Blue-finned Mahseer

• The Mahseer belongs to the genus Tor, of which there are several subspecies to be found in India and in other range countries in South Asia.
• The Blue-finned Mahseer or Tor Khudree is one of the subspecies of the Mahseer.
• Habitat:
  • Mainly found in the Mota Mola river east of Pune. This species is also found in other rivers of the Deccan Plateau.
  • The species is migratory; moving upstream during rains. It prefers clean, fast flowing and well oxygenated waters.
• Threats:
  • Threatened by habitat manipulation, over harvesting and competition from other fish species.
• Significance:
  • Freshwater Ecosystem Indicator:
    • It is very sensitive to dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature and sudden climatic changes. It just cannot bear pollution.
  • Cultural:
    • They have cultural and religious significance as well as they are protected in ‘temple sanctuaries’ across India.
• Conservation Initiatives:
  • Tata Power (private company) is involved in conservation of the blue-finned for 50 years in Lonavala (near Pune), Maharashtra.
• Protection status:
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Mula-Mutha River

• The Mula-Mutha River is formed by the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers in the city of Pune, which later meets the Bhima River, which itself later meets the Krishna River and finally emptying to the Bay of Bengal.
• The river flows through the village of Kavadi in the Pune district, witnesses many migratory birds.
  • However, increase in pollution in the recent years has resulted in a reduction in the number of birds.
  • Pollution from effluents released into the river at Pune has been found to cause high levels of pollution in the Bhima River, the reservoir of Ujani dam and Krishna River, too, resulting in many water-borne ailments.