Pauri Garhwal Research Articles

Vegetable Pea (Pisum Sativum) under Agroforestry could be a Viable Agroforestry Model in Hilly Region of Uttarakhand

Modern Concepts & Developments in Agronomy Vegetable Pea (Pisum Sativum) under Agroforestry could be a Viable Agroforestry Model in Hilly Region of Uttarakhand Naveen Tariyal* College of Forestry Ranichauri, India *Corresponding author:Naveen Tariyal, College of Forestry Ranichauri, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India Submission: November 16, 2022;Published: November 25, 2022 DOI: 10.31031/MCDA.2022.12.000777 ISSN 2637-7659Volume12 Issue 1

Current status of trachoma in India: Results from the National Trachoma Prevalence Survey.

In the mid-twentieth century, trachoma was endemic in the northwestern states of India. We aimed to generate recent estimates of prevalence of trachomatous inflammation, follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in ten suspected-endemic districts across seven previously hyper-endemic states and union territories for trachoma in India including Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Population-based prevalence surveys were undertaken in 10 districts. In each of those districts, two-stage cluster sampling was used to select a sample of 2000 children aged 1-9 years and all adults aged ≥15 years in the enumerated households from a total of 20 clusters per district. Consenting eligible participants were examined for trachoma by trained ophthalmologists using the World Health Organization's simplified grading system. Data were analyzed at the district level. A total of 13,802 households were surveyed in which 19,662 children were examined for TF and 44,135 adults aged ≥15 years were examined for TT. District-level TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds ranged from 0.1% in Bikaner (95% CI: 0.01-0.3) to 2.1% in Dholpur (95% CI: 1.6-2.8) and that of trichiasis ranged from 0.7 per 1000 in Pauri Garhwal (95% CI: 0.01-1.4) to 22.1 per 1000 (95% CI: 15.8-28.4) in Car Nicobar. In four districts (Car Nicobar, Dholpur, Hoshiarpur, Tonk), trichiasis prevalence in adults aged ≥15 years was ≥0.2%. TF was not a public health problem in any of the districts surveyed; thus, antibiotic mass drug administration is not needed. However, TT among adults was found to be above 0.2% in four districts; thus, further trichiasis surgery interventions at the public health level are warranted to achieve elimination. These findings will facilitate planning for elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in India.

Big Data Analysis Framework for Water Quality Indicators with Assimilation of IoT and ML

According to the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goal ‘6’ seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water for all. Digital technologies, such as big data, Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning (ML) have a significant role and capability to meet the goal. Water quality analysis in any region is critical to identify and understand the standard of water quality and the quality of water is analyzed based on water quality parameters (WQP). Currently, water pollution and the scarcity of water are two major concerns in the region of Uttarakhand, and the analysis of water before it is supplied for human consumption has gained attention. In this study, a big data analytics framework is proposed to analyze the water quality parameters of 13 districts of Uttarakhand and find the correlation among the parameters with the assimilation of IoT and ML. During the analysis, statistical and fractal methods are implemented to understand the anomalies between the water quality parameters in 13 districts of Uttarakhand. The variation in WQP is analyzed using a random forest (RF) model, and the dataset is segmented location wise and the mean, mode, standard deviation, median, kurtosis, and skewness of time series datasets are examined. The mean of the parameters is adjusted with the coefficient of variation based on the standard values of each parameter. The turbidity in almost all the experimental sites has a normal distribution, with the lowest mean value (0.352 mg/L) and highest (11.9 mg/L) in the Pauri Garhwal and Almora districts, respectively. The pH of the water samples is observed to be in the standard range in all the experimental sites, with average and median values being nearly identical, at 7.189 and 7.20, respectively. However, the pH mode is 0.25. The Cl− concentration varies with mean values from the lowest (0.46 mg/L) to the highest (35.2 mg/L) over the experimental sites, i.e., the Bageshwar and Rudraprayag districts, respectively. Based on the analysis, it was concluded that the water samples were found to be safe to drink and in healthy condition in almost all the districts of the state Uttarakhand, except for the Haridwar district, where some increase in contaminants was observed.

Avian Diversity and Their Feeding Guild Structure in Temperate Forests of Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

The study on avian diversity and their feeding guild structure with relation to their habitat use in temperate forest of district Pauri Garhwal was carried out between April 2015 to March 2017. Lines transect and direct visual methods were used to record the bird species diversity, their feeding habit and habitats. Frequent surveys were made in the study area and birds were counted. During the study period, a total of 152 species of birds belonging to 9 order and 43 families were recorded. The highest diversity index was recorded at Kandoliya (H¯= 3.98±0.06) and Adwani was recorded with minimum diversity (H¯= 3.34±0.08). The average bird diversity index at all sites was recorded as (H¯= 3.57±0.11). Further, on the basis of their feeding guilds the recorded birds were categorized into the six major categories such as insectivore (55.92%), omnivore (13.81%), grainivores (5.92%), carnivore (9.21%), nectarivorous (1.31), frugivore (5.92%) and 7.91% species remained unidentified. The insectivore guild was dominant in all the guild structures.

A Geographical Study of Rural Out migration and Demographic Changes in Hilly State Uttarakhand

Migration and demographic changes are the major concerns of population geography. However, in other social disciplines, different aspects of migration and demographic changes are studied based on the subject's basic principles. The present study examines linkages between rural out-migration and demographic patterns (changes) in Himalayan State Uttarakhand where subsistence agriculture constitutes the main source of food and rural livelihoods although the availability of arable land is severely limited and crop productivity is very low. The constraints of the subsistence economy and basic facilities compel a large proportion of the adult male population to out migrate from the mountain region in search of livelihoods, employment and basic requirements. Hilly region of Uttarakhand has approximately 48% population with 86.08 km2 geographical area while 52 % population of the State resides in very low geographical area which is 13.93 km2.Also, the lack of basic facilities (communication, transportation, healthcare facilities, educational and recreational facilities), changing climatic conditions and natural disasters are becoming the major reasons for outbound migration of the rural working population. As per an analysis, the rate of population growth in 11 districts of the State has rapidly increased while two regions Pauri Garhwal and Almora have noted a negative decadal growth, with Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh having the highest number of uninhabited villages in Uttarakhand. Generally, negative growth affects growth, the demographic composition and population distribution as well as social, cultural and economic activities.

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.

Land Use Land Cover Analysis using Geospatial Techniques

Abstract: Remote sensing and Geographic information system (GIS) techniques can be used for the changing pattern of landscape. The study was conducted in Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal Districts of Uttarakhand State, India. In order to understand dynamics of landscape and to examine changes in the land use/cover due to anthropogenic activities, two satellite images (Landsat 5 and Landsat 8) for 1998 and 2020 were used. Google Earth Engine was used to perform supervised classification. Spectral indices (NDVI, MNDWI, SAVI, NDBI) were calculated in order to identify land cover classes. Both 1998 and 2020 satellite images were classified broadly into six classes namely agriculture, built-up, dense forest, open forest, scrub and waterbody. Using high resolution google earth satellite images and visual interpretation, overall accuracy assessment was performed. For land cover/use change analysis, these images were imported to GIS platform. Landscape configuration was observed by calculating various landscape metrices Images. It was observed that scrub land area had increased from 11 % to 14 % but a decrease in agriculture by 4.65 %. The increased value of NP, PD, PLAND, LPI and decrease in AI landscape indices shows that land fragmentation had increased since 1998. The most fragmented classes were scrub (PD - 3.32 to 5.18) and open forest (PD - 3.57 to 5.07). Decrease in AI for open forest, agriculture, built-up indicated that more fragmented patches of these classes were present. The result confirmed increase in the fragmentation of landscape from 1998 onwards. Keywords: GIS, LULC, landscape metrics, Remote Sensing

Pattern of skin disorders in hilly district of Pauri Garhwal with their dermoscopic findings: an epidemiological study

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The pattern of skin disorders is largely affected by climate, geography, occupation, socio-economic status, nutrition, genetics and habits of the community. Nowadays, dermoscope is being increasingly used as a non-invasive aid in diagnosis of various skin disorders. Objective of the study was to study the etiology, distribution and dermoscopic findings of various skin disorders in 5 remote villages of hilly district of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand over a period of 1 month (April 2021).</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The study was conducted as a weekly OPD in 5 villages of Hilly district of Pauri over a period of 1 month with free consultation and medications. Details of patients, their complaints, clinical diagnosis and dermoscopic findings were recorded.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Overall, allergic/irritant dermatitis were found to be most common (30%) followed by infective disorders (27.25%), photodermatitis (20.2%), inflammatory disorders (4.3%), miscellaneous disorders (LSC, stasis dermatitis, pityriasis rosea, others) up to 9.5% and viral exanthematous rash possibly COVID-19 associated in 8.62% cases. Most common dermoscopic finding of allergic/irritant dermatitis were red dots (92%), in photodermatitis were brown dots (82.09%) and viral exanthem was diffuse erythema (100%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Hilly areas contribute to a large burden of dermatological disorders which needs to be catered too. With the help of this knowledge, we can plan appropriate range of health services to meet the patient’s needs in hilly regions.</p>

The Development of Spondee Word in Garhwali Language

Background: Garhwali is spoken by people in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, and Haridwar districts of Uttarakhand, India. Aims and Objectives: The present study focused on the development of spondee words in Garhwali language. Materials and Methods: The final spondee word list included 50 words. A total of 30 adults were participated in the present study. The test started with obtaining thresholds of AC and BC between the frequencies 250 and 8 KHz of the individual. Results: The mean pure tone average for frequencies 500 Hz, 1 KHz, 2 KHz, and 4 KHz was 10.46 dBHL, then the spondee word list was presented at the level of 20 dBSL. The speech recognition threshold (SRT) mean threshold was 11 dBHL. Conclusion: This study provided evidence on the quality of being especially suitable for paired words for testing SRT in Garhwali people. This test material can be used in selecting appropriate rehabilitative options and also to measure the efficacy of different rehabilitative devices.

Variation in specific gravity and carbon proportion of agroforestry tree species of Himalaya

Country-specific emission factors for the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector are important for the national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. Carbon stocks of trees outside forests (TOF) and agroforestry is lacking due to the unavailability of wood density and carbon fraction of various tree species. The present study is an attempt to provide estimates of wood specific gravity (WSG) and carbon content (CC) in agroforestry tree species being cultivated by farmers in Garhwal Himalaya, India for precise estimation of biomass carbon of TOF and agroforestry. A total of 160 quadrats were laid randomly in agroforestry farms to represent the area of Pauri Garhwal and Rudraprayag districts of Garhwal Himalaya. A minimum of ten matured individuals for all 33 important agroforestry species including fruit trees were randomly selected from the quadrats. Minimum ten wood samples for each species were collected at 1.37 m height from ground for each individual. The samples were wood cores to the pith and were extracted from trees circumference using an increment borer for estimation of WSG and CC. The WSG of Carica papaya was minimum to the tune of 0.16 g cm−3 and maximum for Quercus leucotrichophora with 0.81 g cm−3. The carbon content varied from 36.37% for Carica papaya to 46.52% for Pinus roxburghii. The results of the present study differed from the earlier reports for other locations suggesting the importance of developing data set on WSG and CC for precise estimation of biomass carbon stock. The estimates of WSG and CC of agroforestry tree species would complement and improve the accuracy of national GHG inventory reporting in India for tree cover. Moreover, the accurate evaluation of carbon stock would be the enabling factor for the formulation of suitable policies and programmes for forest conservation, and sustainable rural livelihood through land use based adaptation and mitigation option.

Out-migration in Uttarakhand Himalaya: its types, reasons, and consequences

This study examines the types, reasons, and consequences of out-migration in the Uttarakhand Himalaya. Data were collected from secondary sources, mainly from an interim report on the status of migration in revenue villages of Uttarakhand, published by the ‘Rural Development and Migration Commission, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand’ in 2018. The district-wise analysis was carried out on the types of migration, reasons for migration, age-wise migration, the destination of migrants, and migration’s consequences in terms of depopulation in rural areas. Further, a case study of a village was carried out. The study reveals that in three districts – Pauri, Tehri, and Almora, more than 10% population out-migrated after 2011. Similarly, an exodus migration took place from more than 10% of villages of the same districts. This study further shows that migration is mainly internal – from the mountainous districts to urban centers, within the districts or within the state. About 734 villages are depopulated, and in 367 villages, the population has decreased by more than 50%. Unemployment is the major problem in rural areas as more than 50% of out-migration occurred for employment.

Application of standardized precipitation index for monitoring meteorological drought and wet conditions in Garhwal region (Uttarakhand)

Drought is one of the most important environmental problems affecting the planet. The identification, characterization, and monitoring of droughts are of great importance for optimal planning and management of water resources. In this research, meteorological drought and wet conditions and their probabilities were analyzed at Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi stations located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand State (India) by employing the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). The SPI was computed on the multi-time scale (i.e., 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24) corresponding to SPI-1, SPI-3, SPI-6, SPI-9, SPI-12, and SPI-24 by using available monthly rainfall data at study stations. The evaluation of results exposed that there are 69%, 68%, 69%, 71%, 68%, 72%, and 70% chances (probability) of the normal condition (NC) at Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi stations, respectively. The chances of occurrence of moderate drought (MD) and wet (MW) conditions were relatively more at all the study stations, except the Pauri Garhwal (extreme wet (EW) = 0.55) and Tehri Garhwal (extreme drought (ED) = 0.36 and 0.31). Accordingly, the results of this study are exploited in such a way to harvest the excess water during the wet periods and utilize the same in drought periods for drinking, household activities, irrigation, etc. in the study region.

Biomass loss in village ecosystems in Western Himalaya due to wild monkey interactions: A case study

Conservation faces the challenge of reconciling human activities with the simultaneous presence of wildlife in cultivated landscapes. In a study carried out in two villages of Pauri Garhwal, Western Himalaya, an attempt was made to estimate biomass and associated carbon loss due to removal of agroforestry tree species to reduce human-animal interactions. The results revealed that tree removal caused substantial biomass loss (7.370–2.444 t ha−1) and carbon loss (3.444–15.137 t ha−1) in the village of Manjgaon and Mald Bada, respectively. This indicates a need for protection of existing forests and for tree planting through reforestation and afforestation, as a measure to support food stock for monkeys in their natural habitats and to enhance carbon sequestration capacity. The success of these management practices will depend on the potential to minimise human-animal interactions, especially at the fringes of village communities and agricultural landscapes.

Biodiversity and monthly density fluctuations of water mites in Khankra gad, a spring-fed tributary of river Alaknanda, Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand, India

Hydrachnidia is an important group of aquatic invertebrates. They play an important role in regulating other invertebrate populations, thus influencing the composition and functionality of river ecosystems. The present study aims to assess the habitat ecology, density and diversity of aquatic mites in the Khankra gad, Rudraprayag district for a period of two year on a monthly basis, from July 2018 to June 2020. The Khankra gad is a perennial spring-fed stream originating from the Bansoun peak in district-Rudraprayag of Garhwal Himalaya (800 m asl). A total of 2537 Hydrachnidia samples were collected, belonging to 6 families viz, Torrenticolidae, Sperchontidae, Feltriidae, Hygrobatidae, Lebertiidae and Aturidae. Sperchontidae, Torrenticolidae and Hygrobatidae were the common families recorded in both spots, whereas Feltriidae was recorded in Spot-1, Lebertiidae and Aturidae were recorded in Spot-2. The highest numbers (1842) of Hydrachnidia were collected from Spot-2. A total of 19 aquatic mite species were recorded in Spot-1 and 25 species in Spot-2 throughout the study period. Aquatic mites showed maximum density (177 units.m-2 in Spot-1 and 274units.m-2 in Spot-2) in December and minimum (11 units.m-2 in Spot-1 and 17 units.m-2 in Spot-2) in July. Various ecological parameters of our study indicated that Khankra gad is a good habitat for aquatic mites.

Prediction of Multi-Scalar Standardized Precipitation Index by Using Artificial Intelligence and Regression Models

Accurate monitoring and forecasting of drought are crucial. They play a vital role in the optimal functioning of irrigation systems, risk management, drought readiness, and alleviation. In this work, Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, comprising Multi-layer Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN) and Co-Active Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (CANFIS), and regression, model including Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), were investigated for multi-scalar Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) prediction in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand State, India. The SPI was computed on six different scales, i.e., 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, and 24-month, by deploying monthly rainfall information of available years. The significant lags as inputs for the MLPNN, CANFIS, and MLR models were obtained by utilizing Partial Autocorrelation Function (PACF) with a significant level equal to 5% for SPI-1, SPI-3, SPI-6, SPI-9, SPI-12, and SPI-24. The predicted multi-scalar SPI values utilizing the MLPNN, CANFIS, and MLR models were compared with calculated SPI of multi-time scales through different performance evaluation indicators and visual interpretation. The appraisals of results indicated that CANFIS performance was more reliable for drought prediction at Dehradun (3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month scales), Chamoli and Tehri Garhwal (1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month scales), Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal (1-, 3-, 6-, and 9-month scales), Rudraprayag (1-, 3-, and 6-month scales), and Uttarkashi (3-month scale) stations. The MLPNN model was best at Dehradun (1- and 24- month scales), Tehri Garhwal and Chamoli (24-month scale), Haridwar (12- and 24-month scales), Pauri Garhwal (12-month scale), Rudraprayag (9-, 12-, and 24-month), and Uttarkashi (1- and 6-month scales) stations, while the MLR model was found to be optimal at Pauri Garhwal (24-month scale) and Uttarkashi (9-, 12-, and 24-month scales) stations. Furthermore, the modeling approach can foster a straightforward and trustworthy expert intelligent mechanism for projecting multi-scalar SPI and decision making for remedial arrangements to tackle meteorological drought at the stations under study.

Distribution Pattern of Ichthyofaunal Diversity in Different Habitats in the First-, Second- and Third-Order Streams of Randi Gad from Garhwal Himalaya, India

The present study was undertaken to report the ichthyofaunal diversity on spring-fed hill stream Randi Gad from Pauri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand, India. In this work, the author proposed one novel approach, viz. stream order-wise study of distribution and diversity of fish fauna from Garhwal Himalaya, India. A total of 121 fish species including 4, 12 and 22 fish species were collected from first-, second- and third-order streams of Randi Gad. The ichthyofaunal biodiversity observed belonged to 4 families, 10 genera and 22 species. The first-order stream had shown minimum diversity (4 species) and fish productivity of 07CPPs. The second-order stream showed productivity of 24CPPs (12 species). The third-order stream was the most diverse (22 species) and showed fish productivity of 38 CPPs (calculated productivity points system). Thus, the spring-fed hill stream Randi Gad has good potential for fish fauna.

Avian Diversity of Oak Mixed Forest in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India

The avian diversity of Oak mixed forest in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand was studied during October 2019 to March 2020. Two strands of oak mixed forest located at different sites at 29º 22’-29º 75’ North and 78º, 10’ -78º,80’ East (1750 masl) were selected. Regular field survey was carried out during the morning and evening hours at each site. A total of 63 species of birds belonging to 07 orders and 31 families were recorded. The average bird diversity index H ¯was 3.202. The species richness was observed around 7.27 and species evenness was 0.72. The highest number of species was recorded at Ransi Oak mixed forest (63) and lowest number of bird species were recorded in Teka Oak mixed forest (60).

Traditional Use of Wild Medicinal Plants By The Folklore of Garhwal Himalaya: A Case Study From Jaiharikhal Block in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Himalaya is a treasure of wild medicinal plants which are traditionally used by the folklore since ancient times when there were no medical facility by and large. This knowledge was initially restricted to some vaidyas in the region but with the passage of time it was inseminated to others specially the credit goes to researchers at various level who ventured in to this knowledge and any how brought it in the form of literature. This contribution is also an attempt by the authors to gather information from rural folk of Jaiharikhal block in District Pauri Garhwal and to present it before scientific community. The information was collected using combined approach of observation, discussion with common habitants and experts, and was further checked for an accuracy using the available literature. A total of 46 Wild-Edible medicinal plants were noted belonging to 34 families and 41genus. Different plant parts, such as wood oil, resin, latex, roots, root bark, tubers, Rhizomes, stems, bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, hairs on pods, Bulb, fruiting body, fruits and whole plant etc were used by the native communities for the treatment of various ailments.

Fish fauna of Uttarakhand, India: Present status, Diversity and Conservation

Extensive Ichthyofaunal survey of various water resources of Uttarkhand was carried out for the period of more than 15 years (2004-2019). The main objective of this paper is to know the district wise status, distribution and to recommend the strategy for the conservation and management of fishes of the state, so that clear-cut idea could be drawn, for further research and policy planning. In the present paper a total of 132 species of fish belonging to 67 genera, 27 families and 8 orders have been reported. The district wise distribution of fish represented a maximum of 101 species from Nainital, followed by 81 species from Dehradun, 75 species from Haridwar, 73 species from Udham Singh Nagar, 59 species from Pauri Garhwal, 37 species from Rudrapryag, 36 species from Almora, 35 species from Chamoli, 34 species from Bageshwar, while 32 species from Pithoragarh and Champawat and 29 species each from Uttarkashi and Tehri Garhwal. Besides these 10 species (7.5%) are in the category of Endangered, while 10 species (7.5%) are exotic in nature and 11 species (8.3%) are endemic to the Uttarakhand state. On the basis of fish catch the dominant species in upper region (hill area) are Schizothoracine species (which forms appox. 60% of fish catch) and in the plains dominant species are Barilius species (which forms 40% of fish catch) etc. Besides this after the careful observation and constant monitoring, some major factors responsible for the depletion of fish resources were listed out which include over exploitation of fish resources, lack of fish policy/laws, deforestation, destruction of spawning ground, shrinkage of water bodies, pollution/weed infestation in water bodies, introduction of exotic fish, construction of dams (which effect fish migration) and lack of awareness among masses. Moreover, the conservation and management strategy for fish has also been discussed in detail.

Maturation Biology and Spawning Ethos of A Hillstream Loach Lepidocephalus Guntea (Ham-Buch) From River Mandal, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

The paper deals with studies on maturation biology and spawning behaviour of an important hill stream loach Lepidocephalus guntea (Ham-Buch) from river Mandal in District Pauri Garhwal Uttarakhand. It was observed that there was a continuous growth of ova throughout the year. Seven maturity stages in the fish were observed with single mode each month. Gonado-somatic index (GSI) and Dobriyal Index (DI) were calculated to find out the month of peak maturity, spawning frequency and spawning season. It was confirmed by tabulation of fishes in different maturity stages each month and also by physical observations in the field. It was concluded that June was the month of peak maturity and spawning takes place during July- August. Rare spawning was seen even in First week of September. Size at first maturity was 60-61 mm.