Hydrogeochemical Evaluation for Developmental Activity in part of Belma Microwatershed, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka

Saline water ingression and the salinity hazards of fertile lands in microwatersheds near and far off the main river channel in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada are grave problems resulted due to the haphazard land and water management, and excessive use of groundwater for the wet crop cultivation in this area. The current study aims to analyse the hydrogeochemical characteristics of water resources in a low-lying microwatershed on the approach of Nethravathi river mouth to assess the surface and groundwater quality for domestic and agricultural purposes and the extent of their contamination. About twenty-one water quality parameters viz: temperature, pH, Turbidity, TDS, EC, Ca-H, Mg-H, TH, DO, BOD, Cl−, F−, SO42−, NO3−, CO32−, HCO3−, Fe, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+ were analysed to delineate the extend of saline water ingression. The result analysis shows enough evidences of saline water ingression in the study area. It is very much necessary to have a sustainable integrated microwatershed development approach through proper planning and management practice for the reclamation of this fertile microwatershed from its salinity hazard before going for any other development activities.