Author(s): E. J. James
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The short and steep rivers of the Malabar Coast (India) drain to the estuarine systems which face severe salinity intrusion and pollution problems during summer months. Most of the thickly populated areas in the coastal belt depend on the water supply schemes situated in the lower reaches of these rivers. Agriculturists in the lowland also use river water for irrigating paddy. Because of new water conservation and development schemes upstream, fresh water flow to the tidal streams has considerably decreased, caus ing problems to proper flushing of the estuaries. From the studies carried out in the Beypore estuary near Calicut, it is found that the salinity propagates to a distance of about 24 km from the mouth of the estuary and that the tidal flushing is not effective, resulting in severe pollution problems. The studies have been useful in understanding the dynamics of the estuary with special reference to salinity intrusion, pollution dispersion and tidal flushing. The results are expected to help in future planning and proper management of similar water bodies in the region.
Year: 1989