Water Management in Himalayan Ecosystem : A Study of Natural Springs of Almora

Contents: Preface. I. Introduction. II. Physical environment of the area: 1. The area. 2. Relief and slope. 3. Geology. 4. Climate. 5. Drainage. 6. Occurrence of springs. 7. Vegetation. III. Origin and development of Almora town: 1. Chand period. 2. Gurkha period. 3. British period. 4. Post-independence period. IV. Demography: 1. Population growth. 2. Distribution and density. 3. Literacy. 4. Occupational structure. V. General climatology of the town: 1. Scope of climatology. 2. Hydrologic cycle. 3. Temperature patterns. 4. Rainfall patterns. 5. Variation of relative humidity. VI. Water in urban ecosystem: 1. Urban hydrology. 2. Major problems of hydrology of Almora town. 3. Options for water management. VII. Chemistry of spring water: 1. Methodology. 2. Chemistry of spring water. VIII. Impact of sewage disposal on spring water: 1. Impact assessment. 2. Impact on public health. IX. Management plan for protection of spring water: 1. Maintenance of spring water quality. 2. Prevention of spring water from external sources of pollution. X. Economics of wastewater management plan: 1. Cost estimation. 2. Benefits of wastewater management plan. 3. Multi-criteria analysis for cost and benefits. XI. Water management in hill towns: 1. Recommendations. Appendix: 1. Drinking water quality standards of WHO. 2. A survey report of the landslides due to excess run-off. Bibliography. Subject index.

"Pollution of groundwater in hill towns is one of the major problems which needs urgent attention of planners and local people. This book, based on a field study, brings together several aspects related to water and wastewater management in urban catchment with the main emphasis on qualitative assessment. Chapters two to four of the book cover the historical, physical and demographical details. The climatology, spring water chemistry, impact of sewage, a possible environmental management plan, cost analysis and general guidelines for water management are the other aspects presented in the book.

"It is hoped that this book would serve as a guideline to policy makers, researchers and other interest groups working for ecologically sound water management in hill towns." (jacket)