Name of the Hotspot

Chaya - Bhagawathi Falls

Focal species

Tor khudree (Skyes) Anguilla bengalensis, P. pulchellus,

Coordinating team

Dr. Madhav Gadgil and team

Investigating team

H.N. Chandrashekharaiah, M.F. Rahman, K. Sham Bhat and Dr.G.V. Kowtal

Date of data collection

23.02.2004 to 25.02.2004

Process of data collection

Field visits and interviews

Source of information

Shri. Jagirdar. Asst. Director of Fisheries, Narayanpur.

Shri. Dasappa S/o Basappa Fisherman. Shri Yellappa S/o Bylappa Fisherman. Shri Shankrappa S/o Hanumantha Fisherman. Shri. Mudyeppa S/o Chandappa, Fishermen, Narayanpur. Shri Basha Saheb, Fish Merchant Bijapur. Shri. Hanumantha, Fisherman. Shri. Basappa Fisherman. Shri. Yelagur Dasappa Fisherman. Shri. Katti mani, Fisherman. Shri. Masooba Kattimani Fishermen Almatti. Shri. Haji Malang, Fish Merchant, Almatti.

Number of man-days consumed in data collection

25 man days.

Location

Chaya bhagawathi Falls in river Krishna located at a distance 6 km from Narayanpur dam (lower reaches).

Area (in ha, or sq / km)

20 km of the river stretch

Latitude / Longitude / Altitude

Lat. 16' 19'' / Long. 76' 08'' Alt.

Village/ Town / Taluk / District

Narayanput / Narayanpur/ Shorapur / Gulbarga.

Maps (Kind of maps and the scale

Enclosed

Mode of access (Distance from Railway station / Bus station )

62 km from Bijapur

38 km from Muddebihal

Facilities to stay closest to the Hotspot

Inspection Bungalow, Irrigation Department, Narayanpur.

Tariff (if any) to be paid to visit the Hotspot

Nil

Controlling authorities

Department of Fisheries

Classes of landscape

Rocky riverine course with deep pools.

Water bodies

River Krishna

Human populations

3000

Presence of scheduled tribes or Nomadie tribes population

SCs / 130

STs / 300

Livestock

Cattle, Goats, Piggery, Poultry.

Irrigation status and major corps

Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Pulses, Groundnut, Cotton,

Significant forest produce

Nil

Quantities recorded at the Range or Divisional Forest offices.

Nil

Significant freshwater fish productions

Catch comprised of indigenous carps, catfishes, weed fishes, exotic fishes, to mention few Tor khudree . P. pulchellus, etc.

Disposal of fishing rights (Leasing / Auctioning / Licences)

By licences on an annual fee of Rs.130/- per fisherman

Significant estuarine / marine fish / shellfish productions

Not applicable to the area

Number and types of fishing crafts

Caracles - 20, Inflated tyre tubes - 25

Nearest fish landing centre

Narayanpur

Availability of fish processing facilities

Not existing since the fish in fresh condition is being sold locally and at fish markets at Muddebihal and Bijapur. In case of large catches, it is sent to Mumbai, Kolkatta, & Belgaum.

Mining and quarrying activities

Nil

Sources and extent of air and water pollution

Nil

Prevalent of human diseases

Not reported

Prevalence of livestock diseases

Mouth and leg diseases in cattle

Educational Institutions

Nursery - 1

Primary - 1

Secondary - 1

Higher Secondary – 1

Cooperative Society

Fishermen of the area are members of Surpur Fishermen Cooperative Society. Villages and fisherman adjoining to the Hotspot

Jaladurga – 100 houses , 25 fishermen

Devanagudi – 200 houses, 30 fishermen

Halbavi - 300 houses, 20 fishermen

Narayanapur – 600 houses, 30 fishermen

Youth clubs

Nil

Ladies clubs

Nil

Active NGO

Nil

Name of individual / institution / agency.

Activity with a positive influence on core area

Activity with a negative influence on core area

Activity with a positive influence on zone of influence

Activity with a negative influence on zone of influence

Local individuals

Local people

Dynamiting

Nil

Fishes are killed in large scale

Local institutions

Surpur fishermen cooperative society

Nil

Members of the society engaging fishing

Fishing is conducted through out the year. No restriction on mesh of the fishing nets used by them.

Outside individuals

-

Dynamiting poaching

Nil

Fishes are indiscriminately Killed

Outside institutions

-

-

-

-

-

Government agencies

Department of fisheries

Manages the river course issuing licences

No proper check is forced on the types (mesh size) of nets and to safeguard the fishery.

Industrial, mining companies, etc

Irrigation Department

Reduced flow of water on account of construction of Dams

Fishes are subjected to heavy poaching due to reduced flow of water

Any other agency

-

-

-

-

-

Name

Age

Sex

Community

Address

Shri . Jagirdar

57

M

-

Asst. Director of Fisheries Narayanapur .

Shri Basappa

30

M

Fisherman,

Shri. Yellappa

45

M

Fisherman,

Shri. Shankrappa

52

M

Fisherman,

Shri. Mudyeppa

48

M

Fisherman,

Shri. Hanumantha

38

M

Fisherman,

Shri. Basappa

25

M

Fisherman,

Shri. Yelagur Dasappa

56

M

Fisherman,

Shri. Kattimani

60

M

Fisherman,

Shri. Masooba kattimani

62

M

Fisherman,

Shri. Basha saheb

54

M

Muslim

Fish merchant Bijapur

Shri. Haji Malang

48

M

Muslim

Fish merchant Almatti

A Preparation of sketch map of the landscape

1

For zone of influence – Ustream

Enclosed

2

For zone of influence – Down stream

Enclosed

B

Description of Habitat types

1

Habitat name

Riverine – Chaya – bhagawathi Falls

2

Local name (if any)

Chaya- bhagawathi Falls

3

Approximate total area (ha.)

20 Km river stretch

4

Special significance of the habitat type (if any)

Water flows in rocky terrain, through deep pools

5

Management regimes

The Department of Fisheries is issuing licences for fishing. All types of gears are operated using coracles and inflated tubes.

6

Goods and services provided by the habitat

River provides shelter for threatened fish species including other indigenous fishes.

7

Bads and Disservices provided by the habitat

Nil

8

Significant ecological processes influenced by the habitat type

Nil

9

Significant man induced processes influenced by the habitat

The construction dams at Almatti and Narayanpur in the upper reaches of Chaya, bhagawathi Falls have influenced the flow of water. Water is not let out for maintaining normal flow in the river stretch. During summer months, due to low level of water in the river and pools, indiscriminate fishing is carried out by fishermen besides dynamiting.

10

Interacting individuals and institutions (Local)

Irrigation Department Fisheries Department

11

Activities

No Conservation Activity fishing is conducted through out the year with out following any conservation practices.

12

Interacting individuals and institutions (External)

Visitors resort to dynamiting.

13

Activities

Kills fish in large scale

C

History of important habitat
Patches over 10 – 15 / 40-50 years

1

Type and name of the habitat patch

Riverine, Chaya bhagawathi Falls

2

Change in :-

i.

Area

Not significant (water flow is reduced)

ii.

Vegetation strata

Over the riverine stretch, only wild shrubs, herbs and few trees could be abserved

3.

Aquatic habitat change in :-

i.

Catchment area

Not significant

ii.

Aquatic fauna

Marked decline in fish composition and fishery

iii.

Aquatic flora

Not significant

4.

Significant ecological processes influencing the habitat patch

The flow of water is reduced. Fishes congregate in pools and then they are subjected for easy harvest.

5

Significant man induced processes influencing the habitat patch

The construction of Almatti and Narayanapur dams have affected the flow regime of the water and this has made fishes vulnerable to be caught when water level is least.

6.

Productivity of goods and services

Fishes caught are partly consumed locally and the rest are sent to Bijapur and Muddebihal, etc.

7.

Extent of Bads and Disservices

During low level of water the fishes, are caught easily.

8.

Reasons for ongoing changes

Failure of rainfall, construction of Almatti and Narayanapur Dams has resulted in reduced flow of water.

9.

Gainers

Fishermen, public

10.

Losers

Nature

11.

Desired change / Desired future Lupto a distance

The area from the Chaya bhagawathi falls, of about 6 Km may be declared as Sanctuary. Fishing near the site in river should be totally banned.

12

Desired management system

The Fisheries Department may take immediate action to declare the area as a ‘Fish Sanctuary' and prevent fishing.

13

Suggested component for a feasible management plan for that habitat patch

1 From the tip of the dam of Narayanpur to a distance of 2 Km fishing should be prohibited

2. From the Chaya bhagawathi falls 5 Km in lower reaches of river Krishna may be declared as ‘fish sanctuary ‘

3. Replenish the stocks of endangered fish species in the sanctuary.

4. Dynamiting and poisoning should be prevented.

5. A Committee of the concerned Departments may be constituted to foresee development and protection of the area.

Scientific Name

Common English Name

Order : Osteoglossiformes

Suborder : Notopteroidei

Family : NOTOPTERIDAE

Genus : Notopterus Lacepede 1. Notopterus notopterus (Pallas )

Feather back

Chamari

Order : Anguilliformes

Suborder : Anguilloidei

Family : ANGUILLIDAE

Genus : Anguilla Schrank

2. Anguilla bengalensis bengalensis (Gray & Hardw.)

Indian Long-fin Eel

Malaga

Order : Cypriniformes

Family : CYPRINIDAE

Subfamily: Danioninae (Rasborinae)

Tribe : Oxygasterini

Genus : Salmostoma Swainson

3. Salmostoma acinaces (Valenciennes)

4. Salmostoma clupeoides (Bloch)

5.  Salmostoma novacula

(Valenciennes)

6.  Salmostoma phulo phulo

(Hamilton – Buchanan)

7.  Salmostoma untrachi (Day)

Silver razor -belly minnow

Black razor – belly minnow

Novacula razor - belly minnow

Fine-scale razor – belly minnow

Mahanadi razor -belly minnow

Sampaj

Chalake

Chalake

Chalake

Chalake

Genus : Barilius (Hamilton-Buchanan)

8.  Barilius barna (Hamilton – Buchanan)

9.  Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton – Buchanan)

Barna Baril

Hamilton's Baril

Bilchi

Bilchi

Tribe : Danionini

Genus : Chela Hamilton - Buchanan

10 Chela (Chela) cachius (Hamilton – Buchanan)

Genus : Esomus Swainson

11 Esomus danricus Hamilton – Buchanan)

Genus : Danio Hamilton-Buchanan

12. Danio aequipinnatus (McCelland)

Genus : Rasbora Bleeker

13. Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton - Buchanan)

Genus : Amblypharyngodon Bleeker

14. Amblypharyngodon mola

(Hamilton-Buchanan)

Subfamily: Cyprininae

Tribe : Cyprinini

Subtribe : Cyprini

Genus : Cyprinus Linnaeus

15. Cyprinus carpio communis Linnaeus

Subtribe : Tores

Genus : Tor Gray

16. Tor khudree (Sykes)

Tribe : Systomini

Subtribe : Osteobramae

Genus : Osteobrama Heckel

17.  Osteobrama cotio peninsularis Silas

18.  Osteobrama vigorsii (Sykes)

Osteobrama

Bheema Osteobrama

Subtribe : Systomi

Genus : Puntius Hamilton-Buchanan

19.  Puntius guganio (Hamilton- Buchanan)

20.  Puntius pulchellus (Day)

21.  Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton – Buchanan)

22.  Puntius sophore (Hamilton – Buchanan)

23.  Puntius ticto (Hamilton – Buchanan)

24. Puntius vittatus Day

Glass barb

Pulchellus

Olive Barb

Spot-fin swampy barb

Ticto Barb

Kooli Barb

Pakke

Haragi

Gende

Gud Pakke

Bud Pakke

Karse

Genus : Gonoproktopterus Bleeker

25. Gonoproktopterus kolus (Sykes)

Kolus

Kolasa

Tribe : Labeonini

Subtribe : Labeones

Genus : Cirrhinus Oken

26.  Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton-Buchanan)

27.  Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton – Buchanan)

Mrigal

Reba

Mrigal

Arja

Genus : Catla Valenciennes

28. Catla catla (Hamilton - Buchanan)

Catla

Catla

Genus : Labeo cuvier

29 Labeo bata (Hamilton – Buchanan)

30.  Labeo calbasu (Hamilton – Buchanan)

31.  Labeo fimbriatus (Bloch)

32.  Labeo gonius (Hamilton – Buchanan)

33.  Labeo potail (Sykes)

34.  Labeo rohita (Hamilton – Buchanan)

Bata

Calbasu

Fimbriatus

Labeo

Potail

Rohu

Bata

Kage

Kem-meenu

Machalu

Hoo-bali

Rohu

Genus : Schismatorhynchus Bleeker

35 Schismatorhynchus (Nukta) nukta (Sykes)

Nukta

Mukurti

Subfamily : Oreininae

Genus : Garra Hamilton-Buchanan

36 Garra gotyla stenorhynchus (Jerdon)

Nilgiri Garra

Kallu korava

Family : BALITORIDAE

Subfamily: Memacheilinae

Genus : Nemacheilus Bleeker

37 Nemacheilus anguilla Annandale

Nemacheilus

Murangi

Genus : Oreonectes Gunther

38 Oreonectes (Oreonectes) evazardi (Day)

Nemacheilus

Murangi

Subfamily: Cobitinae

Genus : Lepidocephalus Bleeker

39.  Lepidecephalus thermalis

(Valenciennes)

Nemacheilus

Murangi

Order : Siluriformis

Family : BAGRIDAE

Subfamily: Ritinae

Genus : Rita Bleeker

40.  Rita gogra (Sykes)

41.  Rita Pavimentata (Valencinnes)

Deccan Rita

Gogra Rita

Gokra

Arshina Goggarike

Subfamily: Bagrinae

Genus : Mystus Scopoli

42.  Mystus cavasius (Hamilton-Buchanan

43.  Mystus krishnensis Ramakrishaniah

44.  Mystus Vittatus (Bloch)

Gangetic Mystus

Krishna Mystus

Mystus

Girlu

Haddu menu

Girlu

Genus : Aorichthys Wu

45.  Aorichthys aor (Hamilton – Buchanan)

46.  Aorichthys seenghala (Sykes)

Long-whiskered catfish

Giant river catfish

Kappu-suragi

Bili- Suragi

Family : SILURIDAE

Genus : Ompok Lacepede

47.  Ompok bimacultus (Bloch)

Butterfish

Godle

Genus : Wallagi Bleeker

48 Wallago attu (Schneider)

Fresh water Shark

Balae

Family : SCHILBEIDAE

Subfamily: Schilbeinae

Genus : Proeutropiichthys Hora

49 Proeutropiichthys taakree taakree (Sykes)

Genus : Neotropius Kulkarni

50 Neotropius khavalchor Kulkarni

Khavalchor

Ili – meenu

Gensu : Silonia Swainson

51 Silonia childreni (Sykes)

White catfish

Bili-Halathi

Family : SISORIDAE

Genus : Bagarius Bleeker

52 Bagarius yarrelli Sykes

Goonch

Kurdi

Family : CLARIIDAE

Genus : Clarias Scopoli

53 Clarias batrachus Linnaeus

Magur

Ane menu

Family : HETEROPNEUSTIDAE

Genus : Heteropneustes Muller

54.  Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Singhi

Chelu menu

Order : cyprinodontiformes

Family : APLOCHEILIDAE

Subfamily: Aplocheilinae

Genus : Aplocheilus McClelland

55.  Aplocheilus lineatus (Valenciennes)

Killi fish

Moggu malli

Family : POECILIDAE

Subfamily: Poecilinae

Genus : Gambusia Poey

56.  Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard)

Gambusia

Gambusia

Order : Synbranchiformes

Suborder : Mastacembeloidei

Family : MASTACEMBELIDAE

Subfamily: Mastacembelinae

Genus : Mastacembelus Scopoli

57.  Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede)

Spiny Eel

Havu menu

Order : Perciformes

Suborder : Percoidei

Family : CHANDIDAE (=AMBASSIDAE)

Genus : Chanda Hamilton-Buchanan

58.  Chanda nama Hamilton – Buchanan

Glass perchlet

Bachinke

Genus : Parambassis Bleeker

59 Parambassis ranga (Hamilton- Buchanan)

Glass fish

Bachinke

Suborder : Labroidei

Family : CICHLIDAE

Genus : Oreochromis Gunther

60 Oreochromis mossambica Peters

Tilapia

Tilapia

Suborder : Gobioidei

Family : GOBIIDAE

Subfamily: Gobiinae

Genus : Glossogobius Gill

61.  Glossogobius giuris giuris

(Hamilton – Buchanan)

Tank Goby

Bhangi-sidda

Suborder : Channoidei

Family : CHANNIDAE

Genus : Channa Scopoli

62.  Channa marulius (Hamilton – Buchanan)

63.  Channa orientalis (Schneider)

64.  Channa punctatus (Bloch)

65.  Channa striatus (Bloch)

Giant snaker -head

Asiatic snake -head

Spotted snake head

Stripped snake -head

Avulu

Mottu

Korava

Kuchchu

Class : Crustacea

Subclass : Malacostraca

Order : Decapoda

Family : PALAEMONIDAE

1. Macrobrachium spp.

2. Paratelphusa spp

3. Paratelphusa spp

Class : Amphibia

Order : Salentia

Suborder : Phaneroglossa

Family : RANIDAE

1. Rana cynophlyctes Schneider

Order : Squamata

Family : COLUBRIDAE

Subfamily : Homalopsinae

1. Natrix piscator (Linnaeus)

Family : PHALACROCORACIDAE

1. Ahinga rufa

Most common local name of the species (Languages)

Indicated

Scientific name of the species

Indicated

Habitat favoured

Riverine

Value to local community

As food value

Major uses / ill effects

1. Fishermen earn their livelihood

2. Depletion of fish stocks

Value of Global relevance (as rare, threatened of endangered)

Out of 65 fish species listed, around 18 species are under threatened category

Most common name of the species

Indicated

Scientific name

Indicated

Most common local name of species

Indicated

Existing management authority

Department of Fisheries

Fish breeding season

June – December

Fishing methods

Gillnets, Long-line, rod and line

Current level of abundance

Moderate

Trend in abundance in last 10-15 / 40-50 years

Fishery is subjected to depletion on account of indiscriminate fishing, dynamiting and poisoning .

Significant ecological processes influencing the species

Reduced flow of water in the river course has resulted in easy catch for the fishermen as they take shelter in pools .

Significant man-induced processes influencing the species

The construction of Almatti and Narayanapur dams have affected the migration of fishes, inundation of breeding grounds and riverine fishery.

Reasons for the ongoing changes

The construction of Almatti and Narayanapur dams have affected the migration of fishes, inundation of breeding grounds and riverine fishery.

Gainers – Internal / External

Public, fishermen, fisher merchants, etc.

Losers –Internal / External

Habitat

Desired changes / Desired future

Declare 5 Km lower stretch area from Chaya bhagawathi falls as fish sanctuary. Fishing should be strictly prohibited. Threatened fish species may be rehabilitated. Fishermen should be educated and lease of reservoirs for them may be considered.

Desired management system

A Committee of Officer of the Department of Irrigation, P.W.D, Forest, Fisheries, Tourism may be constituted to foreseen the development of the area besides Protecting the fish fauna .

Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the species

The threatened fish species may be rehabilitated, both in reservoirs and pools of the Chaya - bhagawathi falls for perpetuation. Protect from poaching. Declare the area as Fish Sanctuary

a.

Perspective of others : -

1

Desired response options of different members of local or outside communities / institutions / government agencies / industrial or mining undertaking etc.

There is abundant scope for the conservation of fish species and also for the development of fisheries in reservoirs. The resources available should be purposefully utilized

2.

Significance of management issues and response options

Indiscriminate fishing reduced flow of water in river has resulted in poor management of fishery . Therefore action should be taken to declare the area as sanctuary and also arrange for the release of adequate water into the river to protect the pools inhabitated by the fish species of the river.

3

Management issues pertaining

a

Habitat and or

Nil

b

Species

18 species have reached the threatened condition. They have to be rehabilitated are protected

4

Customer / Administrative

The Department of Fisheries is leasing the reservoirs and river stretches for fisheries development and exploitation. The pools are very much subjected to exploitation during summer months.

5.

Since how long the arrangements have bee in practice

For the last 10 years

6

Changes, if any, in management pattern over last 10-15 / 40-50 years

Nil

7.

Desired changes / Desired future

The area may be declared as “Fish Sanctuary - 200 mts above Chaya - bhagawathi Falls and 5 km down stream of river. Fishing should be strictly prohibited upto a distance of 2 Km from the tip of the dam (lower reaches).

8

Desired management system

1 Declare the area as Fish Sanctuary

2 Prevent fishing, dynamiting, poisoning , etc.

3 Constitute a Committee to look into the over-all Development and protect the fisheries.

b

Perspectives of Investigators

There are about 18 pools located in lower reaches of the Chaya - bhagawathi Falls where fish congregate during summer months. Most important species, found in the area, have reached threatened condition. In the interest of protecting the fish species, the area should be declared as Sanctuary. Organize rehabilitation of threatened fish species by raising the brood stock in near - by Narayanpur fish farm, where adequate facilities are available and breed them. The juveniles may be stocked in the sanctuary area.

c

Desired and feasible pattern of management that should be promoted in the opinion of the investigators.

As in 6 (b)

d

Suggested strategy for promoting this desired patterns of management and the communication needs for the purpose

1 Educate fishermen about the importance of conservation of fish species.

2 Department of Fisheries should collect the brood stock of threatened species, raise them in Narayanpur fish farm and produce their young ones and introduce the produce into the sanctuary area and reservoirs .

3 A Committee may be constituted represented by concerned departments to organize, development and for the protection of the fish species – inhabiting the Hotspot.

e

Cultural, religious, recreational, scenic, tourist significance of the hotspot.

Religious : A temple of Chaya -bhagawathi Devi is located adjacent to the river is being held. An annual fair is being held.

Tourists visit both the dam and the Falls.

f

Ecological evaluation of the Hotspot

The construction of two dams in the upper reaches have resulted in reduced flow of water; migration of fishes is affected, breeding grounds are in undated, formation of reservoirs have affected the ecological condition of fishery.

g

Suggested follow – up investigation

1 Fish fauna of the area may be studied.

2 Breed the threatened fish species and replenish the stocks .

3 Educate fishermen about the effect of indiscriminate fishing, need for conservation, prevent catching brood stock and fishing only after monsoon period.

h

Any other suggested follow – up

Immediate action may be taken by the Deptartment of fisheries to declare Chaya - bhagawathi Falls area as a Fish Sanctuary. Replenish threatened fish species. Make fishermen and public aware of the importance of conservation of fish fauna .