Seasonal assessment of Water Quality Index of Upper Lake Bhopal

Upper Lake (Bhojtal) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the largest man-made lakes in India and serves as a major source of drinking water for the city. Rapid urbanization, sewage inflow, anthropogenic pressure, and climate variability have significantly affected the lake’s water quality. The present study evaluates the Water Quality Index (WQI) of Upper Lake using physicochemical parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, alkalinity, and nitrate were considered for WQI assessment. The findings revealed significant seasonal fluctuations in water quality. The highest WQI values were observed during summer, indicating comparatively poor water quality due to evaporation, concentration of dissolved solids, and anthropogenic stress. Monsoon season showed comparatively improved water quality because of dilution effects caused by rainfall. The overall WQI values indicated that the lake water ranged from low to medium polluted across different seasons. The study highlights the growing environmental pressure on Upper Lake and emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, sustainable management practices, and pollution control measures.