Coastal Andhra Pradesh Research Articles

Natural opening of a new inlet in Chilika Lagoon: A cause and impact analysis

Natural opening of inlet(s) is very common along the shorefront of Chilika Lagoon. Inlet openings in most of the cases have been triggered due to the narrow spit width and cyclonic storm/ depression (CS/D). Wave height and energy get further enhanced when the CS/D occurs concurrently with a full moon/ new moon with a lag/lead of 2–3 days. This has happened many times in the past. Recently, a new inlet was opened on 13th July 2022 due to deep depression (DD) over the northwestern Bay of Bengal from 09th to 12th July 2022. A cyclonic circulation prevailed over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal off the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coast in lower and mid-tropospheric levels tilting southwestwards with height. Wave heights during the pre and post-inlet opening period spanning over one month suggest the peak wave condition coinciding with the period of the inlet opening. Geomorphological conditions of the spit before and after the inlet opening were monitored. Results indicate fast expansion of inlet width due to erosion of the spit on both sides of the inlet and the tidal incursion into the lagoon predominantly during the full-moon day/new moon day. After the opening of a narrow inlet of width 246 m on 13 July 2022, it was doubled within a month. Shoreline analysis using Sentinel 2A imagery for pre- and post-inlet opening was carried out and validated with observations. Oceanographic conditions near the new inlet were simulated and monitored by deploying a Seaguard RCM current meter with a pressure and temperature sensor. This study assessed the reasons for the inlet opening and monitored the geomorphological changes after the inlet opening. More importantly, the impact of the new inlet on lagoon ecosystem was assessed, which has severe implications for the management of the lagoon ecosystem.

Evaluation of natural radioactivity in the soil surrounding Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract Activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil samples collected during 2013–2018 from different 53 locations around Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, were determined using high-purity germanium gamma-ray spectrometry. An R and D center of BARC is upcoming at Visakhapatnam, North coastal Andhra Pradesh. The annual effective dose (AED) and the radiation indices from the soil activity were evaluated to generate the baseline data for this area. The average activity concentrations of the naturally occurring radionuclides 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the soil samples studied are 29 ± 8 Bq/kg, 31 ± 1 Bq/kg, 188 ± 2 Bq/kg, and 471 ± 10 Bq/kg, respectively. The concentration of 226Ra and 40K in the collected samples is comparable with the world average concentrations of 33 Bq/kg and 420 Bq/kg, however, 232Th is observed to be higher than the world average of 45 Bq/kg. AED due to external terrestrial radiation from the region studied is in the range the range 0.37 to 2.5 mSv/y with an average of 0.9 mSv/y. The mean radium equivalent activity values for around 70% of the studied samples are lower than the permitted levels of 370 Bq/kg. The mean external exposure index has been determined to be around the safe criterion limit of unity. The mean value of the representative level index Iϒ is 2.4. Higher values in some locations are due to thorium in monazite deposits. This report will be useful as preoperational study to evaluate the impact on the environment due to ongoing and future man-made developments.

Reproduction in Sepia aculeata Van Hasselt, 1835 along the Andhra Pradesh coast, off the western Bay of Bengal

Sepia aculeata Van Hasselt, 1835 is a commercially important cuttlefish in Indian seaswith limited studies on its biology from the Indo-Pacific region. This study, observed thereproductive biology of S. aculeata from samples landed by the trawl fishery operating offthe coast of north Andhra Pradesh, off the western Bay of Bengal. A total of 3511 sampleswere studied, of which 2241 were females having dorsal mantle length (DML) ranging from8.7 to 21.4 cm and weight from 78 to 901 g and 1260 were male specimens of DML rangingfrom 7.9 to 21.9 cm and weight from 54 to 738 g. Females dominated the landings with a sexratio of 1.78. The length at first maturity was estimated at 14.3 and 12.6 cm DML for femalesand males, respectively. Both sexes spawned throughout the year with two significant peaksfrom July to October and from December to February with minor intermittent peaks. Theabsolute fecundity ranged from 330±1.44 x 102 eggs, with a relative fecundity of 75±8.94 x102 eggs 100 g-1 body weight. The results of this study may be used as inputs in assessingthe stock of S. aculeata in the study region. Keywords:Cephalopods, Needle cuttlefish, Size at firstmaturity, Spawning season, Trawl fisheries

A synoptic assessment of groundwater quality in high water-demand regions of coastal Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract In this article, a coastal region of India having high water demand for irrigation supply was studied for its groundwater quality in temporal and spatial domains. The statistical tests (Shapiro–Wilk W and Anderson–Darling A) of the chemical data of over 100 groundwater samples of the study area indicate the non-parametric nature of the distribution. High concentrations of F− and NO3− ions above drinking water permissible limits were present in 12% and 28% of samples, respectively. Similarly, Cl– ion, and total hardness were higher while Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+ ions were marginally higher compared to drinking water limits. Kruskal–Wallis (ANOVA) test results indicate that seasonal variations are not very significant among chemical species. Based on irrigation water quality indicators, groundwater samples fall under the excellent to doubtful category during premonsoon and permissible to unsuitable category during postmonsoon season. These inferences were verified by using the Entropy Water Quality Index (EWQI). The spatial contours of the EWQI values clearly suggest that the impact of anthropogenic activities on groundwater is greater in the northern parts of the study area. Optimizing fertilizer application and effluent treatment can improve the groundwater quality thereby achieving sustainable groundwater management in this region.

Rice Fallow No-Till Sorghum Using Inorganic Fertilizers in Combination with Biofertilizer Consortium: Nutrient Uptake, Yield Attributes and Economics

A field investigation was carried out to study the influence of inorganic fertilizers along with biofertilizer consortium on the performance of sorghum under rice fallows at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India during rabi (December–April), 2018–19. There were 7 treatments tested in randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Yield attributes, length of earhead (33.2 cm), number of filled grains earhead-1 (1359) and maximum protein content (9.1) were recorded higher in 125% RDF+biofertilizer consortium and remained significantly on par with 100% RDF+biofertilzers consortium treatment. Application of 125% RDF+ biofertilizer consortium application (T6) significantly increased grain and stover yields by (30.3%, 26.5%) respectively, compared to control. The same T6 treatment recorded highest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest in the grain and straw followed by T5 treatment. Significantly higher grain, stover, and biological yield were obtained with 125% RDF treatment compared to 75% and 50% RDF. Improvement in N, P and K uptake in grain by (53.0, 58.0 and 74.4%) and stover by (50.5, 51.8 and 50.1%) compared with control treatment. The highest gross returns (Rs. ` 71710 ha-1), net returns (`Rs. 43155 ha-1) and returns `-1 investment (1.88) was obtained with application of 125% RDF+Biofertilizer consortium treatment. When compared to other treatments, the use of 125% RDF+Biofertilizer consortium increased the production and provided economic benefits may be adapted as choice of viable alternative in the coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Prevalence and Distribution of Malocclusion Using Dewey's Modification in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of malocclusion among the coastal Andhra Pradesh population in south India. The present study has a retrospective cross-sectional study design done on orthodontic records of patients who attended the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Lenora Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital,Rajamahendravaram, India. Angle's classification and Dewey's modification were used to assess the distribution and pattern of malocclusion in patients. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test. The distribution of Angle's Class I malocclusion (67%) was more common than Angle's Class II malocclusion (30.1%) and Angle's Class III malocclusion (2.1%). The distribution of Class II division 1 was 23.2%, whereas Class II division 2 was 2.1% and Class II subdivision was 5.6%. Gender distribution according to Angle's classification exhibited a statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.001). Dewey's Class I type 2 was identified as maximum with 43.6% but no statistically significant gender distribution was reported. Conclusion: Angle's class I malocclusion was more prevalent with a distribution of 67%, followed by Class II malocclusion (30.1%) and Class III malocclusion (2.1%). A significant number of female patients were reported with Class I and Class II malocclusion whereas Class III malocclusion was predominately seen in males. It was noticed that, among all the malocclusions, Dewey's Class I type 2 was observed to be maximum but no significant gender distribution was observed.

District Agro Meteorological Advisory Services in Agriculture, Horticulture and its Allied Sectors in NTR District of Semi Arid Region of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India

District Agro Meteorological Advisory Services in Agriculture, Horticulture and its Allied Sectors in NTR District of Semi Arid Region of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India

Constraints faced by farmers while availing products and services offered by Rythu Bharosa Kendra’s in Coastal Andhra Pradesh

The current study was to know the constraints faced by farmers while purchasing and availing the products and services offered by Rythu Bharosa Kendras in Coastal Andhra region, Andhra Pradesh. Sample farmers were cultivating majorly paddy and dairy is the subsidiary occupation. Three districts namely East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna of RBKs in Coastal Andhra region, Andhra Pradesh State were purposively selected for the study as its major grown and highly irrigated areas in Andhra Pradesh. The analytical tools employed were likert scaling, descriptive statistics, Garrett’s ranking technique and other appropriate statistical tools were employed to achieve the objectives of the study. Results revealed that the major source of information was Grama secretariat (Staff/Volunteer). Hardware, software and infrastructure were causing interrupting of services, non-availability of need-based inputs and non availability of crop specific advisory services were the major constraints while purchasing products and services offered by RBK.

Enhancing Resilience in Coastal Regions from a Socio-Ecological Perspective: A Case Study of Andhra Pradesh, India

Addressing the second priority of the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) for strengthening disaster risk governance, this paper considers coastal regions from a Socio-Ecological System (SES) perspective. It identifies the drivers of risk and critical linkages between various key components of coastal SESs that can potentially influence the resilience of coastal regions. The study considers that, in a coastal area, where the system is complex with numerous stakeholders, any decision taken in the form of developmental policy or as an adaptive practice is critical for system changes, thereby making risk anticipation and its management difficult. To further conduct a detailed investigation of this subject, seven settlements along the coastal Andhra Pradesh (India) region were methodically selected. Herein, focus group discussions were conducted to prepare fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM), which were further analyzed through the mental modeler online platform. By analyzing the structural metrics of the FCM, saltwater intrusion was identified as a significant system component. Furthermore, the study also analyzed the effects of change on the characteristics of selected SES components regarding the effectiveness of existing governance strategies and, conversely, the impact of implementing governance strategies on the identified critical components of SES. By critically examining the various scenarios thus generated, the research identifies various components, generating vulnerabilities in human systems. The derived results were cross-validated through community consultation, and the temporal variations in the state of system components were mapped. The study is expected to provide considerable input to policymakers for enhancing decision-making in coastal regions from an SES perspective.

Performance of Tomato Hybrids Arka Abhed and Arka Samrat in Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh, India

The farmers of Visakhapatnam district were in a great need of best performing and high yielding tomato variety as the existing varieties are less yielders and highly succumb to pests and diseases. An On-Farm Trial (OFT) for three consecutive years (2020-21, 2021-22) was conducted by ICAR- ANGRAU, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kondempudi directly in the farmers’ fields of five selected villages viz. Bangurumeta, Adduru, Thotakurapalem, Pottidorapalem, Jaithavaram and Chedikada in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh to evaluate the performance of two very promising tomato hybrids viz. Arka Abhed and Arka Samrat with regard to yield and economic analysis vis a vis the farmers’ practice variety Laxmi. A total of twenty-five farmers actively participated in the OFT covering an area of 7.5 acres. As regards fruit yield, the tomato hybrid Arka Abhed proved to be the best followed by Arka Samrat and Laxmi hybrid for all the three years of the study with fruit yields of 587.32, 569.13 and 409.14 q/ha, respectively. During the years of the trial, the fruit yields of Arka Abhed and Arka Samrat improved from 27.44 to 30.33% and 24.57 to 28.11%, respectively. Average cost-benefit ratios for three years for Arka Abhed, Arka Samrat and Laxmi hybrid were 1:2.30, 1:2.16 and 1:1.58, respectively. The Extension gap was between 111.18 to 183.86 and 129.08 to 202.83 q/ha for Arka Samrat and Arka Abhed, respectively. Results on Technology Index viz. 15.25, 19.47 and 28.83% for Laxmi (farmers’ practice), Arka Abhed and Arka Samrat, respectively, revealed that for both the tomato hybrids, there is viability of the demonstrated technology in the area of the OFT viz. Visakhapatnam district and the surrounding areas of north coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Checklist of the Marine and Estuarine Brachyuran Crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) of Andhra Pradesh, India

An account of the brachyuran crab diversity along the Andhra Pradesh coast of India has been represented in this communication. The checklist of brachyuran crabs has been prepared for the state of Andhra Pradesh based on reviews and compilation of published research works for this particular region. A total of 156 species belonging to 91 genera and 33 families have been listed here from Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam showed the highest diversity with 86 species in all the marine areas and Vizianagaram has the lowest diversity recorded from the state with one species. Although the study on the brachyurans from Andhra Pradesh had been started from early 1800 but recent works on brachyurans from Andhra Pradesh is lacking and with a focused study from the area would help in exploration of brachyuran’s diversity from the east coast of India.

Retraction Note: A UCM Approach for Forecasting the Seasonal Rainfall Patterns in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India 1901–2017

Retraction Note: A UCM Approach for Forecasting the Seasonal Rainfall Patterns in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India 1901–2017

Out of Pocket Expenditure incurred by COVID Patients during second wave of COVID Pandemic in North coastal Andhra Pradesh

Background: COVID-19 causes various complications in patients, requiring hospitalization and treatment in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), resulting in high medical expenditure. At least 80 percent of COVID-19 patients are being treated in government hospitals across the country. The present study focuses on the expenditure of hospitalized patients, patients admitted to COVID care centers, and patients treated in home isolation. Objective: To measure the Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) spent by hospitalized patients admitted to COVID care centers, and patients treated in home isolation due to COVID. Methodology :An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Visakhapatnam among 180 individuals pertaining to 10 Primary Health Centers who tested positive for COVID infection in the second wave (after April 2021) through Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction or TrueNat. An interview using a structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic details, expenditure details, insurance claims, and government schemes availed by COVID patients during the treatment was conducted. Results: The Median OOPE incurred by the patient towards hospital charges was INR 5000 [Interquartile Range (IQR) 0;88000]. About 109 (60%) of the study subjects were hospitalized, of which 35.7% sought care from government hospital. In the study, only 59 (32.7%) patients had health insurance, which was not useful to most of them during COVID. About 73.3% had an Arogyasri card/Employees Health Scheme (EHS) card, but only 22.7% could use it. Conclusion: The study shows that health insurance has not recovered the expenditure, suggesting that insurer cost-sharing waivers may not have covered all hospitalization-related care.

Biological Factors and Multiple Regression Analysis for Human Fertility among Four Different Endogamous Populations of Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Multiple regression analysis was done to examine the impact of the biological factors on fertility. This paper focuses on the biological factors on human fertility. Here fertility is used as the number of children ever born for a woman. This variable is easily measurable. The entire set of variables related to fertility are classified into the important biological factors influencing the fertility are age at marriage, age at menarche, age at first conception and age at last conception. To examine the impact of the factors on fertility by multiple regression analysis and the effect of each group on fertility is discussed separately and collectively. The resultant zero order correlation coefficients indicate that there is no serious problem of multicollinearity in estimated regression model. In all the four population groups, the R2 values are statistically significant which indicates that all the explanatory variables considered in the model together explain 63% of the variation in fertility among Kapu population, 55% among Settibalijas, 50% among Paki’s and 67% among Yerukala population.

ETHNOMEDICINE FOR BITES BY THE PRIMITIVE AND VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS (PVTGS) OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH

The paper deals with 44 species of plants covering 33 families used by the PVTGs of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh for curing a variety of bites. The methodology and mode of approach is adapted from the classical works. With 5 species Asclepiadaceae is the dominat family followed by Liliaceae (3), and others. Herbs are dominant with 18 species followed by shrubs (8 spp), and others. Root is used in 24 practices followed by leaf (20), and others. Millettia racemosa and 20 practices were found to be new. KEY WORDS: Ethnomedicine, Bites, Tribals, Andhra Pradesh

Lightning activity over Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states situated in the east coast of India

Lightning activity over Telangana (17° N–19° N and 78° E–82° E), and the 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh (A.P) are studied using the data from the lightning imaging sensor aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite data during the period 1998–2013. It is observed that the flash rate density, flash count, and flash days over the study regions (Telangana, Rayalaseema, and coastal A.P) exhibit semi-annual variation with primary maximum in the pre-monsoon season (May–June) and secondary maximum in the post-monsoon season (September). The annual mean flash count is maximum (87.645) over Vishakhapatnam district, and flash rate density is maximum (0.058 fl km−2 day−1) over Srikakulam district compared to all other regions. The Inter-annual variation of lightning flash count shows that the lightning over Srikakulam district is increasing significantly. In Telangana, Rayalaseema (except Chittoor district), and coastal A.P (except Guntur, Krishna and Nellore) regions the flash count is highly correlated with surface temperature and convective available potential energy. The correlation of flash count with Aerosol Optical Depth and convective precipitation is very poor over these regions. This shows that the lightning over Telangana, Rayalaseema and in coastal A.P districts during pre-monsoon season is mainly due to buoyancy force developed because of the heating of land during daytime. The lightning flash Radiance values over Telangana, Rayalaseema, and coastal Andhra Pradesh regions are maximum during post-monsoon season (October–November). This study helps in understanding the spatio-temporal variation and the intensity of lightning activity over Telangana and A.P, which is first of its kind, over these regions.

Rainfall Characteristics of Coastal Andhra Pradesh. V. V. Jagannadha Sarma. Association of Hydrologists of India, Visakhapatnam, 2017, 249p. Price INR 500.00

Rainfall Characteristics of Coastal Andhra Pradesh. V. V. Jagannadha Sarma. Association of Hydrologists of India, Visakhapatnam, 2017, 249p. Price INR 500.00

Case study: Ground Improvement technique with Geosynthetics as reinforcement on soft ground for buildings in coastal Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is a well-known coastal state in India, Some of the regions, the ground is soft clay in nature shows the soil has low bearing capacity and high compressibility characteristics, so ground improvement techniques may be a viable solution for the construction of any structure. Geosynthetics are the most often utilized reinforcing material in design of foundation in such soils. The significant design parameters are Modulus of subgrade reaction (K), California bearing ratio (CBR) and Modulus of elasticity (E). In Machilipatnam area, the soil is weak and having high compressibility characteristics. Hence ground improvement technique by using Geosynthetics (geotextile as separator, geogrid as reinforcement, GSB as a filling material) is adopted for two major project buildings. Field tests such as Modulus of subgrade reaction test, Plate load test were conducted over the improved ground to ascertain the quality of improvement. Furthermore, a correlation between K and CBR, E and CBR is established. The corresponding California bearing ratio values are correlated using IRC58-1988. A comparison was made over the untreated ground using correlation of E and CBR from others to know the behaviour of unreinforced and reinforced soils.

Validation of agro-meteorological rainfall forecasted to twelve blocks of Guntur District of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Validation of agro-meteorological rainfall forecasted to twelve blocks of Guntur District of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Preliminary investigation of saline water intrusion (SWI) and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) along the south-eastern coast of Andhra Pradesh, India, using groundwater dynamics, sea surface temperature and field water quality anomalies.

Intensive anthropogenic activities along the coastal plains of Andhra Pradesh (such as urbanisation, agriculture and aquaculture) rely extensively on coastal fresh groundwater resources that are pumped at unsustainable rates causing groundwater decline and water quality problems due to saline water intrusion. Hydrogeological studies are imperative to implement groundwater conservation strategies in coastal Andhra Pradesh, which is experiencing a severe freshwater shortage due to overexploitation and saline water intrusion as well as clean water loss through the aquifer system close to the coastal plains. An attempt is made in this study to demarcate the submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and saline water intrusion (SWI) zones adopting a three-tier validation system, i.e. groundwater dynamic, LANDSAT resultant sea surface temperature (SST) variance and site-specific water characteristics along the southeast coast of Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 234 water samples (139 porewater, 31 groundwater and 64 seawater samples) were evaluated along ~ 450km southeast coastline of Andhra Pradesh. In situ porewater physio-chemical parameters, i.e. EC, TDS, pH, DO, temperature, and salinity, at every 1km except non-accessible areas and groundwater for every 5km were analysed and used for identification of SGD zones in the study area. The hydraulic gradient values vary from - 11 to 250m in post-monsoon and - 14 to 250m in pre-monsoon. And sea surface temperature anomaly for 2017, 2018 and 2019 varies between 21-39°C, 15-34°C and 20-39°C. Three districts out of the four districts studied (Krishna, Guntur and Nellore) were shown to be prone to SWI, whereas Prakasam district was susceptible for SGD. For the first time, this kind of preliminary study was carried out in the coastal Andhra Pradesh region, and it will serve as a basis for the meticulous analysis of the fresh and saline water mixing zones/process as well as to develop and manage the groundwater resources along the water-stressed coastal plains of Andhra Pradesh, India.