Physico-Chemical and bacteriological, Environmental Study of District Muzaffarabad after Earthquake 2005: A Case Study

Abstract

t: The present study was carried out in Muzaffarabad District, where a magnitude of 7.6 earthquakes hit the Himalayan region of northern Pakistan and Kashmir in 2005.The epicenter of seismic tremor was found in the region of 19 km north upper east of the city of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu Kashmir. The earthquake, along with immeasurable human loss, changed socio-economic, demographic and environmental conditions in the area. Present study was conducted in 2015 to compare the pre and post-earthquake water quality of the area. A significant change was observed in pH, TDS and E.coliafter earthquake. pH, TDS and E.coli were found increased as compared to pre earthquake data. The water was found polluted and unfit for drinking due to microbial contamination. Damaged building materials and debris of earthquake 2005 was found lying in rivers. There was no proper sewerage system .It is recommended that the best environmental protection policies should be made with the integration of all the departments in order to avoid gaps, overlaps and inefficiencies.