Assessing Physical Parameters of Khadakwasla Reservoir for Mahseer Fish Conservation or "Integrated Approach to Mahseer Fish Conservation: Analyzing Environmental Variables in Khadakwasla Reservoir"

The Mahseer fish, a renowned game fish species Cooke et al. (2016), is facing significant population declines and reduction in size due to various anthropogenic activities such as unregulated fishing, pollution, and dam construction. As a result, this species is currently classified as threatened due to a continuing decline in its overall population. In order to address this issue, Khadakwasla, a village located approximately 20km from Pune, was selected as a potential site for Mahseer fish conservation due to the presence of a dam built on the Mutha river, which is a major water source for the city of Pune.

To assess the suitability of Khadakwasla reservoir for Mahseer fish conservation, four sampling stations were selected, and water samples were collected monthly over a period of eighteen months from the surface, middle, and bottom layers of the water. The data analysis indicated that the atmospheric and water temperature variations observed during the study period generally followed the climatic conditions of the region. Additionally, Secchi-disc-transparency was observed to be lower during the rainy season and higher during the summer months. The pH value ranged between 7.3-8.5, indicating moderate fluctuations during the study period, with values observed being on the alkaline side and not showing any wide range of fluctuation.

Overall, the physical parameters observed during the study period suggest that Khadakwasla reservoir provides favourable conditions for the conservation of the threatened Mahseer fish. The reservoir is also monitored and managed by the Maharashtra government, making it an ideal site for the conservation of this species. It is worth noting that Mahseer fish are not only valued for their high food value but also for their cultural and religious significance throughout South and Southeast Asia Pinder et al. [1], emphasizing the importance of conserving this iconic species.