Garhwal Himalaya Research Articles

Antimicrobial and Phytochemical screening of selected wild mushrooms naturally found in Garhwal Himalayan region, Uttarakhand, India

Antimicrobial and Phytochemical screening of selected wild mushrooms naturally found in Garhwal Himalayan region, Uttarakhand, India

Combining Ability for Growth, Yield and Related Traits In Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.) Under Subtropical Conditions of Garhwal Himalayas

To assess the combining ability for quantitative and qualitative traits in cucumber a full diallel set of 7 parents and their 42 F1’s was evaluated at Horticultural Research Centre, Department of Horticulture, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, India during 2015 and 2016. The mean sum of squares due to general combining ability (GCA) was of significant differences at 1 % level for almost all the characters. The variance due to specific combining ability (SCA) was found highly significant at 1 % level for almost all the characters. Results from general combining ability studies revealed that the parent, New Manipur-1 showed significant GCA effect in desired direction for maximum characters viz., length of vine, days to first fruit harvest and number of fruits per vine. The cross combinations, Seven Star x New Manipur-1 for length of vine, Swarna Purna x Seven Star for days to first fruit harvest; K-90 x Seven Star for number of fruits per vine and the cross PB-Naveen x Swarna Purna for total fruit yield per vine showed significant SCA effect in desired direction and found to be superior specific cross combinations. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(4): 1003-1010, 2021 (December)

Hydroclimate change in the Garhwal Himalaya, India at 4200\xa0yr BP coincident with the contraction of the Indus civilization

High-resolution analysis of a 3.80 m sediment core recovered from Deoria Tal, a mid-elevation lake located at 2393 m a.s.l. in the Garhwal Himalaya, documents long-term and abrupt hydroclimate fluctuations in northern India during the mid- to late Holocene. The sediment chronology, based on ten 14C dates, indicates the core spans 5200 years. Non-destructive, radiological imaging approaches (X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray imaging, and CT scans) were used to assess the response of the lake system to changing hydroclimatic conditions. Variations in elemental concentrations and sediment density evidenced notable hydroclimate change episodes centered at 4850, 4200, and 3100 cal yr BP. Elevated detrital input, greater sediment density, decreased lake ventilation, and lower autochthonous productivity reflects lake deepening between 4350 and 4200 cal yr BP. An abrupt shift in elemental concentrations and sediment density indicated the onset of lake drawdown at 4200 cal yr BP and a negative hydroclimate anomaly between 4200 and 4050 cal yr BP. Lower detrital flux, decreased sediment density, increased oxygenation, and higher autochthonous productivity, reflects a reduction in lake volume between 3200 and 3100 cal yr BP. The potential link between abrupt climate change at 4200 cal yr BP and the contraction of the Indus civilization is explored.

Changes in species composition of cyanobacterial and microalgal communities along a temperature gradient in Tapovan Hot Spring, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Changes in species composition of cyanobacterial and microalgal communities along a temperature gradient in Tapovan Hot Spring, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Necessity of Terrain Correction in Magnetotelluric Data Recorded from Garhwal Himalayan Region, India

The magnetotelluric (MT) method is one of the useful geophysical techniques to investigate deep crustal structures. However, in hilly terrains, e.g., the Garhwal Himalayan region, due to the highly undulating topography, MT responses are distorted. Such responses, if not corrected, may lead to the incorrect interpretation of geoelectric structures. In the present paper, we implemented terrain corrections in MT data recorded from the Garhwal Himalayan Corridor (GHC). We used AP3DMT, a 3D MT data modeling and inversion code written in the MATLAB environment. Terrain corrections in the MT impedance responses for 39 sites along the Roorkee–Gangotri profile in the period range of 0.01 s to 1000 s were first estimated using a synthetic model by recording the topography and locations of MT sites. Based on this study, we established the general character of the terrain and established where terrain corrections were necessary. The distortion introduced by topography was computed for each site using homogenous and heterogeneous models with actual topographic variations. Period-dependent, galvanic and inductive distortions were observed at different sites. We further applied terrain corrections to the real data recorded from the GHC. The corrected data were inverted, and the inverted model was compared with the corresponding inverted model obtained with uncorrected data. The modification in electrical resistivity features in the model obtained from the terrain-corrected response suggests the necessity of terrain correction in MT data recorded from the Himalayan region.

Benthic macroinvertebrates diversity and quality of water in first-order streams of Badiyar Gad, lesser Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

ABSTRACT First-order streams serve as a nursery of macroinvertebrates which act as secondary producers in the aquatic food chain and indicators of water quality. The present investigation conducted on three first-order streams of Badiyar Gad revealed Trichoptera to be the most diverse order followed by Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Odonata, Lepidoptera, Plecoptera, Hemiptera, Arhynchobdellida, and Decapoda, indicating good water quality for these streams. High density, diversity, and even distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates during the winter season indicated stable ecosystems and healthy water quality. The presence of 35 families and 52 genera indicates a good habitat with numerous ecological niches for the macroinvertebrates. Two genera Maruina and Neophylax were identified as unique in these streams. They have not been previously reported from the Garhwal Himalayan streams.

Assessment of water recharge source of geothermal systems in Garhwal Himalaya (India)

Assessment of water recharge source of geothermal systems in Garhwal Himalaya (India)

3-D seismic velocity structure of the Kumaun–Garhwal (Central) Himalaya: insight into the Main Himalayan Thrust and earthquake occurrence

SUMMARYObjective assessment of seismic hazard and understanding of the Himalayan arc's tectonics requires detailed information on the crustal structure and geometry of the underthrusting Indian Plate beneath the Himalaya. Here, we present high-resolution 3-D P-wave velocity (Vp) and P-to-S-wave velocity ratio (Vp/Vs) images of the Kumaun–Garhwal Himalaya, a proposed potential region for the future great earthquake. We generate these images by inverting arrival times of 515 local earthquakes recorded by 41 broad-band stations during November 2006–June 2008. The tomographic images show a heterogeneous structure in the upper-mid crust. These images, along with available geophysical and geological information, indicate the presence of quartz-rich felsic rocks in the uppermost crust and the occurrence of saline-rich aqueous fluid/partial melt in the upper-mid crust. We propose that the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT), having a flat-ramp-flat geometry, lies at the base of these fluid zones. The small- and moderate-to-strong-magnitude earthquakes are mainly confined to the fluid-rich zones along the MHT and quartz-rich rocks in the upper crust. Such an interpretation implies that the earthquake occurrence in the Kumaun–Garhwal Himalaya is largely controlled by the geometry of the MHT and crustal lithology.

Synergistic analysis of satellite, unmanned aerial vehicle, terrestrial laser scanner data and process-based modelling for understanding the dynamics and morphological changes around the snout of Gangotri Glacier, India

The glaciated areas of the Himalaya often experience mass movement, glacial lake outburst flood and other associated hazards, posing threat to the communities and infrastructure in the downstream areas. A large debris flow occurred during July 16–19, 2017 near the present snout of the Gangotri Glacier in the Garhwal Himalaya, India resulting in significant geomorphological changes in the vicinity. The present study assesses the applicability of multi-source remote sensing data from satellites, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) along with process-based modelling to understand and quantify glacier snout dynamics and morphological changes around Gangotri Glacier in the Garhwal Himalaya of India. We show that retreat rates of Gangotri Glacier snout along the lateral flowlines are (left flowline 29.6 m year−1; right flowline 60.5 m year−1) are significantly higher compared to the central flowline (18.2 m year−1) during 2010–2020 leading to total loss in glacial ice area of 0.11 ± 0.015 km2. The snout dynamics and evolution of the new channel from the terminus of the adjoining Meru Glacier, connecting the moraine-dammed glacial lake and the Bhagirathi River, suggest that retreat of the Gangotri Glacier, intense precipitation and excessive seepage from the glacial lake were the important drivers of the debris flow in July 2017. The accumulated debris occupied an area of ~0.25 km2 near the snout of the Gangotri Glacier and shifted Bhagirathi River by 36–200 ± 9.35 m towards northeast. The synergistic analysis of pre- and post-event satellite, UAV and TLS-based digital elevation models (DEMs) and satellite images indicate that about −8 ± 0.066 × 106 m3 of sediments were generated by the debris flow. The results from remote sensing data suggest that a significant portion (~60%) of the deposited debris has been transported to the downstream areas between July 16–19, 2017 and October 2, 2017. Regular monitoring of the area is recommended, especially in light of climate change using earth observation data and ground measurements. The multi-source integrated framework implemented in this study is generic and can be applied for any debris flow or landslide studies in glaciated terrain.

Extraction of Rhododendron arboreum Smith flowers from the forest for the livelihood and rural income in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Rhododendron arboreum locally known as ‘Burans', that bears magnificent flowers is one of the valuable non timber forest produces (NTFPs) in Garhwal Himalaya. These flowers are good source of income for local populace and help them to their subsistence up to some extent. R. arboreum flower can help local population to improve their livelihoods if potential harvesting is carried out sustainably. An attempt has been made to estimate the flower yield, examine extraction techniques, marketing trends and various uses of flowers. Stratified random sampling method was carried out in eight sites varying in altitudes and geographic locations. Flower yield kg/ha for each site was calculated as standard process. Questionnaire based survey was carried out in selected villages for flower extraction and marketing trends. Projections of potential (probable/-could generate) income were made and cost–benefit analysis was also estimated. Tree density of R. arboreum ranked first and Q. leucotrichophora had second rank while 16–25 cm cbh class tree density for R. arboreum was found highest across the sites. Flower yield was significantly (p < 0.001) higher at Khirsu site with 26–35 and 46–55 cm cbh class. There was positively significant correlation (n = 446, p < 0.001, r = 0.53) between flower yield and actual cbh. Flower yield has a direct relation with size of tree whereas yield has been less impacted by the sites. Average yield of flowers across the sites was about 25.3 ton/ha. On average 30% households are engaged in the extraction and trade activities with the extraction rate of 25–350 kg/household/year. A net household income of Rs. 6000–37,000 (89–545 USD) per year was computed from Rhododendron flower extraction and marketing business. The total monetary benefit was significantly higher than the inputs for all value added items on a per day basis. R. arboreum plays important role in ecological and economic sustainability of poor rural people and unemployed youths in Himalayan region. This can reduce unemployment through development of small cottage industry and entrepreneurship at village level by making different food products i.e. juice, squash, sauce and pickle etc.

A New Lichenicolous Fungus from Garhwal Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand, India

Sphinctrina pertusa Falswal A. is described as a new species of lichenicolous fungus from India. It is characterised by eight non-septate, broadly ellipsoidal, uniseriate, ascospores with olive green tint and irregular ridge like ornamentations. This fungus is growing on known lichen host Pertusaria but differs from five closely related species i.e., S. anglica, S. leucopoda, S. tubaeformis, S. turbinata, S. paramerae with different taxonomic characters. A detailed comparative analysis with non-septate closely related species is provided.

STRUCTURAL ATTRIBUTES, DIVERSITY AND MANAGEMENT OF SOME VAN PANCHAYAT FOREST STANDS OF GARHWAL HIMALAYA

Oak (Quercus oblongata) is an important component of mid-altitude ecosystem of the Central Himalaya which are exposed to over-exploitation making conditions favourable for the invasion by light-demanding conifers such as chirpine (Pinus roxburghii). The present study provides information on woody vegetation structure, composition, regeneration and management of four broadleaved forest stands of Garhwal Himalaya managed by Village Panchayat. Quercus oblongata was the most important and dominant species in all the stands. Although dominance was shared by a number of species, no single species was found to complete with this climax species. The presence of Alnus nepalensis (a nitrogen-fixing species) depicts the poor nitrogen status of these forest stands. High density values and low basal cover suggest that these community forest stands are younger than the natural oak reserve forests of the Central Himalaya. The richness index shows that the seedling strata are ecologically richer than the tree, sapling and/or shrub strata. High richness in the seedling strata is attributed to the low magnitude of biotic interferences in these communities based conserved forest stands. The regeneration potential of Quercus oblongata is much higher than the natural oak forests of Central Himalaya managed by the forest department. This supports the view that moderate disturbance regimes are more conducive to satisfactory regeneration of this species. Since the management of these forest stands is looked after by the Village Panchayat, they are introducing some conifers for their vested interests. This may add an additional competition of the broadleaved climax species with conifers as has been witnessed in most of the broadleaved oak forests of this altitudinal range.

Evaluation of background radiation level and excess lifetime cancer risk in Doon valley, Garhwal Himalaya

AbstractRadionuclides such as Ra-226, Th-232 &amp; K-40 occurs naturally in the earth crust from its creation and are main contributor to the dose received by human beings. The present study was carried-out in the Doon valley which is outlined in the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) region of Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India. The collected soil/rock samples were analyzed by NaI(Tl) Gamma ray spectrometry for the analysis of radionuclides and hence measuring the various health hazard indices and Excess lifetime cancer risk. Radionuclide (226Ra, 232Th &amp; 40K) content were found to vary from 47 ± 9 to 442 ± 50 Bq Kg−1, 45 ± 17 to 101 ± 16 Bq Kg−1 &amp; 320 ± 281 to 947 ± 197 Bq Kg−1 respectively and were higher than the world average values which are 35 Bq Kg−1, 30 Bq Kg−1 and 400 Bq Kg−1 respectively. Higher radionuclide content contributes to higher amount of absorbed doses which was found to vary from 93 to 259.6 ηGyh−1 with a mean value of 112.5 ηGyh−1 and Gamma index which found to vary from 0.73 to 1.92 with a mean value of 0.96. Lastly, on the basis of annual effective doses received to humanoid, Excess lifetime cancer risk was measured which varies from 0.48 × 10–3 to 1.34 × 10–3 with an average value of 0.65 × 10–3 and was much below the world’s average value of 1.45 × 10–3.

2D Electrical resistivity imaging for geothermal groundwater characterization and rejuvenation of the Gaurikund hot spring in the Main Central Thrust (MCT) zone of the Garhwal Himalaya, Uttrakhand, India

Gaurikund is a famous geothermal spring near the Kedarnath Dham in the central Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. During the Kedarnath Disaster in 2013, the thermal spring and most of the areas surrounding the Kedarnath temple lies ruined and covered by debris. In the present study, an effort has been made to image the debris covered source of the geothermal groundwater potential zones for rejuvenating the Gaurikund thermal spring and to understand the mechanism for enhancing the continuous recharge and flow of this hot spring. We have carried out hydrogeological measurements with these objectives at four locations (points 1–4). The obtained data indicates that spring water temperature varies from 35 to 58 °C and point-2 was observed to be the main source of the spring, situated adjacent to the Gauri Mata temple. Besides this, we performed 2D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) profile with different configurations in the vicinity of the spring along the right bank of the Mandakini River. ERI reveals two distinct low resistivity horizons with resistivity variation from 20 to 50 Ωm within the depth of 5–15 m. The low resistivity zones have been interpreted to be the thermal spring's potential source, which occurs either along the fractured zones with channelized groundwater flow or along highly weathered zones. The study suggests that the source of the Gaurikund hot spring is located in the hanging-wall of the Vaikrita Thrust, a northerly dipping major structural unit and weak zone that can play a significant role in reviving the Gaurikund geothermal spring.

Diversity and indigenous uses of medicinal plants in the Buakhal area of the Garhwal Himalayan range, India

ABSTRACT The Indian Himalayan belt is renowned for its diverse topographic and climatic conditions, acts as home to many rare, endemic, and endangered ethnomedicinal plants. The present study aimed to document the medicinal plants and their indigenous uses in the Buakhal area of Pauri Garhwal (Uttarakhand, India) through personal interactions with local villagers. This study resulted in the documentation of 100 plant species of medicinal importance belonging to 87 genera and 45 families. Among these, seven species were trees, 17 shrubs, 71 herbs, and five climbers. Using the whole plant body (30% spp.) for the herbal preparations in the studied area, followed by the use of the leaves (28% spp.) and roots (21% spp.). Among the recorded plant species, Begonia picta, Berberis aristata, Bergenia ciliata, Centella asiatica, Dicliptera bupleuroides, and Malaxis acuminata were the medicinal plant species frequently extracted (from wild) by the villagers. The local floral diversity is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, respiratory disorders, liver disorders, etc. However, important traditional knowledge and cultural practices are decreasing in the younger generation across the ethnic groups of the country due to modernization. The traditional knowledge and wisdom must be maintained and passed on to future generations.

Zircons from Collisional Granites, Garhwal Himalaya, NW India: U–Th–Pb Age, Geochemistry and Protolith Constraints

In the present work, we studied zircons from the less foliated granites of the Chail Group, which form a thrust sheet of the Lesser Himalayan Sequences, Garhwal region. Compositionally, these granites are S–type, formed in a collisional tectonic setting. Zircons possess an internal structure, mineral inclusions, and geochemical characteristics typical of magmatic origin. The U–Th–Pb geochronology and geochemistry were assessed using the laser ablation multi–collector inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) technique. U–Th–Pb isotope dating of zircons from two different samples revealed their age, estimated from the upper intersection of the discordia, to be 1845 ± 19 Ma. Zircons from one sample contained inherited cores belonging to three age groups: Paleoarchean (3.52 Ga), Neoarchean (2.78 Ga and 2.62 Ga), and Paleoproterozoic (2.1 Ga). Zircons with ages of 3.52, 2.62, and 2.1 Ga were interpreted as magmatic based on their geochemical characteristics. The 2.78 Ga core was interpreted as metamorphic. The observed inheritance is consistent with the melting of sedimentary rocks. The inherited zircons could have originated from Aravalli and Bundelkhand Craton and Paleoproterozoic Aravalli Fold Belt rocks. This confirms that the studied granites are S–type and could have been formed in a collisional environment at 1.85 Ga on the western flank of the Columbia Supercontinent.

Estimation of crustal deformation parameters and strain build-up in Northwest Himalaya using GNSS data measurements

GPS measurements have proved extremely useful in quantifying strain accumulation rate and assessing seismic hazard in a region. Continuous GPS measurements provide estimates of secular motion used to understand the earthquake and other geodynamic processes. GNSS stations extending from the South of India to the Higher Himalayan region have been used to quantify the strain build-up rate in Central India and the Himalayan region to assess the seismic hazard potential in this realm. Velocity solution has been determined after the application of Markov noise estimated from GPS time series data. The recorded GPS data are processed along with the closest International GNSS stations data for estimation of daily basis precise positioning. The baseline method has been used for the estimation of the linear strain rate between the two stations. Whereas the principal strain axes, maximum shear strain, rotation rate, and crustal shortening rate has been calculated through the site velocity using an independent approach; least-square inversion approach-based triangulation method. The strain rate analysis estimated by the triangulation approach exhibits a mean value of extension rate of 26.08 nano-strain/yr towards N131°, the compression rate of –25.38 nano-strain/yr towards N41°, maximum shear strain rate of 51.47 nano-strain/yr, dilation of –37.57 nano-strain/yr and rotation rate of 0.7°/Ma towards anti-clockwise. The computed strain rate from the Baseline method and the Triangulation method reports an extensive compression rate that gradually increases from the Indo-Gangetic Plain in South to Higher Himalaya in North. The slip deficit rate between India and Eurasia Plate in Kumaun Garhwal Himalaya has been computed as 18±1.5 mm/yr based on elastic dislocation theory. Thus, in this study, present-day surface deformation rate and interseismic strain accumulation rate in the Himalayan region and the Central Indian region have been estimated for seismic hazard analysis using continuous GPS measurements.

Tectonic discontinuity, partial melting and exhumation in the Garhwal Himalaya (Northwest India): Constrains from spatial and temporal pressure-temperature conditions along the Bhagirathi valley

The pattern and timing of tectonic discontinuity and partial melting in the Garhwal Himalaya, resulting from the India–Asia collision, are crucial factors for understanding the evolution of the Himalayan orogen, but these parameters remain poorly constrained. Middle- to high-grade metamorphic rocks from the Main Central Thrust (MCT) zone and the High Himalaya Crystalline Sequence (HHCS) along the Bhagirathi valley in northwest India have been investigated in this study. The primary mineral assemblage of the gneisses and migmatites in the HHCS is garnet + biotite + white mica + quartz + kyanite + rutile ± ilmenite ± sillimanite. The metamorphic grade at thermal peak rapidly increases upwards across the MCT from garnet schists (515–550 °C, 8–9 kbar) in the footwall to garnet-bearing migmatite (705–735 °C, 10–13 kbar) in the hanging wall. The P–T condition decreased upwards in kyanite gneiss of the lower HHCS (690 °C, 8.3 kbar), yielding a high field pressure gradient near the MCT. The prominent metamorphic discontinuity could have been caused by the southward extrusion of the HHCS along with the MCT. The base of the HHCS experienced high-grade metamorphism at 38–25 Ma, mainly at 31.9 ± 0.5 Ma. The new data, combined with previous studies, suggest that the prominent metamorphic discontinuity is characterized by the different periods of peak metamorphism and the overprint in the hanging wall (Eocene–Oligocene metamorphism and Early Miocene overprint) and footwall (Early Miocene metamorphism and Late Miocene to Pliocene overprint) of the MCT. The second metamorphic discontinuity occurred near the migmatite zone in the lower-middle HHCS, which experienced the anatexis (690–740 °C, 7–9 kbar) at 37–25 Ma, mainly at 33.9 ± 1.2 Ma. The Bhagirathi HHCS experienced a regional Barrovian-type Eohimalayan metamorphism associated with fluid-present melting of muscovite + plagioclase + quartz + H2O → melt ± kyanite at 34–32 Ma without a strong Miocene overprint. The period of partial melting is significantly older than the intrusion of ca. 22 Ma Early Miocene Gangotri leucogranites at the top of the HHCS. Protracted periods of crystallization (38–22 Ma) indicate a long duration of more than ca. 15 Myr of anatexis, from initiation of migmatization to pluton formation in the Bhagirathi HHCS. The protracted fluid-present melting and subsequent rapid exhumation in the Bhagirathi HHCS could be associated with heterogeneous extrusion forming the tectonic discontinuity in the lower-middle HHCS. The metamorphic grade decreased towards the upper HHCS (620 °C, 6.5 kbar) across the Jhala Normal Fault where occurs in the right-way-up sequence. On the other hand, in the central Himalaya, the thrusting occurred between upper HHCS and lower-middle HHCS in the inverted metamorphic sequence. The Early Miocene migmatites in the footwall of the significant tectonic discontinuity are dominant, and diachronous extrusion accompanied with the fluid-absent melting reactions is the common mechanism to exhume the HHCS, unlike the heterogeneous extrusion in the northwest Himalaya.

Multiple genes confer anthracnose resistance in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) accessions of Garhwal Himalayas

Multiple genes confer anthracnose resistance in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) accessions of Garhwal Himalayas

Relationship between macrobenthos and abiotic characteristics of river Alaknanda in a stretch from Chamoli to Devprayag in Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India

Macrobenthos is the best water quality indicator for ecosystem health assessment. The present study aimed to examine the interrelationship between macrobenthos and different water quality parameters of the river Alaknanda at Garhwal Himalaya. Four demarcated sampling zones viz. zone-A (Chamoli to Nandprayag), zone-B (Karanprayag to Rudraprayag), zone-C (Rudraprayag to Srinagar) and zone-D (Srinagar to Devprayag) were taken from its approximately 170 km long stretch during 2016-2018. River water characteristics were analyzed for the important parameters viz. substratum, water temperature (WT), water velocity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) using standard methods. The results indicated that the river water velocity was the highest 1.02 m/s at zone-C, TDS of 114.19 mgl-1 was maximum at zone-A ; and Ca and Mg were recorded highest 23.17 mgl-1 and 5.44 mgl-1 at zone-A and zone-B, respectively. All abiotic parameters (pH, EC, TDS, DO, Ca and Mg) were recorded to be below BIS/WHO limits. A total of 27 macrobenthos taxa belonging to the five orders such as Coleoptera (6 ind./m2), Diptera (5 ind./m2), Ephemeroptera (8 ind./m2), Hemiptera (4 ind./m2), and Odonata (4 ind./m2) were recorded. Macrobenthos represented an important relationship between the water current and water temperature. The lowest number was reported at zone-C due to the river's high water velocity (1.02 m/s). The changes like biota loss, presence of some pollution indicator species (Cloeon sp., Bateis sp., Emphemera sp.) at zone-C, in sediment structure of habitat were due to the anthropogenic activities on the riverbank of different zones. The study will help in the conservation of macrobenthos diversity of the river Alaknanda.