Ecological Significance and Aquatic Diversity of Daya River in Odisha: Conservation Prospectiveness

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate the ethiofaunal richness of the Daya River in Odisha, highlighting its ecological value and function in maintaining regional diversity. Being a distributary of the Kuakhai River, the Daya passes through Khordha and Puri districts before joining Chilika Lake, creating a crucial freshwater ecosystem that hosts a wide range of aquatic organisms. The research examines the diversity, distribution, and abundance of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, planktons, and amphibians, and how these correlate with the physicochemical properties of the river water. Field surveys at different locations along the upstream and downstream reaches of the river were undertaken. Parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrates, and phosphates were measured to determine their impact on faunal diversity. The findings reflect a diversified community of water life, suggesting that the Daya River is still biologically active and ecologically rich. Nevertheless, the presence of tolerant and sensitive species concurrently indicates non-uniform water quality at different sites.  The study warns of anthropogenic pressures like agricultural effluent run-off, sewage outflow, overfishing, and land development degrading habitats and water quality, causing sedimentation, eutrophication, and destruction of riparian cover. It advocates integrated river management, control of pollution, riverbank restoration, sustainable aquaculture, and community engagement to preserve biodiversity and ecological integrity and livelihoods of the Daya River.