58-Pollution Status of Futala and Gandhisagar Lake - Nagpur

Abstract

Vidharbha region in Maharashtra is known as the region of Lakes. There are many different lakes in Nagpur district. These lakes serve for multiple uses for the population of Nagpur. The lakes are mainly used for fish culture, irrigation, drinking purposes and various domestic uses. Today's status of Futala Lake and Gandhisagar Lake presents a standing example of man's disregard towards nature. The lake was constructed at time when Nagpur was being expanded by Raje Raghuji Bhonsle. Gandhisagar Lake is known as Shukrawari Lake. It is smallest and old lake covering an area at 19.15 ha and about 7 m deep. The surrounding area of the lake is density populated and commercial vegetable market is located nearby this lake. Lakes play an important role in the ecology arid environmental aspects of the region. These lakes satisfy the various needs of surrounding population and support irrigation, fishery, recreation, swimming, washing and other activities. Considering the activities around the lakes, these lakes are monitored for their physico-chemicals characteristics (Pre and post monsoon).

It was observed that these lakes are detoriating day by day with respect to organic load, heavy metals and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphates. The lake water has turned to greenish due to the formation of large quantity of algal growth followed by algal blooms. At some places in the lake, algal blooms are observed on the surface of water, restricting the photosynthetic activity and creating nuisance conditions inside the water body and distributing the aquatic flora and fauna.