Water Resources and Fish Diversity of Kashmir Himalayas: Current Status, Challenges, and Conservation

Abstract

The Kashmir Valley in the western Himalayas contains diverse freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, hill streams, wetlands, springs and high- and low-altitude lakes. These aquatic resources support local livelihoods, agriculture, potable water supply, recreation, fisheries and freshwater biodiversity. The fish fauna of the region differs from that of many other parts of India and is dominated by cold-water cyprinids, particularly the schizothoracine group. This review synthesises available information on major aquatic habitats and fish diversity of the Kashmir Valley, with emphasis on lakes, wetlands, the River Jhelum and its tributaries. Available records indicate that the valley's ichthyofauna includes species from Cyprinidae, Salmonidae, Poeciliidae, Cobitidae and Sisoridae. Important native fishes include species of Schizothorax, Triplophysa, Botia, Glyptothorax and Glyptosternon, whereas introduced fishes include common carp, crucian carp, trout, grass carp, silver carp and mosquito fish. The review also summarises selected biological and ecological traits, including habitat preference, feeding habit, reproductive season, fecundity, cytogenetic characteristics, condition factor and conservation status. Aquatic ecosystems in Kashmir are under increasing pressure from pollution, eutrophication, encroachment, habitat alteration, water diversion, invasive species and unregulated anthropogenic activities. These pressures have contributed to habitat degradation and changes in fish distribution and abundance. The review emphasises the need for updated taxonomic assessment, long-term ecological monitoring, habitat restoration, pollution control, sustainable fisheries management and coordinated conservation planning to protect freshwater resources and native fish diversity in the Kashmir Himalayas.