Seasonal Distribution and Diversity of Fish Community in Anthropogenic Prone Zone of Ganga River

This study investigates fish biodiversity in the midstream region between Kanpur and Ramnagar, focusing on the effects of anthropogenic pressures like as pollution and habitat fragmentation on species diversity and distribution Seasonal sampling at nine sites during three years (2022-2024) documented 109 fish species from 71 taxa and 31 families, with Cyprinidae being the most abundant. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H') peaked at 4.25 at site Prayagraj while the Evenness Index (E^H/S) reached 0.52 at site Varanasi post- winter and the Margalef Index peaked at 4.67 at site Varanasi post-summer. Relative abundance (RA) data revealed seasonal dynamics, with Channa striata having consistent RA values of 7.92 (post-summer), 6.57 (post-winter), and 5.82 (post-monsoon), whereas Acanthocobitis botia had lower, inconsistent values of 0.20 (post-summer), 0.34 (post-winter), and 0.12 (post-monsoon). Sites Prayagraj and Varanasi were classified as biodiversity hotspots, while Bahupura and Chunar had lower richness. The findings emphasize the impact of environmental and anthropogenic variables on fish biodiversity. Sustainable fishing and habitat restoration are critical conservation techniques for maintaining biodiversity and the Ganga River’s ecological health.