Distribution of Macrophytes in River Narmada near Water Intake Point

Abstract

Rivers have always been the most important fresh water resources. Along the banks of rivers ancient civilizations have flourished and still most of the developmental activities are dependent. Rivers support vast biodiversity of flora and fauna which provide food & shelter to aquatic organisms. Aquatic macrophytes are group of large macroscopic photosynthetic organisms usually growing with their roots in soil or water. Macrophytes provide habitat to aquatic organisms also help in maintaining water quality, nutrient cycling and stabilizing river banks. Present study was carried out on the distribution of macrophytes near water intake point in river Narmada and study depicted about the loss of macrophytic distribution in lower reaches of water intake point in river Narmada in conjunction with some physico-chemical parameters of water quality.

Key Words: River Narmada, Water Intake Point, Aquatic Macrophytes, Water quality.