Content uploaded by Arundhatee Mishra
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Arundhatee Mishra on Apr 26, 2024
Content may be subject to copyright.
Indian Journal of Natural Sciences www.tnsroindia.org.in ©IJONS
Vol.14 / Issue 82 / Feb / 2024 International Bimonthly (Print) – Open Access ISSN: 0976 – 0997
67841
Pivotal Vulnerability Facets Influencing Static Water Bodies: The Case
of Peri-Urban Areas of India
Arundhatee Mishra1*, Joydeep Dutta2 and Indrani Chakraborty3
1Research Scholar, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
2Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
3Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow,
Uttar Pradesh, India.
Received: 12 Oct 2023 Revised: 25 Dec 2023 Accepted: 22 Jan 2024
*Address for Correspondence
Arundhatee Mishra
Research Scholar,
Faculty of Architecture and Planning,
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: mishraaru15@gmail.com
This is an Open Access Journal / article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the
original work is properly cited. All rights reserved.
Natural reservoirs, usually referred to as static water bodies, are a vital component in continental regions,
offering many purposes as a home for aquatic life, a supply of fresh water, and a collection tank for
precipitation. They play a crucial role in sustaining the ecological system and are beneficial for climate
adaption in landlocked locations. However, unsustainable human interventions are having a severe
impact on these static water bodies due to the escalating urbanization, particularly the urban expansion
in peri-urban regions. This research seeks to identify the primary contributors to the growing
vulnerability of static water bodies. The technique comprises a comprehensive and methodical
examination of relevant literature, such as research articles, that analyses the urbanization scenarios of
India's peri-urban areas and the features required to assess the quality and vulnerability of static water
bodies. These static water bodies, in the shape of lakes and ponds, tend to be depleted by abrupt changes
in Land use, the metalling of open surfaces, the disposal of solid waste, and an excessive rate of
evaporation. These static water bodies in fragile peri-urban settings might be saved with comprehensive
planning incorporating the right tactics and actions of local people and expert planners.
Keywords: Water Quality of lakes, Water quality Index, Static Water Bodies assessment, Vulnerability
Assessment of Surface Water Body, Water Resource Management, Water quality in peri-urban areas,
Critical threats to surface water bodies.
ABSTRACT
RESEARCH ARTICLE
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Indian Journal of Natural Sciences www.tnsroindia.org.in ©IJONS
Vol.14 / Issue 82 / Feb / 2024 International Bimonthly (Print) – Open Access ISSN: 0976 – 0997
67842
INTRODUCTION
Ponds, lakes, and reservoirs play a crucial role in the ecological and socioeconomic fabric of India's peri-urban areas.
However, these water bodies are increasingly susceptible to a variety of threats that endanger their viability and the
welfare of neighbouring communities. This in-depth study focuses on the key vulnerable factors that influence static
water bodies in India's peri-urban areas, shedding light on the particular challenges encountered and examining
potential mitigation strategies [1]. The primary purpose of the study was to examine the threat posed to static water
bodies by urbanizations, the leading cause of their depletion and pollution [2]. The Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG) 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation for all - and SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities - stand out in terms of
their relevance to urbanization and water security as Eco-sensitive and environmental protection threat objectives.
As of the 1901 census, 11.4% of India's population resided in urban areas. This proportion increased to 28.53 percent
by the 2001 census and is currently 34 percent, according to The World Bank. The United Nations projects that by the
year 2030, 40.76% of India's population will reside in urban areas [3]. The United Nations predicts that by 2050, 68%
of the world's population will reside in urban areas. Due to urban sprawl, pollution, and environmental degradation,
unplanned or inadequately managed urban expansion, coupled with unsustainable production and consumption
patterns and a lack of capacity among public institutions to manage urbanization, can compromise sustainability[4].
This urban expansion is primarily due to three factors: natural increase, rural-urban migration, and the expansion of
cities, which has led to the annexation and transformation of rural areas into urban settlements [5]. Rapid changes in
land use, biophysical environment degradation, social and economic differentiation, and increased pressure on
natural resources are some of the effects of urbanization on peri-urban areas[6]. Urbanization processes are
responsible for the shift from agricultural to urban, industrial, and recreational uses of water[7]. Other indicators of
peri-urban water insecurity include rural-urban water flows to quench urban thirst, the acquisition of common
property water resources to facilitate urban expansion, and the discharge of urban waste into rural water bodies[8].
Due to rapid urbanization and expanding human activity, peri-urban ecosystems are more vulnerable to degrading
and becoming extinct [9]. Natural resources such as agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, forestry, and fishing
are essential to the subsistence of the peri-urban poor in developing countries, according to a United Nations
study[10]. Increasing water transfer from peri-urban to inner-city areas has decreased the availability of domestic
and agricultural water in peri-urban areas[11]. The unequal distribution of natural resources has increased the
burden on the poor and marginalized, who depend heavily on these resources for subsistence[12]. The entire
equation of inner-city water demand and supply has increased pressure and competition for peri-urban water
resources[13]. There are numerous interpretations of the term "vulnerability" among researchers.
In the context of water resources, vulnerability is defined as "the characteristics of water resources system
weaknesses and flaws that make it challenging for the system to function in the face of socioeconomic and
environmental change[14].The volume of water in a lake or pond remains constant throughout the year. Historically,
these bodies of water were maintained by local communities[15]. Transferring maintenance responsibilities from the
local community to government agencies increased the risk of encroachment and mistreatment[16]. Urban and peri-
urban regions are experiencing a rise in encroachment. The increase in urban population necessitates the need for
more land for housing and other infrastructure[17]. Last but not least, the limited and expensive land resources
strain the water bodies[18]. Even for government agencies, water bodies are a convenient source of additional land
for development. Existing urban and peri-urban water bodies must be preserved and rehabilitated in this
scenario[19] . In South Asia, peri-urban water security concerns have received increased attention in recent years[20].
The PUI (Peri-Urban Interface) is a "attention-seeking" space, according to[21]. It is a site of both development and
the problems that accompany it[22]. Recent trends indicate that while economic growth has stalled in metropolitan
areas, manufacturing and service industries have shifted to PUIs[23]. Economic activity and employment relocation
to the periphery[24]. Lakes have historically provided drinking water, water for household uses such as washing,
water for agriculture, fishing, and water for religious and cultural purposes[25]. Lakes are also known to recharge
groundwater, channel water flow to prevent water logging and flooding, and store water for future use. Lakes are
Arundhatee Mishra
et al.,
Indian Journal of Natural Sciences www.tnsroindia.org.in ©IJONS
Vol.14 / Issue 82 / Feb / 2024 International Bimonthly (Print) – Open Access ISSN: 0976 – 0997
67843
home to an abundance of plant and animal species[26]. The capital of Uttar Pradesh has lost 46% of its water bodies
as a result of rapid urbanization altering its skyline. In addition, the majority are polluted with garbage and sewage
[27]. The state government and the Supreme Court have taken numerous measures to prevent land grabbing and
construction over water bodies, but the situation continues to spiral out of control[28]. The Lucknow Municipal
Corporation conducted a survey in 1952 that revealed the city had 964 ponds. In 2006, the number decreased to
494[29].
METHODS AND MATERIALS
METHODOLOGY
Several literatures based on Assessment of static water bodies globally for different types of water bodies for
different purposes has been selected and thoroughly reviewed. This literature is available on the web with keywords
like, ‘Water Quality of lakes’, ‘Water quality Index’, ‘Static Water Bodies assessment’, ‘Vulnerability Assessment of
Surface Water Body’, ‘Water Resource Management’, ‘Water resource area’, ‘Surface Water Catchment Areas’, ‘Water
quality in peri-urban areas’, ‘Critical threats to surface water bodies’, etc in the form of Research papers,
authenticated reports, and other forms such as books in order to comprehend the impact of urbanization, the nature
of per-urban areas of India, and the vulnerability of static water bodies[30]. In addition, efforts have been made to
identify the crucial factors that make these innocent static bodies susceptible to dangerous conditions, to the point
where their very existence is being called into question. Multiple papers and reports assessing the vulnerability of
static water bodies have been considered for this purpose. These aspects are then derived as parameters or factors
responsible for the precarious state of static water bodies.
Impact of Urbanization on Static Water Bodies in India's Urban Periphery
The urbanization of static water bodies in India's peri-urban areas has had significant and mostly negative
consequences not just on the natural environment, but also on the local inhabitants. Once-thriving wetlands, lakes,
and ponds are eroding and disappearing as a result of urbanization[31]. Numerous plant and animal species are
threatened by the delineation and preservation of catchment regions, feeder channels, and command areas of lakes,
ponds, etc., which are destroying essential ecosystems[32]. This loss of biodiversity has an adverse effect not just on
the delicate biological equilibrium, but also on the essential ecological services provided by these water bodies[33].
Urbanization also causes a decline in the quality of water in static bodies of water. Due to the discharge of untreated
sewage, effluents from industrial activities, and municipal trash, water bodies are becoming progressively
polluted[34]. The pollution in these bodies of water endangers not just the aquatic species that inhabits them, but also
the human populations who depend on them for drinking water and other purposes[35]. In addition to degrading
water quality, urbanization also generates hydrological changes in the regions immediately around cities[36].
The massive and rapid change in Land use of peri-urban zones caused by the construction of structures such as
buildings, roads, and pavements prevent the natural penetration of precipitation into the ground, hence increasing
surface runoff. Multiple small bodies of water in the city's peri-urban areas shrunk as a result of fast real estate
development[37]. This alteration to the hydrological cycle increases peak flows during rainfall events, resulting in
water loss through rapid runoff, excessive extraction of fresh water, and a decrease in the quantity of water returned
to the land[38]. The impacts of urbanization are not restricted to environmental issues alone; they also have an
impact on the means of subsistence of local communities[39]. Many peri-urban populations depend on static bodies
of water for their livelihoods, such as fishing, agriculture, and animal husbandry. These traditional means of
subsistence are threatened by urbanization and the deterioration of the water supplies on which they rely, which will
ultimately result in a loss of income and food security[40]. In addition, rural-urban migration exacerbates the issue,
and it is not uncommon for communities to be uprooted due to their dependence on these resources[41].Another
result of urbanization is the formation of urban heat islands[42]. In order to convert static bodies of water into urban
infrastructure, vegetation must be removed and heat-absorbing materials, such as asphalt and concrete, must be
installed[43]. Consequently, the average temperature in neighbouring cities and towns is higher than that of the
Arundhatee Mis
hra
et al.,
Indian Journal of Natural Sciences www.tnsroindia.org.in ©IJONS
Vol.14 / Issue 82 / Feb / 2024 International Bimonthly (Print) – Open Access ISSN: 0976 – 0997
67844
surrounding rural areas. The urban heat island effect has deteriorated since static water features no longer have the
same cooling impact as before[44]. A comprehensive and ecologically sound plan is required to counteract the
negative impacts of urbanization on static water bodies in India's peri-urban zones[45]. Due to the low participation
of urban planning and the residents' and authorities' understanding of static water sources, ignorance is fostered,
resulting in unfavourable outcomes[46]. This plan must combine environmentally responsible urban growth,
effective wastewater treatment, preservation of water bodies, and community participation[47]. Implementing
methods such as rainwater collection, wastewater treatment, ecological restoration, and green infrastructure building
can reduce the negative effects of urbanization on static water bodies and provide a more resilient and sustainable
future for peri-urban regions[48]. These methods may also assist in mitigating the negative impacts of urbanization
on flowing water bodies[49].
Assessment of Vulnerability in Static Water Bodies conducted by several authors
Several authors have assessed the vulnerability of static water bodies, highlighting the potential risks and difficulties
these water bodies face as a result of a variety of factors[50]. Several of the vulnerability assessments conducted
specifically in Indian scenarios are explained separately. Vulnerability Assessments performed by different authors
on Static Water Bodies is summarized to gain a deeper understanding of the aspects of static water bodies that are
vulnerable to transformation from their original form. "Assessment of Lakes of Vadodara City in terms of Water
Quality Indices and their comparison”. By analyzing land-use changes, encroachments, and pollution, this study
analysed the vulnerability of Bangalore, India's tiny water bodies. The authors created a vulnerability index and
determined the bodies of water with the highest vulnerability. Total nine variables are taken into consideration
including water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, permanganate index, etc. The study
highlighted the importance of including vulnerability assessments into urban planning procedures in order to
guarantee the sustainable management of these water bodies[49]. " The changing water quality of lakes—a case
study of Dal Lake, Kashmir Valley “. This report describes the recent changes in the water quality of Dal Lake. The
report analyses the solutions that, if executed effectively, can be used to manage the lake and restore its quality.
Essential parameters like Water quality(temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, permanganate
index, etc.), biological diversity(bacterial pollution indicator species), Encroachment of the lakes(Harvesting and de
weeding),Role played by the local community in lake management(Dredging of lake sediments, Public awareness
program), Role of government departments(Solid wastes, sewage, and their management, Shoreline development, )
have been taken into consideration[32]. " Water Quality Statue of Pushkar Lake After, During and Before the Pushkar
Fair ". This research is based on the lake's water quality. Due to home and agricultural output, the mixing of storm
and sewage water, and excessive congestion during the Pushkar fair, the Pushkar lake faces several challenges. In
this, several Water Physic-chemical Parameters for water quality like pH, Temp Turbidity, Magnesium, Total
Hardness, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Dissolved Oxygen., Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen
Demand, etc and, Existing terrestrial flora & fauna. have been taken into consideration[47]. "Water Quality
Assessment of Natural Lakes and its Importance: An Overview “.
This research provides an overview and critical analysis of the literature on all elements of water quality like
Physical, Chemical, Biological in order to provide an understanding of the many instruments and strategies utilized
for comprehensive monitoring and management of water quality[15]. “Assessment of Lake Water Quality by using
Trophic State Index Indicators Parameters like Physical, Chemical, Biological for Ecological Lake Restoration- a Case
Study of Bhimtal Lake, Kumoun Region, Uttarakhand, India”. This study was conducted to incentivize Lake Water
Quality in relation to the Eutrophication Status of Bhimtal Lakes and to develop a conservation plan for restoring
Bhimtal Lake Water Quality[23]. "Applying The Social-Ecological System Framework to the Diagnosis of Urban Lake
Commons in Bangalore, India": This study uses a social-ecological system (SES) paradigm to analyze why certain
places have been successful in negotiating governance shifts from community-based systems to state control
following urbanization, while other lakes have deteriorated. This followed the analysis of factors like Social,
Economic, and Political Settings, Related Ecosystems, Resource Systems, Resource Units, Actors, Governance
Systems, Interactions, Outcome criteria[43]. " Lake Vulnerability Assessment ": This study presented the LVRI (Lake
Arundhatee Mishra
et al.,
Indian Journal of Natural Sciences www.tnsroindia.org.in ©IJONS
Vol.14 / Issue 82 / Feb / 2024 International Bimonthly (Print) – Open Access ISSN: 0976 – 0997
67845
Vulnerability Resilience Indicator) based on the vulnerability assessment of climate change which includes Exposure,
Sensitivity, Adaptation Indicators for an environmental risk assessment in lakes suffering from water pollution from
an integrated perspective of lake watershed features[13]. " Water Bodies Protection Index for Assessing the
Sustainability Status of Lakes under the Influence of Urbanization: A Case Study of South Chennai, India,". This
work employs indicators, a potent decision-making tool, and proposes the Water Bodies Protection Index (WBPI),
which includes Water quality(Water quality variables—physical like pH, EC, TDS, DO, temperature, hardness,
chloride, alkalinity, nutrients like phosphate, nitrate and BOD), biological diversity (Plankton diversity), water
spread area(Original water spread area of lakes and the area encroached), role played by the local community in lake
management (Level of awareness and participation toward protection of lakes), and role of government
agencies(Available acts on lake protection, level of upkeep and preservation) are the five factors chosen for
formulating the Water Bodies Protection Index. A monitoring and ranking tool that may be used to prioritize
conservation efforts for peri urban water bodies[44].
" Strategic environmental assessment of Pushkar Lake, Ajmer (Rajasthan) with special reference to infiltration
problem ". This study focuses on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of Pushkar Lake which includes
parameters like Physic-chemical parameter, Existing terrestrial flora & fauna within The 10 kmradius of project
influenced area, Socioeconomic Characteristics of the affected area, paying special emphasis to the infiltration issue
that has a detrimental effect on its religious significance[40]. " Dip in a sacred lake: Divinity or Devastation Case
study of Pushkar lake during the Panch Teerth Maha Snaan": This report aims to offer information on the water
contamination produced by humans during the Panch Teerth Maha Snaan in the holy lake of Pushkar by assessing
physio-chemical properties[36]. " Studies On Physio-Chemical Characteristics of Dal Lake, Srinagar Kashmir ". The
purpose of this study was to assess the existing physicochemical features of Dal Lake in Srinagar District, Kashmir.
From January to December 2011, monthly variations in physio-chemical parameters such as water temperature,
clarity, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, Free Co2, Alkalinity, chlorides, Ammoniacal nitrogen, Nitrate nitrogen,
and Total phosphorus were examined[32]. " Assessment of Physio-Chemical Characteristics and Suggested
Restoration Measures for Pushkar Lake, Ajmer Rajasthan (India)". This report aims to offer information on the water
contamination produced by humans during the Panch Teerth Maha Snaan in the holy lake of Pushkar[47]. Similarly
various organizations have also done vulnerability assessments on static water bodies which can be summarized as
follows; School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi under the Namami Gange Mission, India has done ‘Urban
Wetland/Water Bodies Management Guidelines January 2021 Volume I A Toolkit for Local Stakeholders’, in 2021
which mainly includes the Assessment on Ecosystem Services in Urban Wetlands based on Factors like Assessment
of Impact of Urban Development Trends on Wetlands/Water bodies is done based which broadly includes
Indicators[3]. These studies and others like them provide valuable insights into the vulnerability of static water
bodies in peri-urban areas. This information helps to raise awareness and guides policymakers, researchers, and
stakeholders in the development of appropriate conservation, restoration, and sustainable management strategies.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In essence, eight Vulnerability Factors for Static Water Bodies have been identified that are essential for
comprehending the origins of susceptible situations in static water bodies. They are listed below:
Land Use and Population Density
1. Land use generates new water needs and claims, which gradually shift from agricultural to urban, industrial, and
recreational uses.
2. The increase in nutrient runoff is one of the most severe consequences of land use change on lakes.
3. High population density can raise the demand on freshwater resources, leading to their overexploitation and
depletion.
4. Aside from that, a rise in population density tends to lead to an increase in solid waste creation, which may result
in the partial dumping of solid waste near static water bodies and the subsequent polluting of these bodies.
Arundhatee Mishra
et al.,
Indian Journal of Natural Sciences www.tnsroindia.org.in ©IJONS
Vol.14 / Issue 82 / Feb / 2024 International Bimonthly (Print) – Open Access ISSN: 0976 – 0997
67846
Encroachment
1. In peri-urban locations, the lake margins have been encroached upon either by residents establishing new
villages or by "Real Estate" developers.
2. The drainage system that originally linked these lakes has been damaged, resulting in a decrease in the amount of
rainwater that flows into these bodies of water.
Community Use
Clothes washing, animal bathing or animal wading, fishing, dairy production, discharge of industrial waste, etc.
degrade water quality, destroy habitat, and endanger aquatic life.
Pollution
Pollution is a major issue in Peri-Urban zones where population growth has outpaced the expansion of municipal
infrastructure, such as waste disposal and management facilities. (S. Siddiqui, 2018).
Community Participation
It is extremely challenging to strike a balance between ecological concerns and social justice while fostering
collaboration among a wide number of stakeholders with drastically varying socioeconomic, cultural, and political
perspectives. (Mundoli et al., 2015).
Mining Activities
Illegal mining, particularly of clay soil for the production of bricks or sand on the catchment and bed of water bodies,
is another factor in the degradation of numerous water bodies.
Recreational /Tourism Activities:
Unregulated and unplanned recreational activities around water bodies have resulted in the persistent dumping of
trash into neighbouring water bodies and the erosion of shorelines. This has a detrimental influence on the lake and
its surroundings.
Institutional Role
1. Another difficulty with PUIs is the haziness of institutions' duties (Bentinck J., 2000)
2. In addition, the volume and scope of changes occurring at the local level in the PUI frequently exceed the
capacity of local administration (Thuo, 2013; Mattingly M., 1999)
CONCLUSIONS
Maintaining static water bodies is important. environmental and eco-system maintenance. India's peri-urban ecology
and economy depend on ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. Lakes have supplied water for drinking, washing, agriculture,
fishing, and religious and cultural purposes. Lakes replenish groundwater, prevent water logging and flooding, and
store water for future use. Lakes have many plant and animal species. These bodies of water are increasingly
vulnerable to a variety of threats that threaten their viability and neighbouring communities. Urban sprawl,
pollution, and environmental degradation can result from unplanned or poorly managed urban expansion,
unsustainable production and consumption patterns, and a lack of public sector capacity to manage urbanization.
Natural increase, rural-urban migration, and city growth have caused the annexation and urbanization of rural areas.
Urbanization in peri-urban areas causes rapid land use changes, biophysical environment degradation, social and
economic differentiation, and natural resource pressure. Urban and peri-urban encroachment is rising. Urbanization
requires more land for housing and infrastructure. Finally, expensive and scarce land resources strain water bodies.
Government agencies can easily develop water bodies. This scenario requires preserving and rehabilitating urban
and peri-urban water bodies. Urbanization of static water bodies in India's peri-urban areas has had major negative
impacts on the environment and local residents. Urbanization is eroding wetlands, lakes, and ponds. Delineating and
preserving catchment regions, feeder channels, and command areas of lakes, ponds, etc., which destroy vital
ecosystems, endanger many plant and animal species. The delicate biological balance and vital ecological services
provided by these water bodies are affected by this biodiversity loss. Urbanization degrades static water quality.
Sewage, industrial effluents, and municipal waste pollute waterways. These bodies of water are polluted,
endangering aquatic life and the people who drink their water. Urbanization alters local hydrology and water
Arundhatee Mishra
et al.,
Indian Journal of Natural Sciences www.tnsroindia.org.in ©IJONS
Vol.14 / Issue 82 / Feb / 2024 International Bimonthly (Print) – Open Access ISSN: 0976 – 0997
67847
quality. The rapid construction of buildings, roads, and pavements in peri-urban areas prevents precipitation from
percolating into the ground, increasing surface runoff. Numerous city's peri-urban small bodies of water shrank due
to rapid real estate development. In peri-urban areas, the crucial aspects that were derived from analysis provide
valuable insights into the vulnerability of static water bodies. This information contributes to the raising of
awareness and directs researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the process of developing appropriate
conservation, restoration, and sustainable management strategies. It is absolutely necessary to devise and put into
action comprehensive plans for the preservation and administration of static water bodies in the peri-urban areas of
India. The plans ought to put an emphasis on environmentally friendly urban planning, enhanced procedures for
waste management, stringent compliance with regulations, and active participation from the community. In
addition, it is essential to address the underlying causes, such as urbanisation and climate change, in order to ensure
the long-term health of static water bodies in peri-urban areas and their ability to persist for future generations and
thus actually try to achieve SDG goals, especially SDG-6 and SDG-11.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would want to use this time to offer my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported and helped complete
this research work. Throughout the entirety of the study process, I am most appreciative of my supervisor's
consistent leadership, insightful feedback, and ongoing support. Their insight and support have been important in
structuring our investigation. In addition, I would like to appreciate the efforts of my study participants, whose
collaboration and willingness to share their views were vital to achieving relevant results. I am grateful to my
colleagues and friends for their intriguing conversations, assistance, and support. Their contributions significantly
improved the quality of this work. Lastly, I like to convey my profound gratitude to my mentor Prof. (Dr.) Subhrajit
Banerjee and my family for their constant support, understanding, and love during this journey. Their confidence
and support have been a continual source of inspiration for me.
Statements and Declarations
Author Declarations
All authors have read, understood, and have complied as applicable with the statement on "Ethical responsibilities of
Authors" as found in the Instructions for Authors.
Author contributions
Conceptualization: [Arundhatee Mishra]; Methodology: [Arundhatee Mishra]; Formal analysis and investigation:
[Arundhatee Mishra]; Writing - original draft preparation: [Arundhatee Mishra]; Writing - review and editing:
[Arundhatee Mishra]; Supervision: [Dr. Joydeep Dutta], [Dr. Indrani Chakraborty].
Funding
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Financial or Non-financial interests
The Author(s) declare(s) that there is no financial or non-financial interests in this research.
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The Author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest.
Availability of data and material
Not Applicable.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
No individual’s data has been gathered in this research, Hence Not Applicable in this section.
REFERENCES
1. M. Al-Mohamed, A. Sotoodehnia, P. Daneshkar Arasteh, N. Al-Ansari, A. Azizian, and H. R. Etedali,
“Development of a Multi-Aspects Groundwater Vulnerability Index in the Transboundary Aquifer between
Arundhatee Mishra
et al.,
Indian Journal of Natural Sciences www.tnsroindia.org.in ©IJONS
Vol.14 / Issue 82 / Feb / 2024 International Bimonthly (Print) – Open Access ISSN: 0976 – 0997
67848
Syria, Iraq, and Turkey in light of the water conflict and climate change,” Irrigation Sciences and Engineering
(JISE), vol. 45, no. 2, pp. 1–18, 2022, doi: 10.22055/JISE.2022.40701.2027.
2. S. Wei, K. Lin, L. Huang, Z. Yao, X. Bai, and Z. Chen, “Assessing the Vulnerability of Water Resources System
Using VSD-SD Coupling Model: A Case of Pearl River Delta,” Water (Switzerland), vol. 14, no. 7, Apr. 2022, doi:
10.3390/w14071103.
3. D. Sharma and A. Kansal, “Water quality analysis of River Yamuna using water quality index in the national
capital territory, India (2000-2009),” Appl Water Sci, vol. 1, no. 3–4, pp. 147–157, 2011, doi: 10.1007/s13201-011-
0011-4.
4. A. Shrestha, D. Roth, and D. Joshi, “Flows of change: Dynamic water rights and water access in peri-urban
Kathmandu,” Ecology and Society, vol. 23, no. 2, Jun. 2018, doi: 10.5751/ES-10085-230242.
5. V. P. Pandey, M. S. Babel, S. Shrestha, and F. Kazama, “A framework to assess adaptive capacity of the water
resources system in Nepalese river basins,” Ecol Indic, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 480–488, 2011, doi:
10.1016/j.ecolind.2010.07.003.
6. Malin Falkenmark, “Population and Water Resources: A Delicate Balance,” 1992. [Online]. Available:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11109640
7. P. R. Kannel, S. Lee, Y. S. Lee, S. R. Kanel, and S. P. Khan, “Application of water quality indices and dissolved
oxygen as indicators for river water classification and urban impact assessment,” Environ Monit Assess, vol. 132,
no. 1–3, pp. 93–110, Sep. 2007, doi: 10.1007/s10661-006-9505-1.
8. O. Mititelu-Ionuş, “Watershed sustainability index development and application: Case study of the Motru river
in Romania,” Pol J Environ Stud, vol. 26, no. 5, pp. 2095–2105, 2017, doi: 10.15244/pjoes/69935.
9. G. Dunn and K. Bakker, “Fresh water-related indicators in Canada: An inventory and analysis,” Canadian Water
Resources Journal, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 135–148, Jun. 2011, doi: 10.4296/cwrj3602815.
10. A. H. M. J. Alobaidy, H. S. Abid, and B. K. Maulood, “Application of Water Quality Index for Assessment of
Dokan Lake Ecosystem, Kurdistan Region, Iraq,” J Water Resour Prot, vol. 02, no. 09, pp. 792–798, 2010, doi:
10.4236/jwarp.2010.29093.
11. B. Men and H. Liu, “Water resource system vulnerability assessment of the Heihe River Basin based on pressure-
state-response (PSR) model under the changing environment,” Water Sci Technol Water Supply, vol. 18, no. 6,
pp. 1956–1967, Dec. 2018, doi: 10.2166/ws.2018.017.
12. Z. Wu, X. Wang, Y. Chen, Y. Cai, and J. Deng, “Assessing river water quality using water quality index in Lake
Taihu Basin, China,” Science of the Total Environment, vol. 612, pp. 914–922, Jan. 2018, doi:
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.293.
13. D. Roth et al., “Climates of urbanization: local experiences of water security, conflict and cooperation in peri-
urban South-Asia,” Climate Policy, vol. 19, no. sup1, pp. S78–S93, 2019, doi: 10.1080/14693062.2018.1530967.
14. L. M. Thompson, M. D. Staudinger, and S. L. Carter, “Summarizing Components of U.S. Department of the
Interior Vulnerability Assessments to Focus Climate Adaptation Planning,” 2015, doi: 10.3133/ofr20151110.
15. P. Vasistha and R. Ganguly, “Water quality assessment of natural lakes and its importance: An overview,” in
Materials Today: Proceedings, Elsevier Ltd, Jan. 2020, pp. 544–552. doi: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.02.092.
16. L. Alessa et al., “The arctic water resource vulnerability index: An integrated assessment tool for community
resilience and vulnerability with respect to freshwater,” Environ Manage, vol. 42, no. 3, pp. 523–541, Sep. 2008,
doi: 10.1007/s00267-008-9152-0.
17. Holden Sarah, “National Lakes Assessment Survey - Michigan Lakes,” EGLE, 2012.
18. M. Ben-Daoud et al., “Integrated water resources management: An indicator framework for water management
system assessment in the R’Dom Sub-basin, Morocco,” Environmental Challenges, vol. 3, Apr. 2021, doi:
10.1016/j.envc.2021.100062.
19. A. Anandhi and N. Kannan, “Vulnerability assessment of water resources – Translating a theoretical concept to
an operational framework using systems thinking approach in a changing climate: Case study in Ogallala
Aquifer,” J Hydrol (Amst), vol. 557, pp. 460–474, Feb. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2017.11.032.
20. P. Tian et al., “Evaluation of urban water ecological civilization: A case study of three urban agglomerations in
the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China,” Ecol Indic, vol. 123, Apr. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107351.
Arundhatee Mishra
et al.,
Indian Journal of Natural Sciences www.tnsroindia.org.in ©IJONS
Vol.14 / Issue 82 / Feb / 2024 International Bimonthly (Print) – Open Access ISSN: 0976 – 0997
67849
21. V. P. Pandey, M. S. Babel, S. Shrestha, and F. Kazama, “A framework to assess adaptive capacity of the water
resources system in Nepalese river basins,” Ecol Indic, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 480–488, 2011, doi:
10.1016/j.ecolind.2010.07.003.
22. N. Stenekes, R. Kancans, L. Randall, K. Lawson, I. Reeve, and R. Stayner, “Revised indicators of community
vulnerability and adaptive capacity across the Murray-Darling Basin A focus on irrigation in agriculture Report
to client prepared for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority,” 2012.
23. N. Gopal, “Assessment of Lake Water Quality by using Trophic State Index Indicators Parameters for Ecological
Lake Restoration-a Case Study of Bhimtal Lake, Kumoun Region, Uttrakhand, India,” 2020, doi:
10.11208/essence.20.11.SP2.141.
24. J. C. Padowski, S. M. Gorelick, B. H. Thompson, S. Rozelle, and S. Fendorf, “Assessment of human-natural system
characteristics influencing global freshwater supply vulnerability,” Environmental Research Letters, vol. 10, no.
10, Oct. 2015, doi: 10.1088/1748-9326/10/10/104014.
25. S. Mundoli, B. Manjunath, and H. Nagendra, “Effects of urbanisation on the use of lakes as commons in the peri-
urban interface of Bengaluru, India,” International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development, vol. 7, no. 1, pp.
89–108, 2015, doi: 10.1080/19463138.2014.982124.
26. Government of Canada, “Canadian Water Sustainability Index (CWSI) Project Report PRI Project Sustainable
Development,” 2007.
27. P. H. Gleick, “On methods for assessing water-resource risks and vulnerabilities,” Environmental Research
Letters, vol. 10, no. 11, Nov. 2015, doi: 10.1088/1748-9326/10/11/111003.
28. Siddiqui Sumaira, “Loss of Water Bodies in Lucknow City,” ISSUU, 2018.
29. P. Kumar, “Simulation of Gomti River (Lucknow City, India) future water quality under different mitigation
strategies,” Heliyon, vol. 4, p. 1074, 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.
30. Cai Mangtang and Huang Yi, “METHODOLOGIES GUIDELINES,” United Nations Environment Programme,
2009.
31. Narain Vishal and Roth Dik, Water Security, Conflict and Cooperation in Peri-Urban South Asia. Cham: Springer
International Publishing, 2022. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-79035-6.
32. S. Haq, M. Parveen, S. Bhat, and S. Haq, “STUDIES ON PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DAL
LAKE, SRINAGAR KASHMIR,” 2013. [Online]. Available: https://www.re searchgate .net/publication/ 304675473
33. M. Kh Askar, “Rainfall-runoff model using the SCS-CN method and geographic information systems: a case
study of Gomal River watershed,” Transactions on Ecology and The Environment, vol. 178, pp. 1743–3541, 2014,
doi: 10.2495/13.
34. D. M. Mahapatra, H. N. Chanakya, and T. V. Ramachandra, “Assessment of treatment capabilities of Varthur
Lake, Bangalore, India,” International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, vol. 14, no. 1–4,
pp. 84–102, 2011, doi: 10.1504/IJETM.2011.039259.
35. M. Sun and T. Kato, “Spatial-temporal analysis of urban water resource vulnerability in China,” Ecol Indic, vol.
133, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.108436.
36. M. Madhumita, H. Banerjie, M. V. Prakash, and M. S. Sharma, “Dip in a sacred lake: Divinity or Devastation Case
study of Pushkar lake during the Panch Teerth Maha Snaan,” IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science
(IOSR-JHSS, vol. 22, no. 7, pp. 46–53, 2017, doi: 10.9790/0837-2207044653.
37. Sen Raj Kumar and Sharma Prakash Chand, “Resilience and Restoration Pattern of Pushkar Lake after
COVID19,” Innovation the Research Concept, vol. VII, no. II, 2022.
38. Sengupta Susmita, “Threats on urban lakes across India,” New Delhi, 2011.
39. S. M. Avvannavar and S. Shrihari, “Evaluation of water quality index for drinking purposes for river Netravathi,
Mangalore, South India,” Environ Monit Assess, vol. 143, no. 1–3, pp. 279–290, Aug. 2008, doi: 10.1007/s10661-
007-9977-7.
40. Hotchandani Sunil, Dutta Ashit, Jatav Yogesh, and Vardhan Ajay, “Strategic environmental assessment of
Pushkar Lake, Ajmer (Rajasthan) with special reference to infiltration problem,” Environmental Science, 2013.
41. P. Stathatouet al., “Vulnerability of water systems: a comprehensive framework for its assessment and
identification of adaptation strategies,” Desalination Water Treat, vol. 57, no. 5, pp. 2243–2255, Jan. 2016, doi:
10.1080/19443994.2015.1012341.
Arundhatee Mishra
et al.,
Indian Journal of Natural Sciences www.tnsroindia.org.in ©IJONS
Vol.14 / Issue 82 / Feb / 2024 International Bimonthly (Print) – Open Access ISSN: 0976 – 0997
67850
42. R. Plummer, R. de Loë, and D. Armitage, “A Systematic Review of Water Vulnerability Assessment Tools,”
Water Resources Management, vol. 26, no. 15, pp. 4327–4346, Oct. 2012, doi: 10.1007/s11269-012-0147-5.
43. H. Nagendra and E. Ostrom, “Applying the social-ecological system framework to the diagnosis of urban lake
commons in Bangalore, India,” Ecology and Society, vol. 19, no. 2, 2014, doi: 10.5751/ES-06582-190267.
44. Sudha Chaithanya M., Ravichandran S., and Sathivadivel R., “Water Bodies Protection Index a case study of
south Chennai, India,” Environ Dev Sustain, 2013.
45. R. Kumar, S. Parvaze, M. B. Huda, and S. P. Allaie, “The changing water quality of lakes—a case study of Dal
Lake, Kashmir Valley,” Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, vol. 194, no. 3. Springer Science and
Business Media Deutschland GmbH, Mar. 01, 2022. doi: 10.1007/s10661-022-09869-x.
46. A. Singh, S. K. Srivastav, S. Kumar, and G. J. Chakrapani, “A modified-DRASTIC model (DRASTICA) for
assessment of groundwater vulnerability to pollution in an urbanized environment in Lucknow, India,” Environ
Earth Sci, vol. 74, no. 7, pp. 5475–5490, Oct. 2015, doi: 10.1007/s12665-015-4558-5.
47. G. Ajmera, C. Solanki, and R. Singh, “WATER QUALITY STATUE OF PUSHKAR LAKE AFTER, DURING AND
BEFORE THE PUSHKAR FAIR,” JETIR, 2022. [Online]. Available: www.jetir.orgc336
48. A. N. Ugbaja, U. A. Ugbaja, A. E. Bassey, E. A. Amah, and O. E. Offiong, “Assessment of Groundwater
Vulnerability using Vulnerability Index (Static Water Level, Cation Exchange Capacity, Organic Contents, Nitrate
and Chloride) (SCONC) in Part of Mamfe Embayment South Eastern Nigeria,” Research Journal of
Environmental and Earth Sciences, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 38–47, Nov. 2020, doi: 10.19026/rjees.12.6053.
49. T. D. Banda and M. V. Kumarasamy, “Development of water quality indices (WQIs): A review,” Polish Journal of
Environmental Studies, vol. 29, no. 3. HARD Publishing Company, pp. 2011–2021, 2020. doi:
10.15244/pjoes/110526.
50. M. S. Al-Kalbani, M. F. Price, A. Abahussain, M. Ahmed, and T. O’Higgins, “Vulnerability assessment of
environmental and climate change impacts on water resources in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Sultanate of Oman,” Water
(Switzerland), vol. 6, no. 10, pp. 3118–3135, 2014, doi: 10.3390/w6103118.
Arundhatee Mishra
et al.,
