Pages: 259-268 Horizons in Fish Research Editors: V.B. Sakhare; Santoshkumar Abujam; S.G. Jetithor ISBN: 978-93-88854- Pu blished by: Discovery Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (India) Assessment of Nathsagar Wetland near Saint Eknath Maharaj Temple Area With Reference to Cultural Eutrophication at Paithan, Maharashtra Rahul Mahamuni & Kshama Khobragade ABSTRACT Anthropogenic impact on wetlands is the indication of destroyed or shrinkage of wetland on yearly basis and agricultural conversion, direct deforestation in wetlands, inundation by dammed reservoirs, alteration of upper watersheds, degraded water quality, reduction in ground water table, introduced species and extinction of native biota are responsible for the destruction of the wetland areas. Wetland area of Nathsagar reservoir is located at 19°29.8'.7"N latitude and 75°22'12"E. longitude in Paithan Taluka of Aurangabad District of Maharashtra in India. The average rainfall it receives is 946 mm, average annual temperature is 27°C. Nathsagar Reservoir is the name of the reservoir formed by Jayakwadi dam. Fed by the Godavari and Pravara rivers the reservoir is about 55 km long and 27 km wide and spans over 350 km 2 • Total submergence area due to the reservoir is approximately 36,000 hectares. Unfortunately siltation has taken a heavy toll on the project. It is estimated that approximately 30% of the dam is filled with silt, reducing its life as well as storage capacity. Study of anthropogenic pressure on Nathsagar wetland of Jayakwadi dam shows some parts of wetland was turn in to rice field or growing of other crops due to agricultural activities within wetland area, which was responsible for habitat loss and destruction of Nathsagar wetland and various anthropogenic activities likes cattle bathing, washing of vehicles, entry of domestic sewage and cattle waste, drawing of water by electric motor, decrease diversity of water bird, etc. are observed.