Impact of Land Use on Water Quality Dynamics: Seasonal and Longitudinal Variations in the Rispana and Bindal Rivers of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Land use and land cover patterns along rivers Rispana and Bindal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, have changed significantly due to rapid urbanization. These changes, along with human intervention, have deteriorated the water quality of these rivers. Untreated domestic sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and open dumping lead to an increase in levels of nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants. Seasonal and longitudinal factors, including summer evaporation, monsoon runoff, and irregular terrains vary the levels of pollution, especially in low-lying areas. Study also highlights the link between natural geological influences and human-induced stress. High total dissolved solids, lower dissolved oxygen, and higher levels of biological and chemical oxygen demands are some consequences of pollution making low-lying areas unfit for aquatic life. This study emphasizes the need for integrated management techniques including stricter land-use control, better solid and wastewater systems, and rehabilitation of the riverbed and sustainable urban development. Nature-based solutions such as bioremediation and artificial wetlands have also been suggested to reduce urban runoff impacts. By providing insights into finding a balance between urban expansion and the preservation of delicate aquatic ecosystems for future sustainability, this study acts as a model for handling identical issues in rapidly urbanizing regions. . KEYWORDS :Land use land cover, River water quality, Water pollution, Water quality parameters