Groundwater Health in Ujjain City: Evaluating Seasonal Vulnerability and the Need for Sustainable Management Strategies

Environmental Science

Groundwater Health in Ujjain City: Evaluating Seasonal Vulnerability and the Need for Sustainable Management Strategies

Authors
Ishvar Sharma, Harish Vyas and DM kumawat
Published in
Vol 2, Issue 1, 2026

Abstract

This study evaluates the groundwater quality across Wards 1 to 25 of Ujjain city, Madhya Pradesh, situated on the Malwa Plateau. Conducted during 2022–2023, the research monitored seasonal variations in domestic water sources, including handpumps, dug wells, and tubewells. Sampling was performed across three distinct periods: pre-monsoon, mid-monsoon, and post-monsoon to capture temporal fluctuations. Using standard APHA guidelines, samples were analyzed for key physico-chemical parameters, including pH, EC, TDS, DO, BOD, and hardness. Results revealed significant spatio-temporal variations, with pre-monsoon samples showing elevated TDS and hardness due to limited recharge. Conversely, mid- and post-monsoon periods exhibited dilution effects from rainfall. The findings highlight the dual impact of natural processes and anthropogenic activities on urban aquifers. This research provides a critical baseline for groundwater health in Ujjain, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable water management strategies to safeguard public health and resource longevity.