Fishery Potential of the Most Polluted River of India: Kolong River, Nagaon, Assam, India

Abstract

According to Indian Yogic concept, human body is made up of five elements – air, water, fire, earth and space. Water is vital for the survival of many small and big living creatures of mother nature. Great civilizations flourished on the banks of rivers. The Kolong river, which was once a vibrant river, has transformed into the most polluted river, due to anthropogenic activities. The present work needs much attention, as even Central Pollution Control Board (2013) listed the Kolong river among 71 most polluted rivers of India. It is very important to scrutinize the water quality and ecological health of the river by analyzing the fishery potential along with recent hydrochemistry of the river. The study has been undertaken in four sites – Samoguri, Nagaon town, Jagi-bhakatgaon and Kajalimukh (Mayong), respectively in pre- monsoon, monsoon, retreating monsoon and winter from the period of July 2021 to July 2022. Fish samples were collected through experimental fishing methods and with the help of fishermen. Physico-chemical parameters were analyzed as per guidelines of APHA (American Public Health Association), 2017. The study revealed the presence of 40 different species belonging to 32 genera and 19 families of fishes. The river is the habitat of 2 critically endangered, 2 endangered and 3 near threatened fish species. Analysis of physico-chemical parameters revealed that the water quality of the river is very poor in the urban site, due to anthropogenic activities. Literatures are very scanty regarding the fishery potential of the river. Therefore, the present study will highlight the measures of control of pollution, thus improving ecological health of the river. The study recommends the minimization of pollution caused by anthropogenic activities to revive the ecological health of the river.