ICEH Papers

CHANGING STATUS OF URBAN WATER BODIES AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH CONCERNS IN PUNE, INDIA


Patwardhan, A., Sahasrabuddhe,K., Mahabaleshwarkar,M., Joshi,J., Kanade, R, Goturkar,S., and Oswal, P. “Changing Status Of Urban Water Bodies And Associated Health Concerns In Pune, India” in Martin J. Bunch, V. Madha Suresh and T. Vasantha Kumaran, eds., Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Environment and Health, Chennai, India, 15-17 December, 2003. Chennai: Department of Geography, University of Madras and Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University. Pages 339 – 345.

Abstract:

Increasing urbanization coupled with industrialization during the past few decades are depleting water ecosystem goods and services irreparably in Pune City, Western India, as indicated by high LPI (Living Planet Index). The present paper assesses the impact of urbanization on the water quality of the rivers Mula, Mutha and Pashan Lake, with a focus on ongoing changes in biotic communities. Habitats and habitat characteristics such as physico-chemical parameters were linked to the occurrence of different species such as mosquitoes. The paper also discusses the ‘environmental cost’ of nuisance species such as Eichhornia and comments on allied health related aspects. A randomized survey was conducted by interviewing medical practitioners for assessing water borne and vector-borne human disease risks. ‘Target species’ were identified for easy monitoring and management point of view.

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