Environment and fishery status of major rivers of Indus system within India

Abstract

Rivers within India harbor rich fish bio-diversity and are still a good repository of fish germplasm and source of fishery potential, providing means of livelihood to large sections of society. The detailed information regarding above parameters and even time scale changes that have taken place, exists, mainly with relation to Ganga and Brahmaputra systems and to some extent with relation to East and West coast river systems. The similar information is lacking so far as Indus system is concerned, hence a detailed survey was undertaken to assess the fishery potential, fish germplasm resource, status of ecology and the constrains subjugated to the system so that proper management policies could be framed for conservations of its resource. Present communication describes briefly the environment, fishery and biodiversity of 3 major rivers namely Sutlej, Beas and Ravi, which form the main component of Indus system so far India is concerned.