Diversity of Fish Species and Physico-Chemical Assessment of Ghunghutta Reservoir, Chhattisgarh, India
Paritosh Shrivastava
Department of Aquaculture, SAGE University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Rakhi Das *
Department of Aquaculture, SAGE University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive ecological assessment of Ghunghutta Reservoir in Surguja District, Chhattisgarh, India. The reservoir exhibited alkaline, moderately hard water with pronounced seasonal variations driven by monsoon patterns. Water quality analysis revealed adequate dissolved oxygen levels for fisheries; however, elevated Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, high monsoon turbidity, and increased phosphate concentrations indicated moderate organic pollution and progressive eutrophication.The reservoir demonstrated notable biodiversity, supporting 19 fish species belonging five orders, with Cyprinidae representing the dominant family. The fish assemblage included several conservation-priority species (Catlacatla, Notopterusnotopterus, and Clariasbatrachus) classified as vulnerable or endangered. Fish diversity indices indicated moderate richness with relatively balanced species distribution. Aquatic vegetation comprised 17 macrophyte species, dominated by eutrophication indicators including Azollasp, Typhasp, and Phragmites sp, corroborating water quality findings. Plankton communities were primarily represented by Chlorophyceae and Rotifera taxa. Multiple anthropogenic stressors were identified as key drivers of ecosystem degradation: domestic sewage discharge, agricultural runoff, livestock impacts, industrial contamination (including documented lead pollution), sedimentation, and biological invasions by Cyprinus carpio and Oreochromis mossambicus. The assessment characterizes Ghunghutta Reservoir as an ecologically stressed system requiring immediate intervention. Management recommendations emphasize integrated watershed approaches, enhanced pollution control measures, habitat restoration initiatives, sustainable fisheries practices, invasive species management, and community-based conservation strategies to ensure long-term ecosystem viability and resilience.
Keywords: Ghunghuttareservoir, fish diversity, water quality, reservoir ecology