27-Evaluation of water quality of religious tanks: A case study of Ghodawadi tank

Abstract

Wetlands are regarded as direct or indirect life supporting systems for millions of living beings. Human civilizations have started on the bank of major rivers. Based on the need, many lakes and tanks have been made by rulers at different points of time to fullfill cultural heritage. But due to increased population and anthropogenic pressures, the conditions of most of the religious tanks have already deteriorated and will dilapidate further. In the present study, an attempt has been made to study different parameters of anthropogenic pressure and blind faith of people related with religious tank of Ghodawadi (presently village is called Ghodawadi Sharif) in Bidar district of Karnataka State. Ghodawadi tank is situated at 25 km distance in North West of Humnabad Taluka head quarter and at 22 km in South West of Bhalki in the western part of Bidar district. The tank was built by Nizam to fullfill water demand for various religious activities of pilgrims visiting the 538 years old Dargah of famous Sufi Sant "Ismail Shah Quadri". The Ghodawadi tank is spread in large area of about 200 acres just nearby Dargah. About 5000 pilgrims are visiting everyday and specially on each Thursday more than 20000 pilgrims visit for various religious rituals. Water quality of tank has been affected badly and deteriorated to unimaginable conditions. Survey for water quality of this tank has been made during January 2007 to December 2007. The sources of main pollutants are bathing of pilgrims and goats, dumping of pooja waste, washing of utensils and clothes, bathing of cattles, washing of vehicles and mainly by remains of sacrificed goats washed and dumped in large quantity. Now dilapidated conditions of water quality are directly affecting the pilgrims visiting this area and village inhabitants. The physiochemical characteristics of water show the presence of mud, phosphates (PO4), Nitrates (NO3), Chlorides and Sulphates etc. The biological analysis shows presence of large number of pathogens and bacterial population. Inspite of this, pilgrims are using this water for drinking, preparation of food and for various religious rituals & customs. The blind faith persists among people that

if they don't use this water, god will become angry. Under prevailing circumstances there is urgent need of protection and conservation of this tank by the Govt. and private agencies for protection of pilgrims' health and hygienic conditions. Public awareness is also necessary to protect the general public and villagers from various water borne infectious deceases and hence authors are of firm opinion to have timely study for evaluation of water quality of various religious tanks in the country leading to various social, cultural and health welfare measures.