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An increase in the human population, urbanization, industrialization, infrastructural development, and current agricultural practices acts as major factors leading to the decline of the groundwater table in the region. The present study analyzes the noticeable effect of anthropogenic pressure on the groundwater table in the Bist-Doab region in Punjab, India, from 1996 to 2016. Statistical techniques, viz., Mann-Kendall Z statistics and Sen's slope, were used to estimate the water table decline in the area. The results indicate that there was a slight increase in the groundwater table in the Kandi belt of Siwalik foothills and south-western parts of the region. In the rest of the areas, a significant declining trend was observed in the groundwater table. The decline in the water table ranged from 56 to 149 cm per year in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons due to increasing in rice cultivated area, which is an alarming situation in the aquifer system of the region. Hence, to reduce the further decline of the groundwater table, water management practices need to be encouraged in the region. There is requiring immediate attention to change the present land-use/cover practices and to grow less water-consuming crops instead of high water-consuming crops to reduce the pressure on groundwater.

While determining the quality of water for any water body, low, medium and high values of a parameter stand out to be a very important reference. Moreover, these values are used to decide various design parameters based on scientific aspects and its real applications around the world. In this research, determination of trend of water quality (WQ) status for Bhagirathi River was carried out at two sites, Uttarkashi and Tehri station (Tehri Zero point), for 18 WQ parameters and discharges. Preliminary analysis reveals that all parameter concentrations are below the standard permissible limit. No significant correlation was observed between any parameter with respect to discharge; however, out of 18 parameters, 14 were showing negative correlation indicating groundwater source and geological origin. Moreover, a strong correlation was found between 11 parameters at both sites. Seasonal Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope method have been used to detect trend and to quantify its magnitude. Increasing trend in the concentration of 7 WQ parameters (Q, EC, K+, Na+, SO4 2-, BOD and Na%) was observed while decreasing trend was observed for 8 parameters (TA, Ca2+, HCO3 -, Mg2+, NO2 + NO3, o-PO4 3-, DO and TH). Overall, WQ of Bhagirathi River was found to be good and hence is suitable for drinking and life-supporting activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]