Health Assessment of Shivnath River, Chhattisgarh, India through Analysis of Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Water Quality

This effective study evaluates the fish diversity and ecological health of the Shivnath River, a major tributary of the Mahanadi River in Chhattisgarh, India. Throughout whole field sampling and investigation of water quality conducted across three stations at the MahmaraAnicut where twenty fish species from six families were documented, with Cyprinidae being the dominant family. The effectual diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener and Simpson's Index were calculated to evaluate species richness and correlation. Various physicochemical parameters namely dissolved oxygen, pH, and total dissolved solids were analyzed to assess water quality. The research findings indicate the moderate biodiversity of the river, which is impacted by seasonal variation and anthropogenic pressures including pollution, overfishing, and invasive species introduction. The study advocates for integrated river basin management and conservation strategies to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Shivnath River. This study provides a crucial baseline for future conservation efforts and supports evidence-based policy interventions for the Shivnath River ecosystem. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of freshwater fish diversity in central Indian river systems and provide valuable insights for similar ecosystems facing comparable environmental pressures.