CHEMICALS USE IN TEA GARDENS AND ITS EFFECT ON POTABLE WATER SOURCES IN GOHPUR SUBDIVISION, SONITPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM, INDIA

Abstract

The paper highlights the effect of water pollution in Tea Garden areas of Gohpur Sub-division, Sonitpur district, Assam. . Different types of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, weedicides are used in Tea Garden areas. These chemicals are deteriorating the drinking water sources for human consumption. Chemicals are vital resource for healthy production of crops. The state of Assam is the World’s largest Tea growing region by production. Huge amount of chemicals are used for high yield in Tea Gardens, but its contamination with water resources are often ignored. In this study, we collected 12 different drinking water samples from 6 Tea Gardens in different spots of Gohpur Sub-division, Sonitpur district, Assam. From analysis, it is observed that potable water quality is not as good as WHO limit.