POLLUTANTS AND AVAILABILITY OF FISHES IN RIVER JHELUM, KASHMIR

Abstract

Kashmir Valley is well known for its water resources.  However these water bodies are facing grave pollution problems. One of the most critical problems of developing countries is improper management of vast amount of wastes generated by various anthropogenic activities. More challenging is the unsafe disposal of these wastes into the ambient environment. The main river of Kashmir known as river Jhelum has been subjected over the years to tremendous pressure due to discharge of untreated sewage from the surrounding human habitation, runoff from the surrounding agricultural fields including paddy fields, floating gardens, residues of pesticides and impartment insecticides. Water bodies especially freshwater reservoirs are the most affected. This has often rendered these natural resources unsuitable for both primary and secondary usage. This study is concerned with the evaluation of pollution influence on fish diversity status and establishing relation between fish diversity and environmental quality.