A Case Study for Assessing the Impact of Effluents in Kali Nadi on Local Socio-Economic Conditions and Livelihoods in the Surrounding Areas

Abstract

Rivers play a crucial role in sustaining ecological balance and supporting the socio-economic livelihood of surrounding communities. However, increasing industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have severely degraded river ecosystems across India. Kali Nadi, a tributary of the Hindon River in Uttar Pradesh, has become one of the most polluted rivers due to the continuous discharge of untreated industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and municipal sewage. The present study investigates the environmental and socio-economic impacts of effluent discharge into Kali Nadi and evaluates its effects on the livelihoods of local communities residing along the riverbanks. The research adopted a case study approach involving field observations, structured questionnaires, and secondary data analysis. Water quality parameters such as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and pH were examined to understand the pollution status of the river. The study also assessed agricultural productivity, public health conditions, employment patterns, and economic dependency on river resources. The findings reveal that heavy industrial effluents from paper mills, sugar industries, slaughterhouses, and domestic sewage significantly deteriorate water quality. In certain stretches of the river, BOD values have been reported as high as 90 mg/L and COD levels around 420 mg/L, indicating severe organic pollution. The polluted water has reduced agricultural productivity, damaged soil quality, and caused health problems such as skin diseases and respiratory illnesses among villagers. In some villages, migration has increased due to declining agricultural income and water scarcity. The study concludes that the degradation of Kali Nadi is not merely an environmental issue but also a serious socio-economic challenge affecting rural livelihoods. Effective implementation of wastewater treatment systems, strict industrial regulation, and community participation are essential for restoring the ecological health of the river and safeguarding the livelihoods of local populations