Chamba District Research Articles

A Cross-sectional Analytical Study to Assess the Risk Factors Associated with Menstrual Hygiene among School Going Adolescent Girls in an Aspirational District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India

A Cross-sectional Analytical Study to Assess the Risk Factors Associated with Menstrual Hygiene among School Going Adolescent Girls in an Aspirational District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India

A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE TYPE AND CAUSE OF BLINDNESS/LOW VISION IN APPLICATIONS FOR BLINDNESS CERTIFICATE PRESENTING IN CHAMBA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence, causes, and socio-economic impacts of visual impairment in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, India. It seeks to identify the major factors contributing to visual disability and the role of literacy and employment status in influencing the lives of the visually impaired. Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted over a period of one year, enrolling patients from the outpatient department of ophthalmology who were applying for visual disability certification. The study utilized a randomized sampling method and a semi-structured interview along with an examination form for data collection. Ethical approval was obtained, and the study adhered to ICMR and Helsinki Declaration guidelines. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Results: Among the 270 participants evaluated, a higher prevalence of visual impairment was observed in males (n=149) compared to females (n=121), particularly within the age group of 21-40 y. The leading causes of visual disability included Corneal Opacity (16.25%), Retinitis Pigmentosa (15.83%), and Congenital Malformation (14.17%). Furthermore, literacy played a crucial role in employment opportunities, with 75.83% of the literate participants being employed, indicating a significant impact on the socio-economic status. Conclusion: The study highlights the multifaceted nature of visual impairment in the Chamba District, emphasizing the need for integrated public health strategies to address the identified challenges. Enhancing preventive measures, improving access to healthcare, and supporting rehabilitation services are essential steps towards mitigating the burden of visual impairment.

First record of the phoretic association between Pediculaster sp. (Pygmephoridae) mites and Musca crassirostris (Muscidae) flies in India

This article reports for the first time a phoretic pygmephorid mite on a muscid fly from India, with pygmephorid mites classified under the order Prostigmata and the family Pygmephoridae. The mites, identified as species of the genus Pediculaster belonging to the family Pygmephoridae, were collected in July 2019 from Khajjiar town, located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The flies, identified as Musca crassirostris belonging to the family Muscidae, were also noted. While this study marks a significant step in Indian research, further investigation is warranted to comprehensively compile data on the species accuracy of mites and their habitat preferences.

IJCM_20A: Understanding determinants of increased home deliveries in accessing antenatal care in the two blocks of the Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Background: Maternal mortality has been declining over the years in India. Despite India achieving a maternal mortality ratio below 100 per 100,000 live births by 2020, Chamba, an aspirational district of Himachal Pradesh, still faces challenges. In Chamba, access to antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) remains suboptimal. Objective: To understand the perspectives of key stakeholders on barriers and facilitators for accessing ANC/PNC and institutional delivery services in the Chamba district. Methodology: The qualitative study was conducted in May and June 2023 in two blocks of the Chamba district. Around 5-6 villages were purposively selected in each block. The study encompassed 19 in-depth interviews and 7 focus group discussions involving lactating and pregnant women, family members, medical officers, and frontline healthcare workers. Additionally, the assessment of 2 labour rooms at the health facility was conducted using DAKSHATA standards. Results: The study revealed multifaceted barriers in Chamba, including challenging road conditions worsened by weather impeding timely health facility access. Women’s heavy workloads and limited awareness resulted in delayed ANC, PNC, and registration. Cultural preferences and myths hindered institutional deliveries. Transportation challenges, ambulance limitations, hospital overload, and health facility constraints amplified the difficulties. The DAKSHATA assessment indicated a mean score of 22 out of 30, stressing the need for improvements to enhance ANC, PNC, and institutional delivery access. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the critical need for interventions that enhance awareness among women, counteract cultural preferences for home deliveries and dispel prevalent myths and misconceptions. Furthermore, addressing transportation limitations, ambulance constraints, and hospital overload is crucial.

Health Problems among the Elderly in Selected Area of District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Estimation of the health problems in developing countries is required from time to time to predict trends in disease burden and health care for elderly. Developing countries have poor track record of equitable distribution of health care. Old age is associated with decline in physical, physiological and cognitive functions affecting quality of elderly population. The robust increase in proportion of elderly has resulted in demographic burden in a developing country like India. To cope up with this burden appropriate and timely intervention is required. The objectives of this study were: to assess of health problems among elderly population and find the association between the health problems among elderly with demographic variables. The study tools were semi structured dichotomous questionnaires. Result revealed that health problems among elderly were arthritis (incidence 68.13%), vision impairment (66.26%), dementia (62.40%), hearing problem (52.53%), sleeping disturbance (49.06%), hypertension (46.13%), constipation (38.20%), diabetes mellitus (36.26%), and urinary tract infection (9.46%).

Community-based assessment for infant, under-5 child and maternal mortality in tribal population of Himachal Pradesh, India

Introduction: Infant and child mortality rates are sensitive indicators of health services of any community. Tribal populations remain a disadvantaged group among other communities and the indicator of their accessibility and availability of health services is the infant and maternal mortality rates.Objectives: To assess reliable estimates and causes for the child (less than five year of age) mortality rate and maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of tribal population of Himachal Pradesh, and the maternal and child health services and facilities available in their health institutionsMethods: A community-based surveillance study was conducted in 2019-20 on the deaths of all children (less than five year of age) and maternal deaths in the entire population of two tribal districts i.e., Kinnaur and Lahau l & Spiti, and of two tribal blocks of Chamba District in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Sub-centres (SC) remained under the study for a period of one year. Verbal autopsies were conducted to ascertain the cause of death by community workers under the supervision of project staff. In addition, a cross-sectional facility survey was conducted, Health institution data were gathered using a pre-tested structured schedule adapted from the National Health Mission Facility Assessment Tool.Results: Majority (85%) of the SCs were functioning in Kinnaur District and 66% at Lahaul & Spiti District. In the latter district, the labour room was functional at primary health center (PHC). Civil and district hospitals were preferred for delivery while SC and PHC were preferred for preventive services. The infant mortality rate (IMR) of all districts was 24 per 1000 live births (LB). Most of the deaths were in post neonatal period (62%). Birth asphyxia and pneumonia were major causes. The 1-5-year mortality rate was 1 per 1000 LB, which was only reported from the district of Chamba. There were zero maternal mortalities during the survey period.Conclusions & Recommendations: The IMR in tribal districts was higher than the state average. Most deaths were due to birth asphyxia, hence indicates the importance of labour room preparedness at PHCs in these hard-to-reach areas.

Social Audit of MGNREGA: A Path of Community Participation in Tribal Area of Himachal Pradesh

Social audit is a powerful tool for social change, community engagement, and government accountability. The technique of closely examining and assessing a program with community involvement while comparing government data with real-world experiences is known as social auditing. After the implementation of the social audit, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) implementing agency has become increasingly transparent and accountable in its functioning. The present research paper is an attempt to know the effectiveness of social audit mechanisms in enhancing transparency, ensuring accountability, and promoting community participation in the implementation of MGNREGA in the tribal development block Bharmaur in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of social change, people participation, and transparency through social audit practices on the execution of MGNREGA work.

Assessing Vulnerability to Natural Hazards: An Intra-district Analysis of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Introduction: This study examines the susceptibility of Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, to natural hazards, with the goal of identifying the environmental dangers in the area and the elements that contribute to its vulnerability. The report utilizes an intra-district analysis to offer detailed insights into the specific issues encountered by various tehsils within Chamba District.
 Methodology: The assessment includes component indices and composite scores for each Tehsil, which cover social, economic, institutional, infrastructure, and ecological variables. The Chamba Tehsil exhibits a relatively lower level of vulnerability, as evidenced by higher scores in major component indices. On the other hand, Holi Tehsil is more susceptible to risks, mainly because of issues related to its infrastructure and ecological resilience.
 Results: The findings highlight the complex and varied aspects of vulnerability, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy. The differences among Tehsils emphasize a range of distinct difficulties, which require specific and customized strategies. The resilience of Chamba Tehsil indicates a favorable pattern, whilst the challenges faced by Holi Tehsil highlight particular areas that require targeted assistance.
 Conclusion: To mitigate vulnerability, it is necessary to not only build physical infrastructure but also address socio-economic imbalances, strengthen institutions, and promote ecological sustainability. It is crucial to develop customized plans that take into account the distinct issues faced by each Tehsil. Community engagement, awareness-building, and capacity-building efforts are crucial in decreasing vulnerability and utilizing local knowledge and abilities to strengthen resilience against natural catastrophes.

A-Quasi Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Video Assisted Teaching Programme on Knowledge regarding MTP among the Reproductive age group women (18-45years) in a selected area of District Chamba Himachal Pradesh

Background: -MTP is also called the medical termination of pregnancy. MTP is the safe legal procedure for abortion performed by the qualified registered medical practitioner in a approved hospital. The aim of the study was to improve the knowledge of the reproductive age group women (18-45years) regarding the Medical Termination of pregnancy (MTP). A Quantitative research was used to assess the effectiveness of video assisted teaching programme related to knowledge regarding the Medical Termination of pregnancy (MTP) among reproductive age group women (18-45years). The non- probability purposive sampling technique was used to select 60 women of reproductive age group (18-45years) in selected area of district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. A semi structured knowledge questionnaire was used to assess the level of knowledge. Analysis of collected data was done according to the objectives of the study and data analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study showed that out of60 women. 11.6% was 18-24years, 18.33% was 25-31years, 40% was 32-38years, 30% was 39-45years. According to the findings, the pre-test level of knowledge score of reproductive age group (18-45years) women 0% women had good knowledge, 31.6% women had average knowledge, 61.3% women had poor knowledge and the post-test level of knowledge score of reproductive age group (18-45years) women 83.3% women had good knowledge, 16.6% women had average knowledge and 0% women had poor knowledge score. It was concluded that video assisted teaching programme was an effective strategy in improving knowledge of reproductive age group women (18-45years) regarding the MTP (Medical termination of Pregnancy)

Additions to the Grass Flora (Family Poaceae) of Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh from Pangi Valley

Additions to the Grass Flora (Family Poaceae) of Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh from Pangi Valley

Ecological assessment and suitability ranges of Ban oak (Quercus oblongata D. Don) in Chamba district, Himalayas: implications for present and future conservation

Ecological assessment and suitability ranges of Ban oak (Quercus oblongata D. Don) in Chamba district, Himalayas: implications for present and future conservation

Political Participation of Gaddi Tribe of Himachal Pradesh in State Politics

This article is an ethnographic examination of the participation of Gaddis of Himachal Pradesh in state politics. Traditionally, they followed pastoral nomadism, but now the trend has changed. Gaddis today prefer government and private sector jobs. However, Gaddis were also trying to make a career in politics. Many had registered their names in state politics with their enthusiastic involvement. After Independence, only the Gaddis from the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh were notified as Scheduled Tribes. But with their active involvement in politics, in 2002, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders from Dharamshala and Baijnath appealed for scheduled caste status to the rest of the Gaddis living in Himachal Pradesh who were classified under other backward classes. All the Gaddis from different areas were re-notified as Scheduled Tribes and given rights with regard to aid, education and jobs in January 2003. They had been facing discrimination among other communities due to their occupation and lifestyle but with the passage of time, Gaddis tried to maintain their identity among other communities by actively participating in politics and showing their presence to others. The aim of the study was to explore how the Gaddis were ensuring their political identity through their support of cultural identities and relation within and outside their tribe.

A Quasi Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Self - Instructional Module on Importance of Outdoor Physical Activity among Mothers of Adolescents in Selected Area of District Chamba (H. P)

A Quasi Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Self - Instructional Module on Importance of Outdoor Physical Activity among Mothers of Adolescents in Selected Area of District Chamba (H. P)

Renewable based techno-economic analysis for telecommunication system: A case study of western Himalaya

This research article presents a technoeconomic analysis of an RET-based model for powering a hilly remote area telecom tower in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Using the HOMER software tool with various evolutionary algorithms, the study found that the most feasible configuration was 30 kW of SP panels, 10 kW of DG units, 20 batteries, and 10 units of converter with a minimum energy cost value of 0.256 $/kWh. The energy cost values from various evolutionary techniques such as HHO, WOA, PSO, and GA were also observed to be competitive. After policy intervention and government subsidies, the cost of energy reduced to 0.167 $/kWh, which is significantly less compared to the diesel-powered system. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was carried out for changes in solar radiations, ambient temperature, and diesel fuel prices to determine the best optimal configuration for the study.

Estimation of biomass and carbon storage potential in agroforestry systems of north western Himalayas, India

The estimation of carbon stock in agroforestry is crucial for curbing the global climate crisis. In this study, biomass production and carbon storage potential of the prevalent agroforestry systems along an altitudinal gradient in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh was carried out during 2019–2021. Agroforestry practices were categorized into eight land use systems viz., agrisilviculture, agrihorticulture, agrosilvohorticulture, agrohortisilviculture, hortiagriculture, silvopastoral, pastoralsilviculture and hortipastoral systems and were divided into four altitudinal ranges viz., <1000 m above sea level (m asl; Z-I), 1000–1500 m asl (Z-II), 1500–2500 m asl (Z-III) and > 2500 m asl (Z-IV). Results revealed that biomass production and total carbon storage (vegetation + soil) were significantly affected by the land use type along the altitudinal gradient. Among the different agroforestry systems, maximum aboveground biomass (47.48 Mg ha−1) and belowground biomass (12.20 Mg ha−1) were recorded for agrohortisilviculture. Biomass production was positively correlated with altitudes and increased with an increase in altitudes. Soil carbon density was the maximum (35.77 Mg ha−1) under silvopastoral showing a decreasing trend along the altitudinal gradient. The total carbon storage potential was observed the maximum (59.76 Mg ha−1) under silvopastoral system followed by agrohortisilvicuture > agrosilvohorticulture > agrisilviculture > pastoralsilviculture > hortiagriculture > hortipastoral > agrihorticulture. Along the elevation gradient, total carbon stock ranged from 43.99 to 51.13 Mg ha−1 with the maximum carbon stock corresponding to Z-III and the minimum for Z-IV. This study offers a useful approach for selecting different land use systems and vegetation patterns to maximize thecarbon stocks in a cost-effective manner, which will further help to mitigate global warming issues in other fragile Himalayan catchments.

Climate trends of a typical apple growing mid- hill district of Himachal Pradesh.

For four sample decades, the study examined the long-term climate trends along with the area and production changes in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. A database was collected for maximum temperature (Tmax ), minimum temperature (Tmin), and rainfall, and for the area and production of apple for the four representative decades of Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh. It has been observed that trends indicated that temperature in this district showed an increasing trend and precipitation (rainfall) showed decreasing trend. Temperature, rainfall was the main parameters collected along with other meteorological parameters. The minimum and maximum temperature & rainfall data were collected from the records of government departments for the period of at-least 25-30 years. Long term trends were generated to check the change detection. The minimum temperature in Chamba district has shown an increase of 0.36°C and maximum temperature increase by 0.3°C and annual rainfall decreased by 117.95 mm in 36 years. It has also been observed that many farmers are now opting for industrial crops like mushroom, flowers, off season vegetables because of climate change. Due to an increase in temperature, apple crop is getting less chilling hours, which is somehow affecting the quality of fruit. More long term research efforts are required to be conducted in Free Air Temperature Enrichment (FATE) which can enhance this study. This study also indicates that there is an increase in area and production in Chamba district but fluctuation is seen in productivity. Shifting to higher elevation might be temporary solution to meet the chilling requirement but a proper measures need to be taken. The area under apple cultivation has increased substantially from a mere 400 hectares in 1950s to 11. 4 lakhs hectares in 2020s but fluctuation is observed in the productivity of the crop. Considering the vital role that apple has in the economy of Himachal Pradesh, there is a need to study the production and productivity of the apple crop

Trapped within nature: climatic variability and its impact on traditional livelihood of Gaddi transhumance of Indian Himalayas

ABSTRACT Gaddi’s are a tribal community, practicing transhumance in the state of Himachal Pradesh in the Indian Himalayas. Transhumance is the seasonal movement (vertical movement) of people with their livestock between fixed higher pasture lands in summer and lower valleys in winter. Due to climate change, the livelihood security of the indigenous community is endangered. The current study explores the problems faced by the Gaddi community in the Chamba district, and how climate change is threatening the traditional transhumant lifestyle. To assess the pattern of climate change in the region, data pertaining to monthly average rainfall and temperature were collected from the India Meteorological Department and was analysed for trend analysis. The climatic data were divided into eight clusters and detailed season-wise analysis was done with the help of various statistical tests. Further, a primary survey of 46 households was conducted to assess the ground-level changes. Transhumance routes followed by the Gaddi community were mapped and overlaid on Land Use/Land Cover maps for the period between 1978 and 2018. The results show an increasing trend in the temperature coupled with declining trend in rainfall and a characteristic shift in the land use pattern over the period. The effect of change in the climate and land use pattern is reflected in the altered course of routes followed by the Gaddi’s. The study indicates this livelihood practice is on the verge of extinction, special attention needs to be paid to this vulnerable indigenous tribal community for a resilient Himalayan ecosystem.

Physico-Chemical and Antioxidant Evaluation of Honey Collected from Three Different Honeybee Species in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Physico-Chemical and Antioxidant Evaluation of Honey Collected from Three Different Honeybee Species in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Nutritional evaluation, phytochemical makeup, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of wild plants utilized as food by the Gaddis-a tribal tribe in the Western Himalayas

Nowadays, it is generally accepted that medicinal plants play a crucial role in traditional healthcare operations, providing hints to new research fields and in biodiversity protection. However, there is a lack of information on the medicinal uses of plants in many of the interior Himalayan regions. In light of this, the current investigation was initiated in the tribally dominant western Himalayan hinterland. The current study examined five underutilized wild edible plants, namely, Allium rubellum, Berberis chitria, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Stellaria aquatica, and Rheum emodi, for their nutritional qualities, phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity, which are consumed as food by the Gaddi community of the Bharmour region of the Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh. In this study, the nutritional makeup of these plants was examined in terms of their carbohydrate, protein, sodium, potassium, crude fiber, and fat content. As compared to other investigated species, A. rubellum has the highest nutritional content: carbohydrate (6.93 mg/g), protein (10.18 mg/g), sodium (3.21 mg/g), potassium (16.32 mg/g), and fiber (6.46%). In addition, phenols, amino acids, tannins, terpenoids, carotenoids, and phytate were found to be the least significant phytochemicals in R. emodi, i.e., 4.81 mg/g, 0.594 mg/g, 2.204 mg/g, 1.482 mg/g, 156 µg/g, and 0.680%, respectively. The methanolic extract of these wild edible plants showed significant free radical scavenging activity by using ABTS and DPPH assays. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of studied plants based on the present study suggested that R. emodi exhibits a maximum zone of inhibition of 20.8 mm against Escherichia coli, whereas S. aquatica showed a maximum inhibition zone of 19.2 mm against S. aureus. The findings of this study validated that these wild edible plants are an alternate source of medicine and are an abundant source of various phytochemicals like protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. These compositions offer dietary benefits, food security, health benefits, and therapeutic advantages. Hence, in the current study, it was analyzed that there is an urgent need for documentation, conservation, characterization, and evaluation of these underutilized plants for their therapeutic purpose and nutritional supplements.

A Comparative Study to Assess the Level of Mobile Phone Addiction among Adolescents of selected Rural and Urban area of District Chamba Himachal Pradesh

Background: - Mobile phones have become a main stream product in today world and have a huge impact. It helps to socialize, create a sense of belonging to peer groups and easy access to media and environment. A part from its regular use mobile phone express individual identities. The aim of the study was to compare the level of mobile phone addiction among adolescent of selected rural and urban area. A quantitative research approach was adopted and comparative descriptive research design was used in the study. Sample of 100 adolescents from rural (50) and urban (50) area were selected by purposive sampling technique. Tools were consisting of Socio demographic variables and Structured likert scale was used to assess the level of mobile phone addiction. The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result reveled that in rural areas 17% of adolescent had mild level, 20% had moderate level, 30% had severe level and 0% had very severe level of mobile phone addiction. In Urban areas 2% had mild level, 12% had moderate, 24% had severe level, 12% has very severe level of mobile phone addiction. It was concluded that mobile phone addiction among adolescents is one of the biggest emerging issue in Today ‘s world. It is very important to engage adolescent in outdoor and extracurricular activities and aware those about limited use mobile phone.