Physico-Chemical Parameter and Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Majalgaon Dam in Maharashtra State, India

Majalgaon Dam was constructed on the river Sindphana which is a tributary of river Godavari, in Beed district of Maharashtra State, India in 1987, which falls in 16° 16' N latitude and longitude 73° 26' E. The river Sindphana has been under constant threat of pollution by sewage and industrial wastes, disposal of dead bodies, deforestation, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, bathing and water development programs. The dam has a catchment area is 3840 sq km. It is of great importance for the region because its water is used for human and cattle consumption, It is multipurpose type and mainly for irrigation and power production (Hydro Electric Project). As a representative of freshwater reservoir Majalgaon Dam was selected for the limnology studies.

The present study is aimed to investigate some of the important physical and chemical parameters along with the flora and fauna of the reservoir. A total of 33 species of phytoplankton, 29 species of zooplankton and 17 species of fishes were identified during June 2008 - May 2010. This reservoir is very productive and there are seventeen fresh water fishes which include Labeo rohita, Cirrhina mrigala, Catla catla, Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharhyngodon idella, Wallago attu, Mastacembelus armatus, Notopterus chitala, Barbus ticto, Channa striatus, Mystus seenghala, Mystus cavassius, Eutroplus suratensis, Belon cancila, Tilapia mosambica, Rohtee alfrediana, Gobius giuris and Chela sp. The present work is an attempt to accumulate information on hydrobiology of Manjalgaon Dam, one of the important standing water bodies from this part of peninsular India.