholpur, Etawah and the region between Ganga and Yamuna.
Ultisols: Ultisols are defined as mineral soils which contain no calcareous material
anywhere within the soil and are also known as Acrisols. Typically Ultisols are red to
yellow in color and are quite acidic, often having a pH of less than 5. The red and
yellow colors result from the accumulation of iron oxide which is highly insoluble in
water. Major nutrients, such as calcium and potassium, are typically deficient in
Ultisols. Ultisols can have a variety of clay minerals, but in many cases the dominant
mineral is Kaolinite. Ultisols are found in Bhilwara.
46
22.74 73.68 Rhodus1alfs, Pellus1erts
(Mixed Red and Black Soils)
Ochraquults, Rhodustults., HaplustuJL~ ( Red and Yellow Soils)
Paleustalfs, Haplaquents ( Olde. AUuyial Soils)
Haplustalfs, Pale.L.talfs, Rhotustalfs ( Red Sand) Soils )
--
N
i Scale
.~
o 20 40 1 em; 20 km
Pellusterl •• Chromustert, ( Medium Black Suils)
Ustochrepts ( Shallow Bh ck Soils )
Pelluderts, Pellusterts, C lrnDusterLt; ( Deep Black Soil. )
60
Figure 3.4 Geological map of soil type of the Chambal river basin
47
81.86 27.67
Study Area
Study Area
Vertisol: Vertisol is the most abundant soil of Chambal region. Vertisol is a soil in
which there is a high content of expensive clay known as montmorillonite that forms
deep cracks in drier season. Alternate shrinking and swelling causes self.-mulching,
where the soil material consistently mixes itself. Chamba! command area is mainly
covered by medium black and deep black soils. It occurs along side of both the river
banks, Indore, Ratlam, Alot, Mandasor (Gandhi Sagar), Rawatbhata (RAPP), Kota,
Laban (Kalisindh), Pali (Parbati) and Rameshwar (Banas).
Inceptisols: They are formed quickly through alteration of parent material. They have
no accumulation of clays, Fe, Al or organic matter. They are confined to only some
regions of Bundi and Sawaimadhopur.
3.5 RAVINES
The ravine cuttings into the post-tertiary alluvium are the most common and the most
striking features of the lower Chambal Valley. The belt of ravines stretches from Kota
city to the confluence of the Chambal with Yamuna over a distance of about 482 Km.
The ravines extend along the banks and are broadly separated by the watershed of the
river on both sides. From Kota to Dholpur, the Bundi-Ranthambore line of hills and
beyond the ravines of Choti Parbati from the northern boundary of the Chambal
ravines. The southern boundary fluctuates with the tributaries like the Kali Sindh and
the Parbati. Further, the south-eastern boundary of the Chanlbal ravines is well
marked by the ravines of Kunwari River. Taking the average width of the ravine belt
as about 10 Km, the total area dissected is thus about 4820Km2•
3.6 CLIMATE
The climate of the valley is a vital physical factor, which decides the nature, and the
extent of the weathering and erosion processes and has profound influence on the
agricultural conditions. In general, the valley is a part of the sub-humid regions of
India where the great extremes of temperature and rainfall predominate.
48
Study Area
3.6.1 Rainfall
The mean annual rainfall over the Chambal Basin was computed as 797 mm, of which
about 93 % falls during the three Monsoon months (July-September). This rainfall is
generally associated with the depressions from RClY of Bengal. Only 5% of the rainiall
occurs during the cold season in the valley. Although the annual rainfall is not heavy,
the intensity on the occasion has been observed too large (Figure 3.5).
3.6.2 Temperature
One of the chief characteristics of climate of the Chambal, as other semi-arid climatic
regions is the great extreme of the temperature. The winter is quite cold at many
places. On the contrary, the heat during the swnmer season is very intensive,
scorching and unbearable. The period from October to February constitutes the cold
season. January is the coldest month of th~ ye:lf. At KUla, lhe daiiy mean maximum
and minimum temperatures are 25.02°C and lO.61 oC respectively, the mean being
17.81 oC.
From February to April, the daily mean maximum and minimum temperatures rise at
the rate of about 2.5°C to 3.0°C during the successive months. lbe highest
temperature is recorded in May when hot season is at its climax. In this month, the
daily mean maximum and minimum temperatures at Kota are 41.5°C and 29.08°C
respectively, the mean being 35.29°C. lbe weather cools down with the onset of
monsoon and brings relief after prolonged heat of the summer sea'mn.
3.6.3 Winds
Winds in Chambal command area are seasonal and undergo changes in speed and
direction. The rain bearing winds blow from the southwest from the Arabian sea upto
the middle of July and then blow alternately upto the middle of the August from the
Southwest and East and thereafter towards the east from the bay of Bengal. The area
therefore gets the tailing of the rains brought down by southwest wind currents.
49
N
i Scale
o 20 40 1 em =20 km
22.74 ___ _
73.68
Figure 3.5 Map of rainfall pattern of the Chambal region
50
81.86 27.S7
60
Study Area
Study Area
3.6.4 Humidity
The Chambal basin is arid to semi-arid region. Relative humidity drops about 20%
during March, April and May. luly-August are the most humid period averaging 70%
to 80% humidity.
3.7 LAND USE
Land use is the surface utilization of all developed and vacant lands at a specific
point, at a given specific space. It deals with the spatial aspects of all human activities
on the land and with the way in which the land surface is adapted, or could be
adapted, to serve human needs.
3.7.1 Forested Area
The general land use pattern ofthe Chambal valley brings out clearly two major forest
belts. Firstly, the northwestern belt comprising the Bundi-Ranthambore-Kakrauli line
of hills. This belt extends from southwest to northeast. Secondly, the southwestern
belt consisting of the stony upland of kota and the Mukandwara hills. It extends from
northwest to the southeast direction. Small patches of forests are found in the ravine
lands of the valley particularly around Sheopur, Vijaypur and Baran.
3.7.2 Area Not Available for Cultivation
The high percentage of total area lying, as uncultivable waste is a significant aspect of
existing land use situation of the Chambal valley. In this category two types of lands
are included: land put to non-agricultural uses and barren or uncultivable waste. The
land use map shows that this type of land is well distributed in the valley. Maximum
concentration is evidently found in the hilly sections and ravine infested areas. In
these sections, stony natures of land, bold relief and continuous erosion by streams
have collectively rendered greater proportion ofland under this category.
3.7,3 Other Uncultivated Land
The scrutiny of the land use statistics would clearly reveal that the Chambal Valley
also has a fairly high percentage of other uncultivated lands. This class includes
permanent pastures and other grazing lands and the land of those trees and crops,
which are not included in the net sown area.
51
Study Area
3.7.4 Fallow Land
This includes lands, which were taken up for cultivation but are temporarily out of
cultivation for the period of not less than one year and not more than 5 years. The
reasons for keeping such lands fallow in the valley are poverty of farmers, inadequate
supply of water particularly in the hilly and ravine lands and non-profitable nature of
farming.
3.7.5 Net Sown Area
The general land use pattern of the valley indicates that the net sown area is
concentrated in the southwest part. From the southwest it extends in northeast and
northwest directions in descending order. The descending trend of net sown area may
be explained by the occurrence of poor soil, low moisture contents in the soil,
dissected and undulating hilly and ravine topography.
3.8 CHAMBAL VALLEY PROJECTS
Chambal being a small but important river of the three states viz. Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh contributes to the agricultural and industrial needs of the
states. Several dams and barrages have been constructed on the river for storage of
water (www.rajirrigation.gov.in).
3.8.1 Gandhi Sagar Dam
This is the first of the four Chambal Valley Projects, located on the Rajasthan
Madhya Pradesh border. It is a 64 m high masonry gravity dam with a live storage
capacity of6,920 Mm3 and a catchment area of22,584 Km2, of which only 1,537 Km2
are in Rajasthan. The dam was completed in the year 1960. The hydropower station is
located at the dam site and comprises five generating units, four of 23 MW each and
one 27 MW capacity. The water released after power generation is utilised for
irrigation through Kota Barrage. Rajasthan has a 50% share in the power generation
of this station.
3.8.2 Rana Pratap Sagar Dam
Rana Pratap Sagar dam is the second in the series of Chambal Valley Projects,
located 52 Km downstream of Gandhi Sagar darn across the river Chambal in
Rajasthan. This dam was completed in the year 1970.
52
Study Area
It is a straight masonry gravity structure, 54 meters high. The powerhouse is located
on the left side of the spillway and consists of 4 units of 43 MW each with firm power
generation of 90 MW at 60% load factor. The total catchment area of this dam is
24,864 Knl, of which only 956 Km2 are in Rajasthan. The free catchment area below
Gandhi Sagar dam is 2,280 Km2• The live storage capacity is 1,566 Mm3.Rajasthan
State has a 50% share in the power generation of this station.
3.8.3 Jawahar Sagar Dam
lawahar Sagar dam is the third dam in the series of Chambal Valley Projects, located
29Km upstream of Kota city and 26 Km downstream of Rana Pratap Sagar dam,
across the river Chambal. It is a concrete gravity dam, 45 m high and 393 m long,
generating 60MW of power with an installed capacity of 3 units of 33 MW. The work
was completed in 1972. The total catchment area of the dam is 27,195 Km2, of which
only 1,496 Km2 is in Rajasthan. The free catchment area below Rana Pratap Sagar
dam is 2,331 Km2• Rajasthan has a 50% share in the power generation of this station.
3.8.4 Kota Barrage
Kota Barrage is the fourth in the series of Charnbal Valley Projects, located about 0.8
Km upstream of Kota City in Rajasthan. Water released after power generation at
Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar and lawahar Sagar Dams is diverted by Kota
Barrage for irrigation in Rajasthan and in Madhya Pradesh through canals on the left
and the right sides of the river. The work on this dam was completed in 1960.
The total catchment area of Kota Barrage is 27,332 Km2, of which the free catchment
area below lawahar Sagar Dam is just 137 Km2• The live storage is 99 Mm3. It is an
earthfill dam with a concrete spillway. The right and left main canals have a
headworks discharge capacity of 188 and 42m3/sec, respectively. The total length of
the main canals, branches and distribution system is about 2,342 Km, serving an area
of 229 Kha of CCA. 50% of the water intercepted at Kota Barrage has been agreed to
be diverted to MP for irrigation.
53
Study Area
Nagda, one of the sampling location on river Chambal needs to be addressed
separately because of Gwalior Rayon Silk Mills (GRASIM), Asia's biggest rayon
manufacturing unit. Factory was established way back in 1954 at Nagda, district
Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh). Artificial fibre is manufactured through a process called
viscose. During the process lot of toxic chemicals are produced which drain into the
river Chambal without any treatment. (Padmanabhan, 1983). People staying near the
bank still use this water for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Some Scientists have analysed physico-chemical parameters of river Chambal at
Nagda, which is being compared with water quality parameters set by IS: 10500:1991
and the present study.
Table 3.1: Drinking Water Characteristics (IS:10500:1991) (BIS, 1991)
Physico- Physico-
Desirable Permissible Chemical Chemical S.No Parameters Parameters Parameters of
limit (mgll) limit (mgll) ofChambal Chambal (1979) # (2003-2004)*
pH 6.5 - 8.5 No relaxation 6.5 7.14
2 Iron(Fe) 0.3 1.0 0.16
3 Chloride(CI) 250 1000 442 331
4 Fluoride(F) 1.0 1.5 0.76
5 Calcium(Ca) 75 200 125
6 Magnesium(Mg) 30 100 50 45
7 Copper (Cu) 0.05 1.5 0.03
8 Mangnese(Mn) 0.1 0.3 0.47
9 Sulphate(S04) 200 400 900 49
10 Nitrate(N03) 45 100 2.72
11 Cadmiun(Cd) 0.01 No relaxation 0.03
12 Zinc(Zn) 5.0 15 9.66 0.05
13 Alkalanity 200 600 411
14 Dissolve solid 500 2000 3435 1361
*Present Study
#Dad, (1981)
54