Effects on habitats and fish diversity for artificial concrete bottom of Vadavar River in Tamil Nadu, India
S. Vijayaragavan*
Indira Gandhi National Open University, Regional Centre, Cochin-682017 (India) Email: vijayaraja100@gmail.com *Correspondence Author: Dr.S.Vijayaragavan Assistant Regional Director, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Regional Centre, Cochin-682017 (India) Email: vijayaraja100@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
In the present study, to analyze impact of artificial concretes effect on fish diversity has been studied based on habitat destruction of Vadavar River by new veeranam project which providing drinking water to Chennai city. The cement concretes have been made in the bottom of river by the new veeranam project from lower Anaicut to Veeranam Lake for overcoming wastage of water flow to the lake. It destroyed the natural habitats of sandy and muddy surface which affect the fish diversity of the river, The fish diversity has been reduced particularly muddy and sandy habitats fishes such as Anguilla bengalensis, Tenualosa ilisha, Anguilla bicolar, Oreochromis mossambicus and Anabas testudineus. Its also observe that fresh water aquatic weed diversity has maximum decreased due to habitat destruction. It has been reported in the present study. The results presents here, strongly suggest that the mechanism of effect on habitats which has been severely affected the fishes living environments of river. Its also lead to ground water level decreased surrounding areas due to concretes prevents the water absorption by the soil. The results indicate that the fish diversity has been reduced particularly sandy and muddy habitats fishes. It’s observed the some muddy substrate living fishes unable to live in the concretes surface area as made by the new veeranam project. It is suggested that before implementing any project on river environment which should be ensured that the project should not be affected the natural habitats of the river and ecosystems.