Assessing the Role of Urbanization and Government Interventions on the Water Quality of Shahpura Lake, Bhopal, India

Abstract

Urbanization comprises planned infrastructure development to cater to the growing population and economic activities by ensuring efficient and sustainable spatial land use, creating a liveable environment. A well-planned urban development improves infrastructure, healthcare, education, economic activities, and the urban environment; fast or unplanned development may lead to unfavourable changes such as environmental pollution, traffic congestion, insufficient or excess housing, and informal encroachments of natural habitats. Urban developmental activities need greater use of natural resources like water and land. This may strain the limited resources. Key objective was to understand the impact of different aspects of urbanization and actions taken by the local governing bodies under various national schemes and policies on the water quality of an urban lake. Published literature on physicochemical and biological parameters of Shahpura Lake water and water quality index were comprehended to identify the longitudinal water quality. Developmental activities in Bhopal, India are still in a nascent phase. In 2016, 'City of Lakes' Bhopal was included in the 'Smart Cities Mission'. Hence, an attempt has been made to understand how urban development has impacted this Lake situated within the city. The Shahpura Lake, a rain-fed lake, continuously receive sewage. Also, the recently increased urban developmental activities have put tremendous pressure on its water quality. It was observed that the local urban bodies’ have continuously made efforts to improve the quality of lake water. Marginal improvements are seen in the lake water quality in recent years, but due to the continuous inflow of sewage, the lake remains moderately to heavily polluted. The lake restoration efforts should also focus on the nutrient enrichment. The study points out that planning and management strategies specific to the lake and combined efforts by all the stakeholders are needed.