Molecular evidence indicates the existence of multiple lineages of Sperata species in Indian Rivers

Sperata seenghala (Giant river-catfish) and Sperata aor (Long-whiskered catfish) are commercially important freshwater catfishes of India, belongs to family Bagridae. Due to high nutritional significance and the low number of intramuscular bones, both fishes have considerable demand in South Asian countries. Both of the Sperata species are morphologically close and well adapted to the same habitat. In this study, we have assessed the level of genetic diversity and differentiation of S. seenghala and S. aor in the Ganga River based on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and compared with the other major Indian rivers. We found high haplotypes diversity for both the species in the Ganga. However, it was comparatively low for S. seenghala in Mahanadi and Brahmaputra populations. The phylogenetic and median-joining network strongly indicated the presence of two distinct maternal lineages of S. seenghala from the Ganga river. Interestingly, the genetic differentiation between S. seenghala of Ganga-Brahmaputra was much higher (~25.3%) than the S. seenghala and S. aor (~17%), whereas it was comparatively low between Ganges-Mahanadi (~8.0%). Our finding provided evidence that all the three rivers: Ganga, Mahanadi, and the Brahmaputra sustain a highly diverse and genetically distinct stock of giant river catfish; therefore, all populations should be considered as a different management unit for the protection of stocks. Our findings indicated that Brahmaputra lineages qualify the species level variations. This study can be further used as a reference database for proper lineage identification of S. seenghala and S. aor that could formulate the appropriate conservation and management plans.

Qualitative and quantitative study of phytoplankton of River Wainganga near Markandadeo, Dist. Gadchiroli (M.S.)

Phytoplankton is a heterogeneous group of micro-organism and plays a major role in the food chain of aquatic ecosystems by biosynthesis of organic matter and thus they act as primary producers of food. The phytoplankton of many Indian rivers consists of diverse assemblages of major taxonomic groups. Many of these forms have different physiological and environmental requirements. During the investigation period of two years phytoplankton were collected randomly from three different sites i.e. S1, S2 and S3 of river Wainganga for qualitative and quantitative analysis. During the course of study total 31 species of phytoplankton were recorded belonging to five different classes. Seasonal analysis of plankton from this lotic water body showing wide diversity of phytoplankton. Chlorophyceae or green algae comprise an important phytoplanktonic group both in terms of abundance (15 species) and frequently occurrence and Bacillariophyceae (Diatoms) was represented by seven species. Myxophyceae or blue-green comprises of six species and Euglenophyceae were represented by two species i.e. Euglena sp. and Phacus sp. while Dinophyceae was represented by only one species of genus Ceratium.

INDIAN RIVERS, ‘PRODUCTIVE WORKS’, AND THE EMERGENCE OF LARGE DAMS IN NINETEENTH-CENTURY MADRAS

The nineteenth century witnessed a major expansion in the construction of public works including canals, roads, and railways across the British empire. The question that colonial governments faced during the nineteenth century was on how to finance public works. Focusing specifically on irrigation works and the rivers of southern India, this article shows how different experiments were attempted, including raising capital and labour from local communities as well as corporate investment in irrigation works through London capital markets. The article argues that by the latter part of the nineteenth century, a definitive answer had emerged, i.e. irrigation projects on rivers would be financed through state debt. An enormous body of scholarship in Britain and India debated the relationship between public works and public debt. This article rethinks this scholarship as a technological and environmental history. The article argues that colonial modes of raising capital were dependent on speculating on Indian rivers. Historiography wise, in contrast to scholarship which takes for granted the role of the state in building large dams, it suggests that the emergence of the state as the builder of large dams was part of a more fundamental relationship between rivers, technology, and colonial capital that emerged in the nineteenth century.

Guiding Sustainable Development along Rivers in India

<p>Rivers have been a crucial part of human existence and the cradle of ancient civilizations. Historically, all cities developed along river banks. Rivers have played a seminal role in structuring cities the world over. India is recognized as a river nation and has had a long history of mystical affiliation with its rivers. Here rivers are considered sacred and venerated. All human activities and rituals are innately associated with the riverfront. Riverfronts have functioned as crucial socio-cultural religious spaces. In today’s times however Rivers present a gory picture of neglect. Fresh water is polluted by domestic, industrial, agricultural and religious waste. Fortunately, people  over the world have begun to realize the importance of rivers and concentrated efforts to ecologically rehabilitate and restore them are underway. In India, such efforts are mostly hinged on channelizing the riverbank and providing a space for recreation for city dwellers. Activists and water proponents, however, contest this approach and term it to be a mere initiative focussed towards river beautification rather than river rehabilitation. Such initiatives are not necessarily ecologically responsive and sustainable. India has been one of the leading participants of the United Nations and is dedicated to the UN's 2015 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Under SDG 6 and SDG 11, India strives to boost its water bodies, water quality and provide a comprehensive sustainable solution. India initiated the Smart City Projects (SCP's) in 2015, focussing on cities ' overall sustainable development'. Under this project, a total of 100 cities have been identified and more than 60 cities have a plan for riverfront development. These initiatives are targeted at reducing water pollution, providing aid to the riverbank and improving the connect between the city and its river. This paper aims at reviewing the recent Riverfront development proposals in India under the smart city mission and develop a set of indicators as a framework that allows future communities to reclaim their river and river edges in a sustainable manner. Research is conducted in two stages. Phase one is to establish a framework based on the principles of urban design and urban planning policies in India and assess the planned riverfront project. Phase two suggests a multi-criterion sustainability framework in the context of Indian rivers and validate its application using the community discussion process. Discussions involve Indian government officials’ scholars from a variety of disciplines, engineers, designers, and the general public. This framework aims to direct developers, architects, PWDs, environmental authorities, towards sustainable restoration/rehabilitation strategies in the context of Indian rivers. </p><p>Keywords: Riverfront development, River Rehabilitation, River Restoration, Sustainability, Channelization, Smart City Projects</p>