SRINAGAR: Nearly 88 per cent of groundwater samples collected across six major watersheds of Kashmir were found to be in the “excellent” or “very good” category for drinking, according to a new scientific assessment. However, the study has also identified localised deterioration in urbanised and agricultural areas, linking the decline in groundwater quality to human pressures such as wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff and expanding built-up areas.
The study, titled “Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater quality of Kashmir Himalaya using GIS,” was published in Total Environment Advances. The research was carried out by Rameez A Shah, (Department of Environmental Sciences and Disaster Management, Government Degree College Qazigund); Aurooj Shafi, (Department of Planning and Geomatics, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir); SMA Andrabi, (Department of Applied Sciences, Institute of Technology Zakura Campus, University of Kashmir); and Sami Ullah Bhat, (Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kashmir), who is the corresponding author.
Six Watersheds
The researchers assessed groundwater quality across six major watersheds-Dal, Garzan, Anchar, Romshi, Rembiara and Arpal, covering parts of Srinagar and Pulwama districts. The study area spans approximately 2,250 square kilometres and includes substantial variations in elevation and landscape characteristics.
The researchers collected and analysed 232 groundwater samples from dug wells, tube wells and springs. Standard physicochemical parameters were analysed following APHA procedures, while GIS-based spatial analysis, Water Quality Index (WQI), hydrogeochemical diagrams and land-use/land-cover assessment were used to examine groundwater conditions.
Quality Findings
The WQI assessment showed that 120 samples, or 51.7 per cent, were classified as excellent, while another 85 samples, or 36.6 per cent, were classified as very good.
A further 20 samples were classified as poor, two as very poor and five as unsuitable. Overall, 87.9 per cent of the samples fell within the excellent-to-very-good categories, indicating generally favourable groundwater quality across the study region.
Despite the generally favourable picture, the researchers identified groundwater-quality deterioration at several locations, particularly in more urbanized areas.
The study specifically identified Bemina, Buchpora, Shivpora, Pandach and Naikbag among areas where unsuitable groundwater-quality conditions were observed. These locations showed relatively elevated levels of parameters including electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, magnesium, sulphate and phosphorus.
The hydrogeochemical analysis found that groundwater chemistry across the study area is predominantly represented by the Ca–Mg–HCO₃ facies.
According to the researchers, carbonate weathering and rock-water interaction are the dominant natural processes controlling groundwater chemistry. Gibbs diagram analysis also indicated that rock dominance is the principal mechanism influencing groundwater evolution.
Human Pressure
The study, however, found evidence that human activities are influencing groundwater chemistry at localized scales.
The researchers linked elevated concentrations of certain dissolved ions and nutrients to agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge and urban expansion. Statistical relationships involving sodium and chloride also suggested possible contributions from domestic wastewater and urban runoff in some areas.
Land Changes
The researchers also examined land-use and land-cover patterns to understand how changes in the landscape correspond with groundwater quality.
Cropland accounted for about 24.20 per cent of the study area, while forests covered approximately 19.13 per cent. Built-up areas accounted for around 8.69 per cent.
The analysis found that agricultural areas, particularly parts of the Arpal and Rembiara watersheds, showed elevated nitrate and phosphorus concentrations, which the researchers associated with fertilizer application and nutrient leaching.
Urban Impact
Built-up areas also recorded comparatively poorer groundwater conditions. The researchers associated higher ionic concentrations in these areas with wastewater inputs, urban runoff and improper waste disposal.
In contrast, forested and less-disturbed areas generally showed better hydro-chemical conditions, which the study attributes to reduced anthropogenic pressure and natural filtration processes.
Monitoring Needed
The researchers said the findings demonstrate the value of combining hydrogeochemical analysis, GIS-based spatial assessment, WQI modelling and land-use/land-cover analysis to identify areas vulnerable to groundwater-quality deterioration.
They called for targeted groundwater monitoring and region-specific management, particularly in urbanized and agricultural hotspots where anthropogenic pressures are more pronounced.
Study Limits
The researchers noted that the study was based on samples collected during a single hydrological period, meaning seasonal variations in groundwater quality could not be fully assessed.
They also recommended future investigations incorporating emerging contaminants such as micro- and nano plastics, pharmaceuticals, personal-care products and pesticide or herbicide metabolites, along with advanced statistical and geospatial modelling.
