River Water Quality Assessment and Public Health Risks in Jammu and Kashmir: A Review

Water contamination is an escalating global public health concern, driven by rapid population growth, industrial activities, and weak environmental governance. This review critically examines the quality of river water in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India, with a focus on five major river basins: Chenab, Jhelum, Neeru, Munawar Tawi, and Tawi. The study synthesizes data from 2010 to 2024, obtained from peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and non-governmental organizations, to identify key pollutants, their sources, and associated health risks. The study reveals that high levels of microbial contamination, including total coliforms, faecal coliforms, faecal strepto cocci, and clostridium perfringens, were found, particularly in the Tawi river. Water quality index (WQI) assessments indicate that the tawi river exhibits the poorest water quality, while the neeru river shows the quality of water. Additionally, heavy metals such as iron, nickel, and manganese were found at concentrations exceeding both national and WHO standards for drinking water in several rivers. Risk evaluations using hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) suggest potential health hazards due to chronic exposure to these contaminants. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive water quality monitoring, effective pollution control measures, and sustainable water management strategies to ensure safe drinking water and protect public health in the region.