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The present study demonstrates the spatial analysis and mapping of fish and different measures of environmental parameters and fish diversity of Pong reservoir, Himachal Pradesh, using Kriging spatial interpolation methods for geographical information system mapping. Seasonal data on environmental parameters, potential fish habitat and fish diversity was collected from lentic (dam), lentic (reservoir), transitional and lotic zone of the reservoir.. Important environmental parameters like water temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, water depth and transparency showed variations across the different zones of the reservoir. The sediment of the reservoir was sandy clay loam in nature as per texture analysis. Fish species richness, Shannon index and evenness index showed a similarity of the lotic and lentic (reservoir) zones of the reservoir. Six potential fish breeding grounds were identified in the reservoir indicating high conservation significance. The analysis of data showed a declining trend in fish production from 456.9 tonnes during the decade 1976–1987 to 347.91 tonnes during 2009–2020. The factors like anthropogenic climate change, predation of a stocked fish juvenile by water birds, undersized fish stocking and unscientific management are the probable reasons for the decreasing fish production. The spatial variation pattern of the water spread area, environmental parameters, fish catch and potential fish breeding grounds depicted in the GIS platform can be used as an important information base by the policy makers for fisheries management. The stocking of large size fish as a stocking material and adequate protection of the potential fish breeding grounds are the key advisories for the sustainable enhancement of fisheries as well as conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uranium (U) and radon (Rn) concentration measurements have been carried out in drinking water samples collected from Hamirpur and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining areas of Jammu and Kashmir, India by using Laser Fluorimetry technique and Scintillation based radon monitor respectively. The U and Rn concentrations in these samples are found in the range of 0.26 ± 0.1 to 29.5 ± 2.5 µg l and 0.86 ± 0.12 to 7.62 ± 0.64 Bq l respectively. The measured values of U and Rn concentration are within the safe limits as recommended by WHO and USEPA. The annual effective doses are also observed to be below the prescribed dose limit of 100 µSv year recommended by WHO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]