Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Groundwater in Varanasi City, Uttar Pradesh, India

By : V.K. Rai , Rajpriya

Page No: 57-72

Abstract
Groundwater is a lifeline for the people of Varanasi, providing drinking water and supporting daily needs. However, increasing urbanisation, industrial activities, and poor waste management have raised concerns about its quality. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched in 2014, is one of India’s largest sanitation drives, targeting open defecation, waste mismanagement, and poor hygiene practices. By expanding toilet coverage, improving sewage systems, and reducing unscientific waste disposal, SBM has indirectly influenced groundwater quality by minimising leachate infiltration and pathogen entry into aquifers. This study assesses the spatial and chemical characteristics of groundwater in Varanasi using 23 samples tested for parameters such as pH, TDS, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, F⁻, and Fe²⁺. Results show that while most parameters remain within permissible limits, iron and nitrate contamination are notable in specific pockets. GIS-based mapping highlights localised risks, providing crucial insights for urban planners. The findings demonstrate that sanitation initiatives, when integrated with water management strategies, can play a vital role in sustaining groundwater quality. Protecting Varanasi’s aquifers is essential for the well-being of its residents, and this study emphasises the need for continuous monitoring, sustainable management, and stronger linkages between sanitation and groundwater policies.

Author:
Prof. V.K. Rai, ICSSR Senior Fellow, Department of Geography, Institute of Science, B.H.U.
Dr. Rajpriya, ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Geography, Institute of Science, B.H.U
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/ATNAGI.2026.46.01.4