Enhancement of socio-economic status of deprived section of the society through implementation of need based interventions for the Poverty Alleviation and sustainable Development in Kimshar Area of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Introduction:

Distinct for its pristine scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, a paradise of nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas in the abode of God's, Rajaji National Park (RNP) is one of the largest park in India and spread over 202,630 acres (820 km²). It has the largest population of Elephants and a good number of Tigers and Leopards. RNP is situated at the conflux of three districts i.e. Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal of Uttarakhand State. The park was declared in about 1975 and the process of public hearing for listening to community’s objections was completed without much knowledge of the local community. Local people were completely ignorant about the ground reality of rules and regulations of protected areas. In 1983, the three wildlife sanctuaries viz. Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla were combined into a single large area of RNP consisting of a myriad variety of flora and fauna.

Most of the protected areas (PAs) in India are surrounded by forest dependent population. Enforcement of legal restrictions on resource use within the protected areas limit livelihood options for local communities. Hence, once the RNP came in to existence, several restrictive rules and regulations were imposed upon the local community residing in the surrounding villages of RNP boundaries that made life of the people more difficult and has strongly alienated them from forests. Similar to other PAs, improved management practices for biodiversity conservation and removal of Van Gujjars within the park boundaries have resulted in higher densities of wildlife but the overflowing population of herbivore and carnivore wildlife in the park also mounted a lot of problems for farmers in surrounding villages of RNP.

The project area selected for intervention by HIMCON, falls in Yamkeshwar Developmental Block of the Pouri Garhwal District of the Uttarakhand State. The Kimsar Area comprises 20 small villages that are located in close proximity of the Chilla Range of Rajaji National Park. The area consists of highly undulating mountainous landscape are now isolated from other revenue lands by a 16 Km stretch of protected forest of RNP. On the one side is Rajaji National Park and on the other side are steep hills. This is the major reason for its being bereft of developmental initiatives of the State Government and the masses are bearing the brunt of the administrative insensitiveness.

In the fragile ecosystem in which the people of Kimsar Area lived over the centuries have devised a complicated but suitable agricultural regime which is acknowledged as ‘unique in itself, for it is complete, self-dependent, self-contained and sustainable’. In the past, the people of this region were happy go lucky persons whose livelihood is dependent on their surroundings natural resources. Animal husbandry and agriculture is the main source of economy of the people. Due to over flowing population of wildlife in the RNP, crop predation by herbivore wildlife becomes a major hurdle for the farmers and they have to maintain intensive round the clock vigil in open situations to protect their crops. Similarly animal husbandry is also threatened by carnivores. On an average each family of the region lost two or three cattle every year mainly due to wild animals’ attacks. Further sterner environmental protection law of RNP has led to stricter attitude of the park officials. The local people are not even able to manage leaves for mulching or to feed their cattle population.

Communication i.e. road linkage has become another major hurdle of development as the Kimsar Area is engulfed in between the Rajaji National Park and the Been Nadi (Taal Gad) -a tributary of river Gangesthat meets near at village Ganga Bhogpur. Kimsar has only one kachcha road of about 16 Km. in length which is passing through the dense forest of Rajaji National Park to reach village Ganga Bhogpur (the nearest village that is linked with Rishikesh–Haridwar via Chilla Canal road). The condition of kachcha road is very poor and dangerous especially in landslide prone zones. Permanent road construction can not be made in the park area mainly due to Apex Court Order. During monsoon, the water level in Been nadi rises and one cannot cross against the fast current of river water, hence people of Kimsar Area remained cut off during rainy season from the main land. Further more, there is a high risk of wildlife as well as mafia elements too. The vested interest people i.e. wildlife mafia and liquor and drug mafia have a strong network that is why till now not a single voluntary organization and govt. employee wants to work and stay in the region. Due to lack of  proper accessibility and poor infrastructures facilities and more important lack of communication means, entire generation together with its social fabric, value system and social solidarity have been ruined in last two decades. After creation of Rajaji National Park, it is not the Govt.’s obligation to arrange for alternative means of communication and livelihood for these isolated people of Kimsar Area? This area urgently requires massive schemes aimed at introducing livelihood generation programmes, development of capacity building measures, community mobilization and social infrastructure.

Objectives of the project:

1. To study the land use and socio-economic status of people in selected villages close to RNP.
2. Identification and monitoring of existing water resources of the area.
3. Study of physico-chemical characteristics of spring water of the area.
4. To develop strategies for sustainable development and environmental protection of the area

Project location:

Project Approach:

                                                                       
Nearest Cities:  Rishikesh / Haridwar / Dehradun.

Methodology Applied:

1. Selection of the villages of Kimsar Area:

As discussed earlier, Kimsar Area is a cluster of more than 20 villages distributed in about 15 km2. The remote and in accessible villages where regular visit can not be feasible mainly due to location on highly steep and rough terrain, only 12 villages are selected for extensive survey and monitoring, to know the status of currently available human and natural resources in the area as well as to assess the major problems of the area caused due to creation of RNP. Based upon the finding of extensive survey and monitoring results, an action plan has been suggested for poverty alleviation and sustainable development of the region.

2. Collection of Primary Data:

With the help of HIMCON, questionnaire was prepared and extensive door to door survey was conducted from all the four selected villages of the Kimsar Area.

3. Collection of Secondary Data:

Secondary data were collected from both Govt. officials as well as from RNP Authorities.

4. Spring water quality monitoring Programme:

Standard procedure as mentioned in APHA, 2000 was followed for water sample collection and analysis of various water quality parameters from potablity and public health point of view.

5. Compilation of primary and secondary data and preparation of status report of the area:

The details of current status of land-use, socio-economic, environmental status of land and water resource, wildlife threat and others are discussed in the following chapter of the project report:

Detailed note on the progress as per expected outputs

During the introductory phase of the project the activities undertaken are as follows:

ABSTRACT OF SURVEY FINDINGS

Results & Discussion:

Selection of the villages of Kimsar Area:

As discussed earlier, Kimsar Area is a cluster of more than 20 villages distributed in about 15 km. The remote and inaccessible villages where regular visit can not be feasible mainly due to location on highly steeped and rough terrain, only 12 village are selected for extensive survey and monitoring, to know the status of currently available human and natural resources in the area as well as to assess the major problem of the area caused due to creation of RNP. Based upon the finding of extensive survey and monitoring results on current status of land and water resources of the area, an action plan has been suggested for poverty alleviation and sustainable development of the region.

Current Scenario of Socio-economic Condition of People in Kimsar Area

1.0 Demographic Profile of villages in Kimsar Area:

Detailed information on socio-economic and environmental status of the selected villages of the Kimsar area is depicted in Table 1-16:

1.1 Human Population:
The total population of 501 families of 12 villages of Kimsar area, are 3, 011. The family size is small and single family type. On an average, the total members in a family are about 6 members. Male population out numbered the female population. Male population are 1,548 (51.4 %), while female population in the area are 1,463 only that comprises (48.6 %) of the total population. However, the child sex ratio (CSR) - number of female children per 1,000 male children (0 - 6 years) - has declined from 949 (1991) to the present level (2001) of 906. It may be noted that, compared to the adult sex ratio the child sex ratio is significantly lower.
In Talsahzada, Bhumiayakisar, Kandakhal, and Aamkatal village which are located in remote area, female population outnumbered the male population. Majority of the families belong to Rajput and Brahmin (general categories) that constitutes 88.3 % of total family, while schedule cast (SC) constitutes only 11.7 % of the total population, whereas traditionally backward and marginalized, Scheduled Castes (SCs) constitute 17 percent of the total population of the State.

1.2 Economic Status of the Family:
Present study indicates the proportion of families living above the poverty line (APL) are higher in Kanda khal, Dharkot, Kandra and Bhumiyakisar village whereas the number of families living below the poverty line (BPL) are higher in Talsahzada, Malla Banas, Talla Banas and Kasan village percentage of BPL families are higher than 60 % of total family residing in the village. On an average, out of total 501 families about 283 families (57 %) in the 12 villages of Kimsar Area, the economic status of the people seems to be good.

BPL Population:

As regards the BPL population in 12 villages of Kimsar Area, the village wise distribution presented in the following table shows that over half of the population belong to the below poverty line (BPL) category. Tradition combined with myths, beliefs, poor awareness and knowledge of diseases and their treatment limits the chances of survival of the population living below the poverty line.
The status of women in the society varies with the socio-cultural setup. In the foothill region, the males dominate all spheres of life and females, whether indoor or outdoors, are subjected to subordination and have very limited or no say at all in decision making. Even in the issues that affect women closely, such as family planning, child health care, maternal health care, or emergency care during obstetric complications, the final decisions are generally taken by men.
The women bear extra burden of negotiating the hardships of working through the low and high elevation of hilly terrain, for farming, cattle rearing and collecting fodder and firewood. They constitute the main agricultural workforce in the region, with a participation rate of 41 percent as compared to the national average of 23 percent in 1991. Except ploughing field, women in the region are known to perform all kinds of agricultural labour.
The male and female literacy rates for the State are considerably higher than the National average, however the gender differentials between male and female literacy in the region are reflected in the National average. While the overall sex ratio in the region is more balanced than the National average, the sex ratio among 0-6 years is only 906, which is lower than the National average of 927.

2.0 Details of the living condition of the people:
Lack of physical infrastructure, such as, connecting roads, communication, media, housing, household electricity and safe potable water in the region seems to be major factors for backwardness of the region.

2.1 Distance of settlements from the main road:
Out of total 501 families residing  in the 12 villages, about 51 % settlements are located close to the Kimsar- Ganga Bhogpur road. Kimsar, Dharkot, Malla Banas, Talla banas, and ramjeewala village, majority of the settlements are close to main road, while about 49 percent of the settlements are located more than 500 meters from the main road. Yogiyana, Kandra, Bhumiyakisar, Kashan and aamkatal village are located far distant from the main road.

2.2Type and size of the house of people:
About 53 percent of the houses in which the people lived are traditional house with mud/stonewall and tin shade roof which are tiled with slate stone. In Talsahzada, Bhumiya Kisar, Aamkatal, Kashan, Kandakhal, and Yogiyana village, most of the houses are of traditional type.
Compare to traditional house, modern, cemented and pakka houses in the Kimsar Area constitute 47 percent. Kandra (93 %), Malla Banas (70 %), Dharkot (69 %), Ramjeewala (58%) and Talla Bnas village has the maximum number of pakka house.
Considering the size of the houses in the Kimsar Area, about 62 percent of the houses are either one room house (38 %) or two room house (24 %). In Kasan, Aamkatal, Tal sahzada, Bhumiyakisar and Dharkot, majority of the families lived in small house with one or two rooms. In Malla Banas (54 %), Kimsar (38 %), Ramjeewala (30 %) and Yogiyana (29 %) people lived in large houses with three or more rooms.

2.3 Condition of the Houses:
Contarary to scattered settlement generally observed in Garhwal Himalaya, in Kimsar Area, most of the settlements are located in congested area as like plains where settlements are densely polated. Congested settlement in Kimsar Area may be due to its location on almost flat landscape. Out of total 501 studied in the area, about 53 percent of the houses are congested having little open space, lack proper air ventilation, sunlight. The sanitary conditions in these settlements are observed to be very poor. Malla Banas (85 %), Ramjeewala (79 %), Dharkot (73 %), Kasan (71 %), Bhumiyakisar (67 %), Kimsar (62 %) and Yogiyana (59 %) have the highly denser settlements.
While about 47 percent of total settlements in the Kimsar Area have the scattered settlement. Kandra (81 %), Aamkatal (72 %), Talla Banas (54 %) and Tal Sahzada (63 %) have the scattered population density.

3.0 Details of household facilities available with the people:

3.1 Availability of toilet and bathroom:
As mentioned above, sanitary condition in the Kimsar region seems to be extremely poor. In the present study, out of 501 families surveyed, only 100 families (20 %) families have the toilet and bathroom facilities while most of the families (80 %) donot have toilet and bathroom in their house. Kasan, Aamkatal, Bhumiyakisar, Talsahzada, Malla banas, Yogiana and Kandra village have less than five percent of people have toilet facilities in their house. Kimsar (35 %), Dharkot (31 %), Ramjeewala (26 %) and Talla Banas (24 %) people have the toilet facility.
In rural areas, there is common practice of open defecation. Lack of tap water supply and poverty in the region seems to be a major reason behind this. Only a few families have the partial supply of tap water facility. Most of the people in the region depend on natural springs for drinking and allied needs. These natural springs are generally located on highly steep slope and far from the settlement. Therefore, those families who installed toilet in their home required enough water to flush the toilet. Hence, besides having toilet in their home, people do not  use toilet due to lack of water. Due to non availability toilet in their home, people especially women and aged person have to face problem. Due to lack of safe and lone place, women have to control themselves to discharge urine and toilet and they have to wait till darkness. This practice among women affects their health considerably as it produces toxic substance in the body.

3.2 Access to Drinking Water Through Tap water Supply:
Pipe water supplies in the region are very negligible. About 78 percent of the villages do not have tap water facilities. Dharkot, Ramjeewala, Kimsar, Kasan, Yogiyana, Malla Banas and Tal sahzada village has almost negligible supply of tap water. Talla Banas, Kandra, and Aamkatal has tapwater facility but people still depend on natural springs, as the source of water supply of tap water are either streams or springs. During monsoon, pipelines becomes damaged due to recurring land slide and summer months when water requirement touches climax the discharge of these source decreased considerably. Hence, people totally depend on natural springs.
The main source of drinking water available in the area is in the form of natural springs. Based on which each village has developed and expanded over a period of time. It is neither like Rajasthan or Gujarat where people walk even up to 25 km. to collect water nor like plains of U.P. or Bihar where bad management, installation of tube-well and laying of pipelines are the major cause for non-availability of clean drinking water in rural areas. Unfortunately far too many serious mistakes have been committed in the hilly areas in the implementation of drinking water schemes due to ignorance of local geography and other socio-economic conditions on the part of agencies and engineers involved to execute the schemes. The mistakes committed are over-estimating the potential of water source and others, such as:

1. The pipe-water scheme is bound to fail if the source is sufficient only for one or two villages and pipeline laid say for 4-5 villages.
2. The level of pipeline is not maintained. Natural spring can not push water from low level to high level.
3. Water sources drying up due to deforestation which has been overlooked. Plantation of known specific species of trees is the answer to increase the capacity of existing natural springs.
4. While some villages continue to be collecting water from distant water source, other villages have gone ahead to provide water through pipeline next to their house. This has affected the availability of water for other purposes. 
5. In many places the source of water disappeared because the construction of reservoir was undertaken by inexperienced people close to the spring where natural setting of the earth and the rocks got disturbed and that the natural spring also disappeared.
6. There is need to train staff to develop water supply system in the region. It is geologically wrong to start digging at the source of spring which develops only after thousands of year based on forest, soil and mountain formation.
7. It should be noted down that earlier single water point was one of the main source of unity, love and affection among villagers. Distribution of water to individual houses or group of houses has resulted into disputes and disharmony among villagers.

3.3 Access to Electricity:

On an average about 88 percent of the settlements have been covered under electrification but power supply is very poor. Only two villages, Kasan and Bhumiyakisar do not have electric poles. In the electricity covered villages, about 50 percent of the family’s economic status does not permit them to get electrified their house.
The distribution of power in Kimsar Area suffers from many defects. Main power line has been laid down to cover the entire region. Unless there is sufficient power, extension of power line to each village is wastage of resources. Electricity poles have been put up but power supply is not regular and when it is available it can not even light the bulb due to low voltages. Unless basic amenities are made available to villagers, power supply is only a luxury than a necessity. Supply of power should be extended provided it is regular and the people at large want it. The ground realities are that only few who have sufficient money and who have managed to make pucca houses of bricks, cement etc. want electricity. But 50 per cent of the families in the area can neither afford nor need electricity till their general economic condition has improved. The study revealed that 50 per cent of the household did not avail of electricity connection even-though power lines are laid in the villages.

4.0 Availability of Household Facilities:

4.1 Availability of LPG/ Kerosene Stove For Cooking:

Present study reveals that fire wood collected from the forest is the main source of fuel for cooking and heating needs of the people in the region. LPG and kerosene stove is the subsidiary fuel for the people. People use these subsidiary fuels only in emergency when some guests visited them or in monsoon months when collected fire wood get wet due to rain. On an average, only one or two LPG cylinders get consumed by a family in a year. This clearly indicates people use these facilities to  minimum
extent, if available with them.
Out of total 501 families, only 187 families (37 %) have the LPG connection in their house while only 30 families (03 %) use kerosene stove. In Kasan, Aamkatal and Bhumiyakisar village, not a single family has LPG connection or Kerosene stove.
4.2 Availability Sewing Machine/ Fan:
Only 60 families (12 %) of total 501 families have sewing machine and fans in their house.

4.3 Availability of Television and Radio with the people:
We are living in 21st century and enough progress has been made in the field of print and electronic media and entertainment. Television and radio are the main source of information and entertainment in rural areas. Due to lack of these facilities one can easily judge the backwardness and poverty prevalent in the region. Television has now become a most popular source of entertainment not only in urban areas but it has more value in rural areas also. Availability of such important assets in the family dictates the standard of the living condition of the people in the region. One can easily understand the pathetic condition of the people of Kimsar Area, where there are many villages where not a single family have the television or radio in their house. Talsahzada, Kasan, Bhumiyakisar and Aamkatal villige which is located in remote and inaccessible area, people still do not have television which indicate clearly the rampant poverty in the region. In the present study only 38 percent of the total families have the television, where as radio are available only with 20 percent families in the region.

5.0 Family welfare and health status of the people:

5.1 Poor Public Health Infrastructure in Kimsar Area:
Widespread poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, lack of personal hygiene, absence of drinking water, sanitary living conditions, lack of health awareness, poor maternal and child health services and ineffective coverage by Govt.’s health and nutritional services have been identified as the conditions responsible for the poor health status among the people of Kimsar Area. Uttarakhand has an extensive network of government health institutions of different systems of medicine. Due to a marked scarcity of qualified private doctors in the remote and inaccessible area like Kimsar, these government health institutions are the automatic choice for fulfilling the healthcare needs of the people. But the problem is further compounded as the people have to rely upon traditional healers and quacks for their day to day health care needs, for want of proper public health infrastructure. A study on the role of private providers in health sector revealed that more than one third of the private healthcare providers at village level were unqualified; half of them were found to be prescribing/ dispensing allopathic medicines in the region. Due to poverty, poor accessibility of health services and various socio-cultural beliefs home remedies are the first resort. Only when symptoms don’t ameliorate, help was sought from traditional healers. Illnesses are generally viewed as a curse for which Gods have to be placated by making offerings at the local temple. Further, many of the prevalent beliefs about the diseases and treatment prevented people from using and trusting the public health facilities. People perceive that the doctors in public sector health facilities did not provide good care to them because they were poor. Patients were either not given medicines or inadequate medicines were dispersed. Another reason for lack of utilization of the government health centers was lack of any health centre near their homes. Only one Public Health Centre (PHC) is available at Kimsar village where only one compounder is deputed to serve the patient. However, in paper one doctor is also deputed at the PHC but they never visit the hospital. Uttarakhand has been awarded for its unique 108 Public Health Service, but it is an irony, despite located close to the Rishikesh, this mobile Health Service never reach to Kimsar Area.

5.2  Child Delivery Conditions and Newborn/Infant Care
In remote rural area like Kimsar, around 80 - 90 percent deliveries take place at home assisted by untrained personnel. In case of home deliveries, the newborn is laid wet until the TBA arrives for cutting the cord or until the placenta is delivered. Further, the newborns are bathed soon after birth irrespective of the season. This increases the risk of neonatal hypothermia. Morbidity and mortality are closely associated with skilled birth attendants and care practices immediately following delivery. Only rich and capable family visited Rishkesh for deliverywhich constitutes only 5 percent of total delivery in the region.

5.3Immunization
In the Kimsar Area, only 60 percent children are fully vaccinated. Non availability and inaccessibility to routine immunization services have been found to be major reasons for low immunization coverage. The studies conducted in the region reveal that immunization coverage is especially low among certain sections of the populations.
While the available information shows that immunization coverage is low among the poor and disadvantaged. Very little information is available on the possible and actual reasons for this low coverage. Generally, the illiterate mothers are apprehensive that vaccinations cause abscess formation and fever in children. This has resulted in their reluctance in bringing them for immunization. Further, in some instances, it was revealed that the parents were totally unaware of the immunization schedule.

5.4 Socio economic Disparity and Malnutrition:
The nutritional status of under - five children is of particular concern, since the early years of life are crucial for future growth and development. More than 2 lakh children under the age 3 in Uttarakhand are underdeveloped and malnourished and are not likely to achieve their full growth and development potential. As a matter of fact, every third child under three years of age in the region is stunted while every sixth child is wasted and two out of five children are underweight. It is well established that there are socio-economic inequalities in health. Malnutrition is highly associated with poverty. Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM), while around 30 to 46 percent mother and children suffer from extreme forms of malnutrition. What is, however, more disturbing is the fact that the infant mortality rate in the region has increased over the years.
The health care services provided to the children are ultimately aimed at reducing infant mortality. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that this fact is given a serious thought as reducing infant mortality. Development of Alternative Health Facilities is the toughest challenge, as it is a vital sector and is beset with several problems. The challenges include paucity of the resources and non availability of affordable healthcare to the poor. On one side, there are communicable diseases which have become more difficult to combat due to insecticide resistance among vectors, resistance to antibiotics in many bacteria and emergence of new diseases; while on the other side, increasing longevity and changes in life style have resulted in the increasing prevalence of non communicable diseases. Under nutrition and micronutrient deficiency and associated health problems co-exist with increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases.

5.5 Nutritional Status of Adolescents
The poor suffer from far higher levels of ill health, mortality and malnutrition than do the better off. Their inadequate health is one of the factors that makes or keep them poor. It is widely acknowledged and accepted fact that the poor (including adolescents, mothers and children) suffer from far higher levels of ill health, mortality and malnutrition than the better offs, thus spending a higher proportion of household income on healthcare services. Under nutrition and anemia is found to be widely prevalent among adolescents, which adversely affect their functional capacity. According to various studies conducted in the State, over 90 percent adolescent girls (15-19 yrs) in the State are anaemic and 40 percent reportedly experience fatigue. Following the growth spurt, the risk of iron deficiency continues to remain high for girls because of menstrual blood loss. Majority of the adolescent girls, especially representing the poor segments of society are undernourished with associated social maladies like son preference, incidence of early marriage and high rates of maternal mortality. The population below the poverty line is most susceptible to nutritional risk. Within this group, women and adolescent girls are the most nutritionally fragile and vulnerable. This is mainly because of the intra household gender discrimination. It is evident from available information that knowledge of vaccine preventable diseases and hygiene practices are poor among adolescent girls in the region.

Current Status of Animal Husbandry in Kimsar Area

1. Population of Cattle:

Animal husbandry and cattle rearing is an integral part of the economy of this region. It plays an important role in the economy especially for marginal and landless families. Cattle are the main source of manure and it is a tradition to keep the cattle in each household. Present survey also confirms that about 98 percent families rear cattle. On an average numbers of cattle populations are equal with that of human population. The total populations of 501 families of 12 surveyed villages are 3,011, while cattle population touches this mark with 2,985. Average family in the area reared at least 5 to 7 cattle.

2.0 Composition of cattle:
The composition of cattle populations are; cows 1,402 (47 %), goats/sheep 1,171 (39 %), ox/bull 342 (11 %), buffalo 89 (03 %), while other domestic animal population viz. mull/horse/dogs comprises only 28 which is less than 01 % of total population. Cows are mostly preferred by the people in the region. Other than cattle, goats and sheep are the other major constituents of livestock in the area. About 243 families (49 %) reared goats. Goat population is highest in Bhumiakisar and Aamkatal village while it was lowest in Kndra, Tal Sahzada, Yogiana, Kimsar and Kandrakhal village.

3.0Cattle Breed:
Most of the cattle reared in the region are local pahari draught type of cattle breed. Draught type of cattle breed are generally small in size and the milk produced from milch cow is very low presumably below 1.0 liter per day while milch buffalo did not produce more than 2 or 3 litres of milk per day.

4.0 Feeding Methods:
Both open grazing and stall feeding methods have been practiced in the region. Cows, ox and goats are generally feed by open grazing while buffaloes, pregnant cows and goats are generally kept at home and are stall fed.

5.0 Cattle shed:
Cattle sheds are generally built in close proximity of settlement. Rich and capable families build separate cattle shed having proper facilities such as cemented feeding stalls (naad), pakka floor with well locked door, so that wildlife attacks can be prevented. The conditions of cattle shed of poor families are in very pitiable, unhygienic and unsafe against wildlife attacks.
For outlying fields far from the homestead, manure is prepared in the fields themselves. Cattle are penned in the fields during summer under temporary sheds known as goth. Goath is a completely iron net enclosed area; so that cattle can be protected from wildlife attack. Animal droppings and urine accumulated in the goths is spread over the fields. The goths are shifted from terrace to terrace in order to manure all
6.0 Cattle Feed:
Both dried and fresh fodder is used to feed the cattle. Dried fodder consists of mainly paddy straw and wheat husks and some grasses grown in pasture land. Dried fodder is generally used in winter period or in times when fresh fodder can not be collected. Leaf twigs of trees collected either from forests or from fodder trees (Bhimal, mulberry etc.) grown on bunds of agricultural terraces are used as fresh fodder.

7.0 Fodder Demand:
It is a common perception that a cattle required on an average of 10 kg fresh fodder per day and 2.5 kg of dried fodder in absence of fresh fodder. There are 2,985 cattle population reared in 12 surveyed villages of Kimsar Area, hence, the total fodder demand in the area is about 374 quintals (298 quintals of fresh fodder and 74 quintals of dried fodder) per day in the region. Therefore, about 1,36,199 quintals of fodder is required per year to feed 2,985 cattle in the region.

8.0 Actual Availability of Fodder:
Major source of dried fodder is crop residues and some grasses grown in pasture. About 80 percent of dried fodder comes from the crop residues. It is general perception that in any crops the proportion grains and residues are in 50:50 ratios. Total cereal grains produced in the area was observed only 229 quintals in a year, hence only 229 quintals of dried fodder can be made available if all the crop residues are expected to be used as cattle fodder, constitutes only one-third requirement of the dried fodder needs of the people. Thus, availability of dried fodder is much less than the required quantities in the region. In Kimsar region only paddy straw, wheat husk are used for fodder while residues of jhangora, mandua, maize and others are generally not used as fodder.
About 281 quintals of fresh fodder required every day to feed cattle, while about 1,02,555 quintals of fresh fodder collected every year from the nearby forests. Majority of fresh fodders are collected from the nearby forests which constitutes 80 percent of total fodder requirement of the people and remaining 20 percent of fresh fodder meets from the planted fodder trees on bunds.

9.0 Constrains of fodder collection: 
For fodder collection, average time taken in the region has been increased from 2 hours to 8 hours due to degradation of nearby forests. Earlier fresh fodder needs of the people are easily served by the nearby forests. People have to devote less time (only 1-2 hours) in fodder collection. Now people have cover more distance up to 8 km to meet their fodder need. On an average two members in a family have to devote 6-8 hours in collection of fresh fodder from the forest to feed their cattle. Forests are gradually shrinking from the village settlements.

10 Uneconomical Cattle rearing:
From economic points of view if we calculate the total time devoted by the people in cattle rearing especially time spend in fodder collection, about 946 man days (working hours of 8 hours) are required every day only for fodder collection. In terms of cash where minimum wages of labour at present is Rs. 130 per day for 8 hours, the cost would be goes up to Rs. 1,22,980/- per day that indicates people devote much more time in fodder collection.

Income generated through animal husbandry & cattle rearing:

a. Manure production: As mentioned earlier, animal husbandry and agriculture is an integral part of economy of this region. Cattle are the main source of manure and without manure crop production can not be possible in such a poor and coarse textured soil available in the region. People reared cattle for production of manure which in turn provide grain from stony terraces. Hence, rearing cattle primarily concerned with agricultural production.

b. Milk Production: Most of the cattle reared in the region are local deshi draught type of cattle. Hence, milk production from milk giving animals is extremely low. Out of total 12 surveyed villages of Kimsar Area, only 389 liters of milk produced every day for 3,011 persons. The share of milk goes as low as 129 ml per capita per day in the region. Therefore, people are unable even to feed newborn children, pregnant women and sick persons in the region. Milk is an essential component of balanced diet for healthy person, but it is an irony despite rearing of such a large number of cattle in the region people do not have sufficient milk to feed their own children.

There is a high potential to enhance milk production in the region. This requires improvement of quality of milk producing cattle through insemination as well as improvement of good quality of fodder facilities. It was observed that rearing of goats/sheep supports a good proportion of  income especially to landless, marginal and poor families in the region. By selling then  they get Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000 per year to sustain their families.

Threat on cattle from wildlife of RNP:

Animal husbandry and cattle rearing activities in the region are highly threatened by wildlife of the RNP. Local people lost their cattle not only during grazing time; leopards’ takes away their cattle from the cattle shed that becomes common features in the area. Incidence of wildlife attack on cattle now becomes a major threat to animal husbandry as the incidence of wildlife attacks on cattle has been increased considerably. Even the number of pet dogs, which are kept by the people for protection against wildlife, also becomes prey of leopard. One can see the lowest number dogs in the region.

Man-wildlife Conflict:

Data collected during door-to-door household survey and interaction made with the local people revealed huge loss of cattle population in the region mainly from the wildlife attacks. The total casualties of wildlife attack and cattle loss reported by the people was up to 1987 in last one decade only. More than 200 cattle  becames prey of wildlife in 12 village of Kimsar Area only in last year. Every families of this region lost 2 or 3 cattle each year from the wildlife attack. Casualties of human life by wildlife attack are also not uncommon in the region. Several causalities of human loss by these carnivores of RNP were also reported in the area.

Garlic, gagli and other tuberous vegetables are grown in abundance in the area in the past, but the crop is never enough for the villagers, as the boars vie with humans for their share of the crop. At most times, the crop is ruined by the frequent nocturnal attacks by the beasts. Sometimes, they even destroy the germinated seeds, seedlings and it becomes very hard for them to survive the whole year. The change in climate has also adversely affected farming. However, the biggest set back being faced by agriculture is because of the wild animals. When leopard kill livestock and people have to deal with a non functional administrative mechanism and time consuming compensation schemes, frustration often leads them to resort to poison to kill wild animals. Thus, the man vs animal conflict continues in this paradise even as the administration turns a blind eye.

Tedious Compensation Process against wildlife casualties by RNP:
There is a provision of compensation against wildlife attack /damage made on property of the people, loss of their cattle or human loss in any protected areas. Due to lack of communication, remoteness as well as distance of concerned office beinglong distant, hence, if one can report against wildlife casualties to the concerned office of RNP, normally peoples have to make several visit to get their compensation. Concerned office asked for several formalities such as medical report, photographs, approval from local level institutions such as Gram pradhan and patwari of the area and others make the process of compensation more tedious and complicated, hence the amount of compensation people received are much lower than the cost occurred in travel and other expenses made by the victim family. How, local people will get medical report of cattle casualties when there is not a single govt.’ Vetenary doctor available in the region. The nearest vetenary hospital is located in Ganga Bhogpur village, which is about 20 km from the Kimsar. Further, doctors, patwari and forest guard generally not approved the case without getting commission. These are the major reason; most of the victim families never reported their cattle’s casualty to the RNP. Wild animals regularly kill domestic animals. Process of compensation is too complicated and is never followed. Yet the community is interested in maintaining cattle. Simple, easy and transparent procedure of compensation is urgently required, so that poor people can get their compensation easily.

Some enterprising women have even tried artificial insemination techniques on cows but the veterinary doctor has to be paid Rs 500/- per trip for coming from Rishikesh. This is too costly compared to ideal cost of Rs 50/- to Rs 100/- per AI.

Status of land-use pattern/ Agriculture in the Kimsar Area

High process of agricultural land abandonment:

According to Govt. Official records obtained from the ‘Yamkeshwar Development Block Office, the total area of 12 surveyed villages of Kimsar Area is 3,056.7 hectares. Forest comprises 64.02 % (1957.1 ha), followed by agricultural lands that covered 20.9 % (1,005.6 ha) of total area, while waste land that comprises barren land and water areas covered only 15.1 % (467.23 ha) of total land. Contrary to the official revenue records of the Govt., actual area covered under agricultural activities in the region showed quite different scenario of agricultural lands. Present survey conducted in the region depicts only 121.9 hectares of agricultural land currently practiced for cultivation, which is about 10 times lesser than the official record. Out of total 121.9 hectares of agricultural lands currently practiced for agricultural activities (that constitutes less than 5 percent of the total geographical area of this region), only 73.1 hectares of lands are productive where both rabi and kharif crops are grown by the people, while remaining 18.9 hectares of agricultural land are unproductive fallow land only kharif crops have been grown at the interval of 2-3 years. Current survey data confirmed the ground realities of increasing trends of agricultural land abandonment process. About 873.7 hectares (87 %) of agricultural lands have been converted into barren land in last 2-3 decades only.

Current land holding status in Kimsar Area

Out of total 501 families surveyed in 12 villages of Kimsar Area, 83 families are landless that constitutes 16.4 % of total families residing in this region. The total 121.9 hectares of agricultural currently practiced for cultivation are distributed among 418 families (84.6 %) in 12 villages of Kimsar Area. Therefore, most of the families of this region may be categorized as marginal and small farmers. Most of lands fall under rainfed categories. Only 9.4 hectares (7.7 %) of total agricultural land have been covered under irrigation. The village Tal Sahzada which is located in the valley side of the Been Nadi has maximum area of irrigated land (4.1 ha) followed by Dharkot village with 2.6 hectares of irrigated land while other villages has almost negligible irrigation facilities.

Current scenario of crop production:

At present only 450 quintals of total grains produced from the 121.9 hectares of agricultural distributed in 12 villages of Kimsar area. Various types of grain production results of the region showed wheat and paddy production are on increasing order while traditional crops like jhangora, madua etc showed decreasing trends of cultivation. The yields of different crops in the region are: wheat 171.2 quintals (38 % of total produce), paddy 152.1 quintals (34 %), followed by jhangora 40.8 quintals (09%), madua 32.6 quintals (08 %), maize 31.2 quintals (07 %), while pulses and vegetables production are observed to be very low. Only 18.1 quintals (04 %) of various types of pulses are produced in the region. Among the vegetables only 4.5 quintals (01 %) of gagli /arbi/ onions/potatoes and others are produced by the people in the region. Oil seeds production is  a very negligible amount in the area.

Demand–supply status of the food grains in the region:
According to normal balanced diet, a person required cereal grains @ 450 g, pulses @ 150 g, and vegetables @ 250 g per day. To feed 3,011 persons of this region, 4,947 quintals cereals are required while total production of cereals in the region is only 440 quintals, which is less than 10 percent of the total requirement of the people. This means about 90 percent of the cereal grains requirements are fulfilled through purchase. Crop produce did not fulfill even one-month food requirement of the people in the region. Similarly about 1,521 quintals of pulses are required while production is 100 times lower than its demand.  

Farming Methods: Age old conventional traditional agricultural practices have been followed till now. The conventional Himalayan agro-ecosystem is ‘self-supporting’ and ‘does not demand energy from outside’ as natural nutrients maintain the fertility of the cropland. Manuring of the cropland is done in traditional manner using the indigenous ecological knowledge, which can be understood by the following facts:

A. Recycling of natural nutrients

(a) Gathering of leaf mould from the forest floor.
(b) Gathering of cattle bedding materials made of dry leaves and pine needles soaked in cattle urine and dung.

B. Mol khud: These gatherings are mixed with dung in compost pits locally known as mol khud for decomposition.
C. Goths: For outlying fields far from the homestead, manure is prepared in the fields themselves. Cattle are penned in the fields during summer under temporary sheds known as goth. The animal droppings and urine accumulated in the goths is spread over the fields. The goths are shifted from terrace to terrace in order to manure all.
D. Ash manuring: While harvesting the stems of crops are left uncut. Later these stems and dry grasses are burnt and the resultant ashes spread over the field as manure.
E. Green manure: Green weeds, which grow in the harvested fields, are ploughed back and buried in the process.
F. Rotation of crops: In order to maintain the fertility of cropland the people have devised a skilful rotation of crops with the application of indigenous ecological knowledge. The rotation of crops is a combination of exploitation of resource, i.e., raising of diverse crops in cultivated land and regeneration, i.e., revitalization of cropland in order to regain fertility. There are three types, each adapted to a different type of land:

Identification & Monitoring of Spring Resources in Kimsar Area:

Village Dharkot
Compare to other villages of Kimsar Area, it is located on higher reaches in the region. Location of village settlement is that of typical Garhwal Himalaya. Traditional villages of still retain their characteristic feature of forest and pastures as integral components of a village economy’s resource base, besides cultivated land, as their traditional boundaries remain unaltered. The forest and pasture within the village boundaries are considered the common property of the inhabitants. A Garhwal village thus is not just a human settlement but a micro-ecosystem encompassing humans, animals, physical and organic resources. Usually a village boundary rises from a river/rivulet/stream or valley bottom to hill-top spreading between two ridges which are the water divides. Human settlements as a rule are situated in the middle of hill slopes on spurs running from the middle/lower levels of the ridges, with cultivated land below and above. Above the upper cultivated land there lies the grazing land and the pasture and on top the forest. With the water divide ridges on both sides, the catchments area in the shape of the forest and grazing land, and a river/rivulet flowing in the valley bottom, a village can also be considered a micro-watershed.Dharkot village has a large number of springs, some of which are located in close proximity of village settlement. Spring is the main source of drinking and other allied need of the people of Dharkot. In the present study, six springs have been identified and demarcated on the map for regular monitoring hydrological and water quality monitoring exercises. The total discharge from the springs located in the village was recorded about 1,00,512 LPD in September month. The details of each spring of the village Dharkot are as follows:

1. Riqwad Dhara:

2. Gunmat Dhara:

3. Maththi Diggi Dhara:

4. Gouri Kund Dhara:

5. Baghera Dhara:

6. Jamari Dhara:

Village Ramjiwala

1. Budhdhan Dhara:

2. Birari Jaldhara:

3. Pani Ki Sar Dhara:

4. Dariyal Dhara:

Dariyal spring is perennial spring flow through out the year. It is located about 500 meters from the Dariyal village of Ramjeewala gramsabha. From the village settlements, a pagdandi has been made on highly steeped slope to reach the source. The discharge of this spring is very good. Actually the spring location is on the main drainage line passing from the southern slope of the Dariyal village. Spring discharge from the spring has been diverted into an enclosed cemented tank. A wide rectangular platform is made for bathing and washing clothes. The drain water is collected into a wide cemented tank for cattle drink. There is also a small changing room made for women. Spring discharge of this spring seems to be of large type and water flow through out the year with slight decreasing trends.

Village Kimsar

Spring is the main source of drinking and other allied needs of the people of Kimsar. It is located on top of the ridge with almost flat surface and is slightly downward to the Ramjeewala village. The landscape of this village is undulating with gentle slope. In the present study, 2 springs have been identified and demarcated on the map for regular monitoring hydrological and water quality monitoring exercises. The total discharge from the springs located in the village was recorded about 1,08,000 LPD in September month. The details of each spring of the village Kimsar are as follows:

1. Yonkia pani Dhara:

Springs in the Garhwal Himalaya are generally named either on the name of gods or in accordance to its location, uses and on its water properties. This spring has been named on the basis of presence of worms at the source of spring. Due to acidic nature of water of this spring worms developed in surrounding stagnant water tanks and other area, people get attached with worms. Therefore, people called this spring as ‘Yonkia Pani’. This spring is located on the southern slope from the village settlement. It is about 600 meters below the village settlement. It is one of the important sources of water source of the Kimsar and the villagers for drinking and other domestic purposes have extensively used this spring water. Spring discharge has been diverted into an enclosed cemented tank. A wide rectangular platform is made for bathing and washing clothes. The drain water is collected into a wide cemented tank for cattle drink. There is also a small changing room made for women. Discharge of this spring seems to be of high potential and water flow through out the year with slight decreasing trends in summer. Few years ago, a lift pump scheme was installed to pump spring water to the village, under watershed development project. Headwater tank was constructed in the village, water pipes are laid down from the source to tank and a diesel pump was installed, but due to internal politics among the villagers, this lift pump scheme has been completely failed, despite pumping huge money under the scheme.

The discharge of this spring is very good. Actually the spring location is on the main drainage line passing from the southern slope of the village. Discharge from the spring has been diverted into an enclosed cemented tank. A wide rectangular platform is made for bathing and washing clothes. The drain water is collected into a wide cemented tank for cattle drink. There is also a small changing room made for women. Spring discharge of this spring seems to be of large type and water flow through out the year with slight decreasing trends. Despite its location on steep slope ways, villagers of Kisar and Dairiyal extensively use the spring water.

2. Nao Ka Pani Dhara:

This is a perennial spring flow through out the year. It is located about 300 meters from the village settlements. From the village settlement, a cemented stepped pagdandi has been made on highly steeped slope to reach the source. The discharge of this spring is good. Actually the spring location is on the main drainage line passing from the northern slope of the village. Spring discharge from the spring has been diverted into an enclosed cemented tank, which was constructed few years ago when old tank becomes defunct due to seepage. The capacity of this tank is about 10,000 liters. A wide rectangular platform is made for bathing and washing clothes. The drain water is collected into a wide cemented tank for cattle drink. There is also a small changing room made for women. Spring discharge of this spring seems to be of large type and water flow through out the year with slight decreasing trends. Due to its closeness from the village spring other villagers extensively use water. Recently a percolation tank (recharge pit) locally called ‘chaal’ has bee constructed in the upper catchments of the spring.

Village Yogiyana

It is located on top of the ridge and is slightly upward to the Kimsar village. The landscape of this village is undulating with gentle slope. Spring is the main source of drinking and other allied need of the people of Yogiana. This is the only village in the Kimsar area, where people face acute shortage of water through out the year. The village has only one spring which is locate about 1 km distant from the village settlement. In the present study, only one spring has been identified and demarcated on the map for regular monitoring hydrological and water quality monitoring exercises. The total discharge from the spring located in the village was recorded about 43,200 LPD in September month. The details of spring of the yogiyana are as follows:

1. Yogiyana Dhara:

This spring is located on the southern slope from the village settlement. It is about 500 meters below the village settlement. Both kachcha and cemented stepped ways (pagdandi) has been constructed on highly steeped slope. It is only one of the important sources of water for the villagers; hence, the villagers for drinking and other domestic purposes have extensively used this spring water. All the water needs of the people of this village totally depend upon this spring. Spring discharge has been diverted into an enclosed cemented tank. A wide rectangular platform is made for bathing and washing clothes. The drain water is collected into a wide cemented tank for cattle drink. There is also a small changing room made for women. Discharge of this spring seems to be good and water flow through out the year with slight decreasing trends in summer.

Village Malla Banash

It is located on top of the ridge and is slightly downward to the Yogiyana village. The landscape of this village is almost flat as well as undulating with gentle slope. Spring is the main source of drinking and other allied need of the people of Malla Banas. Spring water is the main source of water for drinking and other domestic need of the people. There is a partial supply of pipe water is also available, but water supply through tap is not regular. The source of tap water is Chhimi Rao Gadhera. The village has four springs, which are located in about 1 km distant from the village settlement. In the present study, only two springs have been identified and demarcated on the map for regular monitoring hydrological and water quality monitoring exercises. Present study indicates this village has high potential of water both from springs and stream. The total discharge from the spring located in the village was recorded highest of about 4,46,400 LPD in September month only from its two springs. The details of spring of the Malla Banas are as follows:

1. Gudum Ka Pani dhara:

Gudum Ka Pani Dhara is a perennial spring and one of the important source of water for drinking and other allied need of the people. This spring is located on north-eastern slope the village settlement and is about 2oo meters below the Kimsar-Ganga Bhogpur road. A kachcha pagdandi has been made on gentle slope to reach the spring source. Spring discharge has been diverted into an architecturally designed animal mouth. A wide rectangular platform is made for bathing and washing clothes. The drain water is collected into a wide cemented tank for cattle drink. There is also a small changing room made for women. Spring discharge of this spring seems to be of moderate type but water flow through out the year with slight decreasing trends. Due to its close proximity to the village, the pilgrims and villagers extensively use the spring water.

2. Dhar Ka Pani:

Dhar Ka Pani is a perennial spring and one of the important sources of water for drinking and other allied need of the people. This spring is located on northwestern slope from the village settlement and is about 3oo meters below the Kimsar-Ganga Bhogpur road. A kachcha pagdandi has been made on a gentle slope to reach the spring source. Spring discharge from has been diverted into an enclosed cemented tank. A wide rectangular platform is made for bathing and washing clothes. The drain water is collected into a wide cemented tank for cattle drink. There is also a small changing room made for women. Spring discharge of this spring seems to be of large type and water flow through out the year with slight decreasing trends. Due to its close proximity to the village, the villagers extensively use the spring water.

Village Talla Banash

Compared to other villages of Kimsar Area, it is located on slightly lower reaches to the Malla Banas village. It is located on top of the ridge and is slightly downward to the Malla banas village. The landscape of this village is almost flat as well as undulating with gentle slope. Spring is the main source of drinking and other allied need of the people of Talla Banas. Spring water is the main source of water for drinking and other domestic need of the people. There is a partial supply of pipe water is also available, but water supply through tap is not regular. The source of tap water is Chhimi Rao Gadhera. The village has two springs that are  located  about 1 km distant from the village settlement. In the present study, only two springs have been identified and demarcated on the map for regular monitoring hydrological and water quality monitoring exercises. Present study indicates this village has high potential of water both from springs and stream. The total discharge from the spring located in the village was recorded as about 4,31,000 LPD in September month only from its two springs. The details of springs of the Malla Banas are as follows:

1. Keekar Pani Dhara:

Keeka pani dhara is a perennial spring and one of the important sources of water for drinking and other allied need of the people. This spring is located on northeastern slope from the village settlement and is about 6oo meters below the village. A pakka-cemented pagdandi has been made on highly steeped slope to reach the spring source. Spring discharge has been diverted into an enclosed cemented tank of about 10,000 liters. A wide rectangular platform is made for bathing and washing clothes. The drain water is collected into a wide cemented tank for cattle drink. There is also a small changing room made for women. Spring discharge of this spring seems to be of large type and water flow through out the year with slight decreasing trends.

2. Peepal Pani Dhara:

Peepal pani dhara is a perennial spring and one of the important sources of water for drinking and other allied need of the people. This spring is located on north-eastern slope from the village settlement and is about 5oo meters below from the village. A pakka cemented pagdandi has been made on highly steeped slope to reach the spring source. Previously spring discharge was diverted into an enclosed traditional tank of about 10,000 liters. After the damage of this tank, now the spring water diverted into an arctecturally designed opening. A wide rectangular platform is made for bathing and washing clothes. The drain water is collected into a wide cemented tank for cattle drink. There is also a small changing room made for women. Spring discharge of this spring seems to be of large type and water flow through out the year with slight decreasing trends.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

 In the present investigation on physico-chemical characteristics of water sources (Springs, Naula (Well) and streams) available in the Kimsar Area, were studied in details to know the quality of water from potability and public health point of view. Two set of monitoring (Sptember & November, 2009) was conducted of all the 22 sources of the area. The analytical results of different sources are presented in Table 13 & 14 respectively.

Conductivity & TDS:

The water’s conductance value provide good estimate of the total dissolved solid present in water. The determination of the electrical conductivity of the solution has proved to be of immense value in measuring the total amount of ionized on dissociate materials. Hence, measurement at specific conductivity has therefore, become an integral part of water quality monitoring programmes. It represents a summation of contribution from all the ions present and is, thus, readily related to total dissolved solids and is accepted as a letter indicator of water quality. A low conductvity is associated with fairly low value of TDS while high value at conductivity is  associated with high value of  TDS.

In the present study, the value of water conductance ranged from 0.055 u mho to 1.18 u mho. Low conductivity  in water was observed in the springs of Yogiyana, Bhumiyakisar, Talla Banas and Malla Banas villages while high conductvity was observed in the sample of Mathi Diggi & Riqwad springs (Dharkot), Nao Ka Pani & Yonkia Pani Dhara (Kimsar), Pani Ki Saar & Dariyal dhara of Ramjeewal village.
The value of total dissolved salts (TDS) ranged from 40 mg/l to 461 mg/l in various water samples analysed. Lowest value was recorded in the springs of Yogiyana, bhumiyakisar, Kandakhal and Budhdhan dahra of Ramjeewala villages, whereas higher value was observed in the samples of Gudum Ki Pani Dhara (Malla banas), Maththi Diggi (Dharkot) springs. From potablity point of view all the samples results were found well with in the permissible limit of BIS (1997) & WHO (1984), set for potablity and public health point of view.

Total Suspended Solids (TSS): It denotes the impurities present in water mainly in the form of organic matter. Higher the amount of suspended particles solid may influence bacterial contamination of water. According to Albaster (1972) concentration of suspended solids exceeding 100 mg/L are generally detrimental to potability of water. The value of suspended load in the present study was observed in most of the water samples beyond the prescribed limit set for drinking purpose by BIS (1997) and WHO (1984) standard. The value of TSS was ranged from 80 mg/l to 180 mg/l in the samples analysed. The lowest value was observed in Keekar Dhara, while highest value was observed in the samples of well water.

pH:

 PH is one of the important parameter in water quality monitoring as it governs most of the chemical reaction in water. At extremely high or low pH values, many plants, animals and other aquatic biota may die and may pose hazardous impact on human and animal health. pH is an important factor in water chemistry since it enters into the calculation of acidity and alkalinity. The factors that regulate pH of waters are numerous, some of them Co2 and carbonates. These factors rather than (H+) ions may be responsible for an animal reaction in particular medium.

The pH of the spring water in the present study was found to be slightly acidic to moderate alkaline throughout the study period. It ranged from 6.06 to 8.2. Samples of September month data showed acidic water when compared to the samples collected in November month when water pH showed slightly increased value. The average value of pH showed slightly acidic water in Gudum Ka Pani (Malla Banas), well water (Bhumiya kisar) and Chhimi Rao Gadhera near at Kandakhal villege. Moderate alkaline water was observed in Nao Ka pani & Dhar Ka Pani springs of Kimsar; Yogiyana, and the springs located in Ramjeewala village.
The spring water seems to have high buffering capacity as evidenced by pH fluctuations within a narrow range. In the present investigation pH values were recorded well within the permissible limit of BIS (1997) for drinking.
Calcium carbonate in solution is a good buffer system that can resist changes in pH but remain in solution when a certain amount of CO2 is present. Therefore, any process that utilizes FCO2 causes precipitation of CaCO3 from solution, espically when the HCO3 is available abundantly. In a solution HCO3 content is fixed by the pH of the given waters. The pH and alkalinity is therefore, control the activity of the CaCO3 and CaHCO3 in a steady state.

Total Hardness, Calcium and Magnesium:
The hardness of water is not a pollution indicator parameter but it indicates water quality mainly in terms of calcium and magnesium. Total hardness in the present investigation was ranged from 46.0 mg/l to 290 mg/l. On the basis of hardness, water may be classified soft to moderately hard water are present in Kimsar Area. Soft water was observed in the springs of Yogiyana, Chhimi Rao Stream at Kandakhal and well water of Bhumiyakisar village. Moderately hard water was observed at Dharkot, ramjeewala and Kimsar villages. Carbonates of calcium and magnesium in solution mainly contribute to the hardness of water although other iconic complexes in the form of sulphate, phosphates, chlorides etc. may also contribute to the total handless. Total hardness values in the present investigation were well within the permissible limits of BIS (1997) and WHO (1984) guidelines set for drinking purpose.

A wide variation in hardness, in general, indicates that its relationship with dissolution and weathering of rocks prevailing in the catchments areas. The value of water hardness with high concentration not only increases in pH but it also leads to precipitation of bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium as CaCO3.The formation of CaCO3 or MgCO3 is dependent upon the loss of CO3 from the CO2 - CO3--. Addition of FCO2 serves to produce carbonic acid, which dissociates and lowers the pH leading to acid condition. As far as magnesium content in the spring waters it is highly variable, ranging from mg/l. The figures obtained are well in line with the observation of the rivers draining the Garhwal Himalaya (Trivedy, 1988, Singh, 2004). Soil erosion and cutting of dolomite rocks may results in an increase in the magnesium content.

Sodium & Potassium: It is an accepted phenomenon that where potassium and sodium occur in  low concentration, the proportion of sodium is usually slightly greater than that of potassium; an as the total concentration of both increases the concentration of sodium greatly exceeds that of potassium (Reid and Wood, 1976). However, as potassium is most likely absorbed by soil colloids, its concentrations are low. Potassium is found to be released into solution by clay mineral weathering but is also an important nutrient. Potassium leaching from growing vegetation and decomposition of vegetal matter produce an increase in its content.
The value of sodium in the springs of Kimsar Area was observed as less than 12 mg/l. In some springs it was completely absent (Kimsar, Yogiyana) whereas higher value was recorded in Maththi Diggi, Riqwad (Dharkot), Siyar Ki Pani, Chhimi Rao (Kandakhal village).

The value of potassium ranged from 1.0 to 4.0 mg/l. Low value of potassium was observed in the springs of Yogiyana, and Bhumiyakisar vaillages, whereas, high potassium content was observed in Nao Ki Pani and Yonkiya Pani of Kimsar village, Dariyal Dhara of Ramjeewala village and Maththi Diggi of Dharkot village.

Bicarbonate, Carbonate and Total Alkalinity:
Both geo-chemical and geo-biological processes control the composition of natural waters. Geo-chemically, the water made corrosive by its acid content, mostly FCO2 brings about dissolution of rocks minerals. The pH of water therefore, is determined by a delicate balance between the acids (HCO3, CO3, OH) with negative charges and strong mineral base (Na, K, Ca and Mg) with net positive changes between the dissolution at weekly acidic FCO2 and basic rocks.

In the present investigation carbonate alkalinity was absent. Bicarbonate concentration ranged from 35 to 380 mg/l. Low value of alakalinity was observed in the springs of Yogiyan, Bhumiyakisar, moderate alkaline water at Kandakhal and Malla Banas springs, whereas higher alakalinity was observed in the springs of Dharkot, ramjeewala and Kimsar village. From potablity point of view all the samples results were found well with in the permissible limit of BIS (1997) & WHO (1984), set for potablity and public health point of view.

Chloride: The mineral NaCl occur widely and are easily dissolved among the halogens, chloride are most energetically stable and vary greatly from place to place. Temporal changes in the chloride content may be ascribed to reduce flow and relativity large amount to sewage waste and anthropogenic activities in the catchments areas as suggested by several workers (Bhatt et. al. 1991, Singh 2004). In natural fresh waters, high concentration of chlorides is considered to be an indicator of pollution due to organic wastes of animal origin. In the present study, the value of chloride was observed in very low amount. From potablity point of view all the samples results were found well with in the permissible limit of BIS (1997) & WHO (1984), set for potablity and public health point of view.

Nitrate & Phosphate:
Agricultural wastes are generally organic materials. They include crop residues, animals manure, poultry manure, and Agriculture wastes. The problem of soil erosion in the catchments area is also very high. Nitrate content in the spring sample were found less  than 5 mg/l and are well with in the permissible limit.
Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.):
The concentration of dissolved oxygen in an aquatic environment is a function of biological processes such as photosynthesis or respiration and physical process such as water movement and temperature. It does not have any direct bearing on health risks of human and other animals but can predict the health of the water quality of the system. In the present study, level of DO always touches 5.0 mg/L line which is essential for fish growth. It ranged from 5.2 mg/L to 8.4 mg/L.