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<p>Hydropower expansion in mountain ecosystems increasingly challenges freshwater biodiversity worldwide reshaping the ecological integrity of especially in Himalayan wetlands. The Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project (KHEP) in Jammu and Kashmir diverts substantial flow from the Kishenganga River into the Jhelum River via Bonar Nallah, thereby altering the hydrological balance of Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in South Asia and a designated Ramsar site. This structured narrative synthesizes peer-reviewed and gray literature (1980–2025) on coldwater fish ecology and hydropower impacts to develop a conceptual model linking KHEP-induced flow modification and climate-driven thermal stress to ecological consequences for native fish assemblages, particularly endemic species such as <i>Schizothorax</i> and <i>Triplophysa.</i> The reviewed evidence suggests that reduced inflows, prolonged water residence time, and rising temperatures may disrupt spawning cues, modify trophic dynamics, and fragment critical habitats. Knowledge gaps remain in understanding flow-temperature interactions, emphasizing the need for integrative monitoring frameworks. We propose a conceptual framework illustrating how hydrological alteration and thermal stress produce cascading ecological effects, and highlight the importance of cumulative impact assessments and long-term ecological monitoring to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services of high-altitude wetlands through adaptive flow management and integrated basin-scale monitoring.</p>

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Conceptual Synthesis of Hydrological and Thermal Impacts of Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project on Fish Assemblages of Wular Lake

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月26日

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  • Syed Talia Mushtaq,
  • Tasaduq Hussain Shah,
  • Syed Aalia Mushtaq,
  • Zaib Hafiz

摘要

Hydropower expansion in mountain ecosystems increasingly challenges freshwater biodiversity worldwide reshaping the ecological integrity of especially in Himalayan wetlands. The Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project (KHEP) in Jammu and Kashmir diverts substantial flow from the Kishenganga River into the Jhelum River via Bonar Nallah, thereby altering the hydrological balance of Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in South Asia and a designated Ramsar site. This structured narrative synthesizes peer-reviewed and gray literature (1980–2025) on coldwater fish ecology and hydropower impacts to develop a conceptual model linking KHEP-induced flow modification and climate-driven thermal stress to ecological consequences for native fish assemblages, particularly endemic species such as Schizothorax and Triplophysa. The reviewed evidence suggests that reduced inflows, prolonged water residence time, and rising temperatures may disrupt spawning cues, modify trophic dynamics, and fragment critical habitats. Knowledge gaps remain in understanding flow-temperature interactions, emphasizing the need for integrative monitoring frameworks. We propose a conceptual framework illustrating how hydrological alteration and thermal stress produce cascading ecological effects, and highlight the importance of cumulative impact assessments and long-term ecological monitoring to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services of high-altitude wetlands through adaptive flow management and integrated basin-scale monitoring.