Impact of Coal mining on Fish & Fisheries of Simsang River, Meghalaya

The Simsang River also known as Someswari River in Bangladesh is the largest river in the Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. It originates in Nokrek peak (now declared as Nokrek Biosphere Reserve). But during last few decades, coal mining activities is posing serious threats to the fish and fisheries of the Simsang River. The large numbers of coal mine quarries drains AMD directly into the river as well as dumping of coal for auction on its bank are responsible for hazards to the biota of the river. Aquatic organisms such as fish accumulate pollutants directly from contaminated water or indirectly through the ingestion of contaminated aquatic organisms. These pollutants may lead to the contamination not only of the aquatic organisms themselves but of the entire ecosystem and, finally, of humans through the food chain. This book illustrated the various impact of coal mining on habitat ecology, fish and fishery potential of Simsang River, Meghalaya, India which will provide a baseline data for the habitat development and fisheries management of the region.