Limnological Study of Pashan Lake, Pune (Maharashtra, India)

Pashan Lake is a important Lake in Pune city which attracts migratory birds. Deforestation on nearby hills has caused heavy siltation resulting in decrease in the depth of the lake. This has reflected in reduction in the number of deep diving ducks which prefer to occupy the central deep portion of the lake. They are now outcompeted by dabbling ducks which prefer shallow water. The increasing number of these ducks in the central position is a clear indicator of decrease in the depth of the lake. It was found that depth of the lake in 1980 was 30-40 ft. which was reduced to 15-20ft in year 2001-02. The surface water quality of Pashan Lake is severely degraded due to the pollution from surrounding areas directly entering the water. Three surface sampling points were selected to evaluate the water quality. The study presents the. Phyisico_chemical characteristics of the lake water and suggests the means to improve the water quality through eco remediation measures for restoration.