The work on the project, sanctioned by University Grants Commission with a funding of Rs 4.5 lakh, has begun and the entire project will be completed by 2000. The final status report will be presented to the ministry of environment and forests.

The project will also cover environmental aspects related to the growth of algae and suggest remedial measures to prevent extinction due to human induced activities.

Giving details of the project, Dr. B B Chaugule chief investigator for the project said the survey will concentrate on the occurence, species diversity and biomass production of red algae which grows in abundance along the temporary and permanent mountain streams.

It is found in Mahabaleshwar, Lonavla, Khandala, Radhanagari and Amboli . The algae is a major source of oxygen to fresh water streams and an important diet of aquatic organisms due to to its large biomass and high nutrional value.

The red algae is considered a natural indicator of pollution and the ecological balance status of a particular area. ``Red alage is extremely sensitive to environmental changes. The very existance of red algae near the stream indicates that the area is not polluted,"said Chaugule. He added, ``Very little is known about the ecology of freshwater red algae in India. The survey will study the physical, chemical and biotic parameters and contribute knowledge on the reproduction, lifecycle patterns and ecology of red algae. Presently there is no data available on 30 to 40 species of red algae believed to occur in the Western Ghats at a height above 1500 feet, he added.