Jhelum River Research Articles

Unveiling the potential of parasites as proxy bioindicators for water quality assessment in river Jhelum Kashmir, India.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of deteriorated physicochemical conditions in the river Jhelum on parasitic infestations and to investigate the potential of fish parasites as bioindicators of water quality. All the physicochemical parameters exhibited statistically significant differences based on both site and season (p < 0.01).The interaction term (Site × Season) was also kept in the model since it was statistically significant (p < 0.01). A parasitological survey of 360 schizothoracine fish revealed a 30.3% prevalence (109/360) of endohelminth infection. The study identified four predominant parasitic taxa across two distinct classes: Cestoda, including Adenoscolex oreini and Schyzocotyle acheilognathi, and Acanthocephala, comprising Pomphorhynchus kashmirensis and Neoechinorhynchus manasbalensis. For the assessment of parasitic load, we calculated the prevalence, mean intensity, mean abundance, and index ofinfection for each sampling period. Correspondence analysis identified associations between parasite occurrence and specific water quality parameters. Regression analysis, including R2 and p values, demonstrated a positive correlation between the number of parasites and both the proportion of infected fish and the ratio of infected to examined fish. Given that parasitic load is significantly influenced by a range of water quality parameters, fish parasites can serve as a robust indicator of declining water quality. Fish parasites are highly sensitive to water quality changes such as pollutants, toxins, and fluctuations in pH, temperature, and oxygen levels. Deteriorating water quality can stress fish, compromising their immune systems and increasing their susceptibility to parasitic infections. Additionally, complex life cycles of parasites can be disrupted by poor water conditions, making them indicators of water quality issues.

Physiological traits and population dynamics of Schizothorax niger (Heckel, 1838): Insights from Dal Lake and the Jhelum River, Kashmir, Himalayan region.

This study examines the physicochemical characteristics, morphometric features, biometric growth parameters, biological indices, physiological parameters, and biochemical profiles of Schizothorax niger population. The physicochemical analysis revealed a maximum temperature of 12.93 ± 1.33°C and hardness of 156.53 ± 12.82 mg/L in Dal Lake, whereas the Jhelum River had a minimum level of 10.94 ± 1.12°C temperature and 128.31 ± 11.62 mg/L of hardness. Dal Lake had a neutral pH (7.5 ± 0.2) and lower dissolved oxygen (6.8 ± 0.4 mg/L) compared to the Jhelum River (pH 7.2 ± 0.3; dissolved oxygen 7.5 ± 0.5 mg/L). Morphometric analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in fish length (Dal Lake: 18.4 ± 2.1 cm; the Jhelum River: 21.0 ± 1.8 cm) and weight (Dal Lake: 74.5 ± 9.8 g; the Jhelum River: 92.2 ± 7.4 g) between the sites. Biometric growth parameters demonstrated a positive allometric growth pattern, with Dal Lake having a steeper slope (b = 3.15) than the Jhelum River (b = 2.98). Biological indices revealed gender-based variations in the gonado-somatic index (GSI) and hepato-somatic index (HSI), with GSI being higher in Dal Lake (0.21 ± 0.02) and HSI in the Jhelum River (1.04 ± 0.09). Haematological and biochemical analyses showed significant differences in parameters such as haematocrit (Dal Lake: 29.2 ± 2.1%; the Jhelum River: 32.4 ± 1.8%), glucose (Dal Lake: 85.3 ± 5.4 mg/dL; the Jhelum River: 68.1 ± 4.2 mg/dL), and total protein (Dal Lake: 6.2 ± 0.4 g/dL; the Jhelum River: 5.8 ± 0.3 g/dL) between sites. These findings provide valuable insights into the physiological traits and population dynamics of S. niger, informing species-specific conservation strategies and ecosystem management practices.

Quantitative Analysis of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) Changes on the Hydrological Behavior of the Jhelum River Basin: North-West Himalayas, Kashmir

Quantitative Analysis of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) Changes on the Hydrological Behavior of the Jhelum River Basin: North-West Himalayas, Kashmir

Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Labeo rohita and Mystus seenghala from Jhelum River, Punjab, Pakistan

The bioaccumulation of trace elements and heavy metals in aquatic organisms is a critical environmental concern due to its potential impact on ecosystem health and human safety. This study investigated the level of trace elements and heavy metals bioaccumulation in Labeo rohita and Mystus seenghala from the River Jhelum in the district Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan. The concentration of calcium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, zinc, chromium, manganese, cobalt, and lead in the gills, liver, and muscle tissues of these fish was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Then, the extent of contamination and its possible health risks were assayed. Our findings indicate significant variations in the elemental and metal concentrations among different organs and between species, reflecting their diverse feeding habits and habitats. The health risk assessment based on the estimated daily intake, estimated weekly intake, maximum permissible intake, target hazard quotient, hazard index or total target hazard quotient, health risk index, and target cancer risk revealed potential risks to human consumers of these fish. This study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, as new data and insights are crucial for understanding and mitigating these risks. Strict regulatory measures are also necessary to safeguard public health and preserve the ecosystem of Jhelum River.

Economic assessment and sustainable management of artisanal fisheries: Insights from River Jhelum, Kashmir, India

This study was conducted to comprehensively assess artisanal fishers’ economic and financial viability, relying heavily on a shared resource, namely the River Jhelum. Employing a proportional multi-stage stratified sampling approach, a total of 200 fishers were interviewed across six districts in Kashmir, covering the entire length of the river. The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.1, coupled with a positive Net Present Value (NPV), underscores the economic profitability of artisanal fisheries. Constraint analysis highlighted that fishermen express substantial concerns regarding the ongoing decline in both catch and the composition (Garret score: 83) of native fish species, particularly Schizothorax, and pollution in the river (Garret score: 73). Considering the perspectives of all stakeholders, it becomes evident that comprehensive sustainability measures are imperative. To achieve this, multiple stakeholders must collaborate and establish a unified administrative body, solely dedicated to the protection of riverine resources. In addition to implementing a two-month fishing ban and modifying the licensing policy, maintaining a detailed record of daily fish catches, including both biological and economic data, at each fishing site is also crucial. Such actions will facilitate the implementation of optimal exploitation levels for this invaluable inland water resource. Keywords: Constraint analysis, Economic performance, Financial feasibility, Net present value, Schizothorax, Sustainability

Evaluation of probability distribution methods for flood frequency analysis in the Jhelum Basin of North-Western Himalayas, India

The Kashmir Valley has frequently endured devastating floods, presenting significant challenges for flood management due to unpredictable flood magnitudes and limited pre-disaster preparedness. A major difficulty in addressing these challenges is the lack of reliable flood frequency analysis (FFA) for effective planning and mitigation. This study seeks to overcome these issues by employing a rigorous quantitative analysis of annual peak discharge data over a 51-year period (1971–2021). One key challenge was the presence of low outliers, which could compromise the integrity of the data. To address this, the Multiple Grubbs-Beck test was applied to remove these outliers before conducting FFA. The study's original achievement lies in its application of multiple distribution models which include Gumbel (EV1), Generalized Extreme Variations (GEV), Log-Normal, Log Pearson III (LP III), Gamma and Normal distribution. Goodness-of-fit tests, including Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS), Anderson-Darling (AD), and Chi-square at the 5 % significance level, along with visualization techniques such as Probability plots (PP), Quantile plots (QQ), and Probabilistic distribution (PD) graphs, were used to identify the most suitable distribution methods. The Log Pearson Type III (LP-III) was identified as the best fit for the Sangam gauge site (Upper Jhelum), the gamma distribution for Ram Munshibagh (Middle Jhelum), and the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) and LP-III for Asham (Lower Jhelum). For Sangam, the estimated discharges for 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250-year return periods were 549.63, 1028.43, 1471.34, 2907.64, 3758.92, 4338.61, 4790.99, and 5167.23 cumecs, respectively, using LP-III. For Ram Munshibagh, the discharges were 602.13, 911.03, 1107.04, 1512.12, 1674.35, 1767.0, 1831.87, and 1881.74 cumecs using the gamma distribution. For Asham, the discharges were 685.8, 998.0, 1193.3, 1593.2, 1750.6, 1839.4, 1901.0, and 1948.0 cumecs using the GEV distribution. The findings indicate that the Jhelum River cannot accommodate excess discharge for return periods of 5 years or more, underscoring the need for enhanced flood management strategies.

Stabilization of Dredged Soil by Compensating the Sand Content in the Jhelum River

River dredging is crucial for mitigating the risk of floods by enhancing the water-carrying capacity of rivers. Nevertheless, the key difficulty lies in the appropriate disposal of dredged material, resulting in escalated costs. Predominantly consisting of silt, the dredged material demonstrates constrained bearing capacity and strength. Nonetheless, there is a prospect to derive value from excavated sediments, with potential applications in diverse public works projects. The processed product derived from dredged material can serve diverse purposes, such as filling railway and highway embankments, as well as the subgrade of pavements. The comprehensive study involved analyzing the fundamental properties of the dredged material collected from the Allochibagh flood channel of the Jhelum River. The analysis focused on determining the basic geotechnical properties of the soil mass. The tests unveiled the fine and cohesive nature of the dredged soil. To enhance its properties, sand was introduced as a stabilizing agent in varying proportions. The investigation revealed an initial augmentation in compressive strength as the proportion of sand increased, attaining an optimal mixture whereafter the strength declined. This study explores the utilization of sand as a stabilizing agent for dredged soil to enhance its strength and optimize its application. The process of stabilizing dredged soil with sand demands a thorough examination of hydrogeological processes, the specific characteristics of the dredged soil, and the intricate transport of contaminants. This formal and multidisciplinary effort seeks to elevate the overall stability of the soil.

Qualitative analysis of rivers sand sources (Silica sand, Ravi river sand, Indus river sand, and Jhelum river sand) for metal casting: a comparative study

Abstract Recent geological investigations revealed extensive use of Silica sand in Pakistan resulting in depletion of tectonic resources. Hence, it is important to explore cost-effective and alternative sources of sand for its applications. Also, Pakistan has a river network that provides river sand as a potential substitute for Silica sand. However, it is essential to systematically study and assess the potential applicability of river sand as an alternative to Silica sand. In this context, this study examined sand samples collected from various rivers in Pakistan to investigate their suitability for metal-casting molds. For that purpose, random samples were selected from major rivers in Pakistan for characterization by utilizing chemical composition analysis, microscopy, XRD, TGA-DSC (thermogravimetric analysis), clay content analysis, grain size distribution analysis, pH measurement, green and dry compression strength testing, shear strength testing, permeability analysis, shatter index analysis, compactibility testing, and Specific gravity measurement. The chemical composition analysis revealed that all types of sands contained over 90% SiO2 content. The mechanical tests demonstrated that river sand exhibited acceptable mechanical properties, with a moisture content ranging from 4.5-5%. The pH value of all the sands exceeded 7, making them suitable for casting purposes. These investigations suggest that river sand can be effectively utilized in casting applications by implementing pre-processing techniques and incorporating additives.

Flood susceptibility assessment of Jhelum River Basin: A comparative study of TOPSIS, VIKOR and EDAS methods

Floods are frequent natural hazards that cause widespread destruction, particularly in low-elevated areas. This study focuses on identifying flood susceptible zones in the Kashmir Valley, known for historical flooding attributed to the overflow of the Jhelum River. Various Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques, including Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacijai Compromission Resenje (VIKOR), and Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS), were employed in this research. A total of 17 multidimensional factors were considered, and multicollinearity tests revealed no correlation among these factors. The results of the MCDM models indicate that areas along the Jhelum River are classified under very high flood susceptible zone. Specifically, Srinagar city is consistently classified under very high flood susceptible zone by all three models. Approximately 4.27 %, 9.67 %, and 5.39 % of the total area were identified as very high susceptible areas by TOPSIS, VIKOR, and EDAS, respectively. The models exhibited robust performance, as evidenced by the Area Under the Curve of the Receiver Operating Characteristics curve (AUC-ROC). Notably, VIKOR demonstrated excellent performance among the three models in generating flood susceptible maps. The favorable outcomes of these models underscore their potential application in similar regions facing comparable challenges. This study carries significant implications for policymakers, administrators, and local authorities involved in flood management within the Kashmir Valley. The insights provided can inform proactive measures and strategies to mitigate the impact of floods and enhance the overall resilience of the region.

Beyond the banks and deluge: understanding riverscape, flood vulnerability, and responses in kashmir

AbstractFlooding in Kashmir results from a complex interplay of physical, sociopolitical, and economic factors, which presents a severe environmental challenge. The intricate interplay between the Jhelum’s riverscape, social interactions, and economic factors is profoundly shaped by the persistent problem of flooding and its associated vulnerabilities. In this study, we examine the vulnerability of Kashmir to flooding and provide a comprehensive assessment of the recent floods. The purpose of this vulnerability assessment is to delve into these intricacies and offer deeper understanding of flood vulnerability in Kashmir. We explore the concept of riverscape in the context of the Jhelum River to encompass a holistic view of the river, understanding its physical features and socio-economic aspects, and examining the spatial and temporal dynamics of river ecosystems. This study analyses the spatial distribution of the inundated population, rainfall and hydrological analysis, flood gauge analysis of the Jhelum River, hydrological trends, and annual peak discharge at key discharge stations from 2003 to 2023. We analyse the policy landscape, social capital, and responses to recent flooding and provide a historical analysis of these policies. Using a mixed methods approach of qualitative as well as remote sensing methods to analyse recent flooding in Kashmir, we assessed the impact of flooding on population and LULC. We analyse how marginalised communities, lacking essential services and resources, disproportionately bear the brunt of these floods.

Spatial distribution of physicochemical parameters and drinking and irrigation water quality indices in the Jhelum River, Pakistan.

Sustainable management of river systems is a serious concern, requiring vigilant monitoring of water contamination levels that could potentially threaten the ecological community. This study focused on the evaluation of water quality in the Jhelum River (JR), Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and northern Punjab, Pakistan. To achieve this, 60 water samples were collected from various points within the JR Basin (JRB) and subjected to a comprehensive analysis of their physicochemical parameters. The study findings indicated that the concentrations of physicochemical parameters in the JRB water remained within safety thresholds for both drinking and irrigation water, as established by the World Health Organization and Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency. These physicochemical parameters refer to various chemical and physical characteristics of the water that can have implications for both human health (drinking water) and agricultural practices (irrigation water). The spatial variations throughout the river course distinguished between the upstream, midstream, and downstream sections. Specifically, the downstream section exhibited significantly higher values for physicochemical parameters and a broader range, highlighting a substantial decline in its quality. Significant disparities in mean values and ranges were evident, particularly in the case of nitrates and total dissolved solids, when the downstream section was compared with its upstream and midstream counterparts. These variations indicated a deteriorating downstream water quality profile, which is likely attributable to a combination of geological and anthropogenic influences. Despite the observed deterioration in the downstream water quality, this study underscores that the JRB within the upper Indus Basin remains safe and suitable for domestic and agricultural purposes. The JRB was evaluated for various irrigation water quality indices. The principal component analysis conducted in this study revealed distinct covariance patterns among water quality variables, with the first five components explaining approximately 79% of the total variance. Recommending the continued utilization of the JRB for irrigation, we advocate for the preservation and enhancement of water quality in the downstream regions.

English

The present study is to understand how climatic variables such as precipitation and temperature vary over time and how those changes affect stream flow in the Jhelum River basin in Pakistan under different emission scenarios A2 and B2. The simulation results of HadCM3 were employed to create potential climate change scenarios with the Statistically Downscale Model (SDSM). The calibrated model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to forecast imminent stream flow to develop a proposed future climate change scenario. Results indicated that cooling patterns were identified in the north portion of the study area whereas warming patterns were detected in the south portion. The projected mean annual maximum temperature (Tmax) of 2020’s 2050’s and 2080’s would be 0.3 oC, 0.8 oC, and 0.99 oC, respectively, under the A2 scenario. The changes in mean annual minimum temperature (Tmin) were also observed as it would be 0.4 oC, 0.7 oC, and 1.4 oC during 2020’s (2021-2040), 2050’s (2041-2070) and 2080’s (2071-2100), respectively. Similarly, it was observed that average annual rainfall would rise by 14%, 10%, and 20% during the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, respectively, in the Mangla basin. The results showed an increase in annual stream flows of 100% (1545 m3/sec), with increases in the winter and autumn seasons of up to 409% and 211%, respectively, and a drop in the spring and summer seasons of up to 29% and 25%, respectively, in the 2080’s compared to baseline. Water managers should consider the current trends and variability brought on by climate change to improve water management where water is scarce.

Environmental assessment of Vaishav stream: a left bank tributary of river Jhelum in Kashmir Himalaya, India

The present study was carried out to assess the environmental impact including water quality parameters of Vaishav stream, one of the left bank tributary of river Jhelum. A detail study of the selected sites was undertaken for the sampling, keeping in mind the topography of the stream i.e. elevations, fast flowing areas, slow zones as well as human interferences. Three sites were selected for study purpose and samples were collected on monthly basis. A total number of 15 parameters were analyzed. Some of the parameters like temperature, pH, TDS, conductivity and 14dissolved oxygen were assessed on spot at sampling sites, while rest of parameters were determined in the laboratory by standard titration methods (APHC 2012). Low DO and higher concentration of pH, CO2, total alkalinity, hardness and nitrate, sulphate, was found at downstream site-III compared to upstream site-I, showing low concentration of these parameters except DO. WQI value varied from 41.50 to177.70 minimum at site-I and maximum at site-III. To quantify the association and co-relationship among various physico-chemical variables, correlation test (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) was carried out. Pearson’s test showed that significant positive correlation exists between pH with total hardness (r= 0.833, p&lt;0.05). The electrical conductivity showed significant positive correlation with TDS (r=1.00, p&lt;0.05), total hardness (r=.897, p&lt;0.05) and sulphate (r=.917, p&lt;0.05). The nitrate shows significant positive correlation with sulphate (r=0.947, p&lt;0.05). The DO shows negative correlation with water temperature (r=-0.396, p&lt;0.05), total alkalinity (r =-0.843, p&lt;0.05) and sulphate (r=-0.902, p&lt;0.05) respectively. Results of ANOVA showed significant level of spatial and temporal variations on the concentrations of water quality parameters (P&lt;0.05, Turkey’s Post Hoc Test) across months at all sampling sites. Therefore, further research is needed to explore the ecological effects of these variations and develop strategies for sustainable water resource management to support ecologists, limnologists, policymakers and other stakeholders in developing long-term management programs and conservation strategies for water resources.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of stable isotopes of different water sources in western Himalayas: Insights into regional hydrological processes

The spatiotemporal variations in stable isotope ratios are primarily related to atmospheric moisture transport. However, the isotopic composition of stream water is significantly influenced by the diverse landscape of glaciated and snow-dominated basins. The present study investigates the spatiotemporal variation of the isotopic composition of stream water and potential water sources such as rain, snowmelt, glacier melt, lakes, and groundwater in the Upper Jhelum River Basin (UJRB). Our findings reveal that the significant seasonal variability of precipitation is mainly associated with the transition between westerlies (WDs) and the Indian Southwest Monsoon (ISWM), each conveying distinct moisture to the UJRB. The isotopic signature in rain is actively controlled by the combined effect of temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) during WDs. However, the impact of “amount effect” with lower condensation temperature is dominant during the latter half of ISWM. Seasonal variations in δ18O and d-excess in stream water are distinct, influenced by different contributing sources and topographic controls. A linear relationship is observed between δ18O vs. altitude and glacier area ratio (GAR). Lower δ18O in stream water and higher d-excess values are observed in the southwest at higher elevations in glacier-fed tributaries. On the northern side, higher δ18O in stream water indicates contributions from non-glacier fed tributaries and enhanced groundwater contributions rather than merely following the lower δ18O of precipitation along the strengthened WDs gradient. The δ18O isotopic lapse rate (ILR) of rain (−0.19‰/100 m) is higher compared to ILR for the river (−0.05‰/100 m), reflecting the mixing of water sources in river water. However, both are lower than the global average (−0.28‰/100 m). This study helps in understanding the influence of meteorological, topographic factors, and other water sources on stream water, a prerequisite for projecting a potential future change in the complex Himalayan region.

Carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry of a high-altitude Himalayan lake sediment: Inferences for the late Holocene climate

A study was conducted to decipher changes in paleoenvironmental conditions of the Kashmir Valley (India) using stable isotopic compositions and elemental concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) in a sediment core from the Wular Lake. The Chronology of the core established through radiocarbon dating estimated the age of the core bottom to be 3752 Cal years BP, covering the late Holocene. Using carbon isotopic compositions of TOC (δ13C), nitrogen isotopic compositions of TN (δ15N), and TOC - TN contents, the study identified changes in biology and associated biogeochemical processes in the Wular Lake during the late Holocene. Changes in C and N biogeochemistry of the lake through the last 3752 Cal years BP suggested overall drier condition during 3752–1500 Cal years BP that transitioned into a wetter condition at around 1500 Cal years BP until at least 295 Cal years BP. Evidence for relatively intense drier events were observed within the dry and wet phases at around 2500 and 500 Cal years BP. Changes in δ13C and TOC contents in the sediment core revealed that the inorganic C dynamics and productivity (along with organic C contents) in the lake were largely regulated by variations in respired CO2 and HCO3− availability along with terrestrial matter supply through the Jhelum River. Similarly, variations in δ15N and TN contents showed changes in N dynamics of the lake with varying nitrification and decomposition throughout the studied period. Observed dry and wet phases in the region might be due to the weakening and strengthening of the precipitation, which was linked to negative and positive phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation, respectively.

Phylogenetic Analysis for Molecular Characterization and Identification of Rhodopseudomonas Spp.

The BLAST analysis is a fast method for identifying likely microbial species. However, it is not always able to definitively determine closely related genera or taxa because there may be numerous similar or identical scores from homologous sequences. In order to overcome this constraint, the utilization of phylogenetic tree construction and analysis is employed to get a more accurate molecular characterization of microorganisms. This study utilized the 16S rDNA sequence of BRSSOU1, which formed a cluster with a particular strain in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited a 99.92% alignment with Rhodopseudomonas sp. according to the NCBI-BLAST results. Therefore, BRSSOU1 was determined to be Rhodopseudomonas palustris. Our deduction is that BRSSOU1 is a variant of Rhodopseudomonas palustris. The strains were obtained from water samples collected at the source of the Jhelum River near Verinag, Kashmir. In addition, samples of wastewater were obtained from several rivers, namely Arpath, Lidder, Neelum, Sind, Kunhar, and Pohru. PNSB strains were isolated and identified using both traditional bacterial culture techniques and molecular approaches. The identification technique effectively uncovered these strains of Purple Non-sulfur Bacteria (PNSB).

Pre-disposed tectonic subsidence controls flood hazards and unplanned urbanisation dominates the flood disasters in the Pliocene to Holocene Kashmir basin, NW Himalayas

The Pliocene to Holocene Kashmir basin of NW Himalaya, India, is prone to various geological and climatic hazards routinely connected to the climatic and structural setting of the Himalayan intermontane basins. The topographic expression of the basin is a direct consequence of the active plate tectonic convergence between the lithosphere plates of India and Eurasia. However, the role of the tectonic framework and its contribution to flood hazards has remained an unresolved research question. Our previous work has contributed towards this problem, and here, we extend our previous work by producing robust evidence in support of the role of active faults and tectonic topography in shaping the flood hazards in the Kashmir basin and its implication for the other similar basins in the world. The Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager-Thermal Infrared Sensor (OLI-TIRS) and Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) images were used to extract pre-2014 floodwater bodies and 2014 flooded areas in the Jhelum River valley of the Kashmir region, respectively. Water pixels were extracted using the modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) methods, and similarly, the flood depth and duration (in days) were computed. The flood depth was correlated with the Jhelum River valley's topography, morphology, and geology. The slope and topography were also associated with the 2014 flood disaster to map the influence of the pre-disposed structural setting of the basin on flood vulnerability. The results suggest that flood disasters were mainly related to the unplanned built area, which remains the dominant factor in how flood hazards have turned into disasters. The results reveal the tectonically derived structural configuration of the basin mainly contributed towards the flood hazards, which is the primary predisposed structural framework to dictate flood hazards since the formation of the basin ∼4.0 million years ago. Therefore, the primary outcome of our work is the strong evidence that flood hazards are related to the structural setting of the basin, which includes topography and geology, while the transition of flood hazards into disasters is mainly because of unplanned urbanization.

Impact and Trends of Climate Change Analysis of Streamflow at Various Gauging Stations in the Jhelum River, Jammu &amp; Kashmir

Abstract: The planet Earth's water resources are involved in the biggest matter movement in the Earth's system, the hydrological cycle, which is infinitely repeated. Given that water is the fundamental component of the planet's life support system, it is critical to comprehend how current and anticipated climate change is affecting water availability and supplies. Stream flow trend analysis is crucial for flood forecasting and hydrologic drought assessment-related research, in addition to the study of water resource management. This study examined the long-term variations in stream flow at several gauging stations in the Jhelum River of Jammu and Kashmir . The Modified Mann-Kendall Test was used to analyze trends (MMKT). Sen's Slope Estimator (SSE) was employed in order to quantify trend. Trend analysis was performed using long-term time series data of the monthly and annual maximum stream flows at 10 gauging stations. The streamflow annual timeseries was not visible. any discernible upward or downward trends at any gauging point. Nonetheless, it was discovered that every noteworthy trend discovered at several gauging sites over the course of several seasons was declining in character. Throughout July, six gauging sites showed tendencies of declining streamflow. However, in addition to helping with regional hydrologic studies, this kind of river water flow research would also be helpful for studying the occurrence of floods and hydrologic droughts.

Towards a comprehensive understanding of the muscle proteome in Schizothorax labiatus: Insights from seasonal variations, metabolic responses, and reproductive signatures in the River Jhelum

Proteomics is a very advanced technique used for defining correlations, compositions and activities of hundreds of proteins from organisms as well as effectively used in identifying particular proteins with varying peptide lengths and amino acid counts. In the present study, an endeavour has been put forth to create muscle proteome expression of snow trout, Schizothorax labiatus. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using label free quantification (LFQ) technique has extensively been carried out to explore changes in protein metabolism and its composition to discriminate across species, clarify functions and pinpoint protein biomarkers from organisms. In LFQ technique, the abundances of proteins are determined based on the signal intensities of their corresponding peptides in mass spectrometry. The main benefit of using this method is that it doesn't require pre-labelling proteins with isotopic tags, which streamlines the experimental procedure and gets rid of any bias that might have been caused by the labelling process. LFQ techniques frequently offer a wider dynamic range, making it possible to detect and quantify proteins over a broad range of abundances obtained from the complex biological materials including fish muscle. The results of proteomic analysis could provide an insight in understanding about how various proteins are expressed in response to environmental challenges. For proteomic study, two different weight groups of S. labiatus were taken from River Jhelum based on biological, physiological and logistical factors. These groups corresponded to different life stages, such as younger size and adults/brooders in order to capture potential variations in the muscle proteome related to growth and development. The proteomic analysis of S. labiatus depicted that an overall of 220 proteins in male and 228 in female fish of group 1 were noted. However, when male and female S. labiatus were examined based on spectral count and peptide abundance using ProteinLynx Global Software, a total of 10 downregulated and 32 upregulated proteins were found. In group 2 of S. labiatus, a total of 249 proteins in male and 301 in female fish were documented. When the two genders of S. labiatus were likened to one another by LFQ technique, a total of 41 downregulated and 06 upregulated proteins were identified. The variability in the protein numbers between two fish weight groups reflected biological differences, influenced by factors such as age, developmental stages, physiological condition and reproductive activities. During the study, it was observed that S. labiatus exhibited downregulated levels of proteins that were involved in feeding and growth. The contributing factors to this manifestation could be explained by lower feeding and metabolic activity of fish and decreased food availability during winter in River Jhelum. Contrarily, the fish immune response proteins were found to be significantly over-expressed in S. labiatus, indicating that the environment was more likely to undergo increased microbial infection, pollution load and anthropogenic activities. In addition, it was also discovered that there was an upregulated expression of the reproductive proteins in S. labiatus, which could be linked to the fish's pre-spawning time as the fish used in this study was collected in the winter season which is the pre-spawning period of the fish. Therefore, the present study would be useful in obtaining new insights regarding the molecular makeup of species, methods of adaptation and reactions to environmental stresses. This information contributes to our understanding of basic science and may have applications in environmental monitoring, conservation and preservation of fish species.

Probabilistic flood risk assessment using coupled hydrologic and 2D-hydraulic model in the Jhelum River, Northwest Himalayas

Probabilistic flood risk assessment using coupled hydrologic and 2D-hydraulic model in the Jhelum River, Northwest Himalayas