District Tharparkar Research Articles

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Post monsoon floristic inventory of Nagarparkar, District Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract The monsoon rain brings a green carpet of landscape to Thar Desert including Karoonjhar mountains range. We explored Nagarparkar, District Tharparkar, Sindh to record post monsoon botanical inventory of the region. The study confirmed 89 plant species of 26 plant families. The vegetation was dominated by Poaceae (18 spp.) and Fabaceae (15 spp.) families. About two third of the families were represented by single species. The vegetation was rich with grasses and herbs making about 60% of the species while the rest includes tress shrubs and subshrubs. The lifespan analysis revealed the dominance of perennials. The life form spectrum shows the abundance of Phanerophytes (30%), Chamaephyte (28%) and Therophyte (25%) across the region. The present study demonstrates vegetation variations triggered by monsoon down pours and indicates the presence of various microhabitats in the study area. The current inventory would be useful for further ecological studies and conservation of species and habitats. These records would help to detect invasive species, their distribution and other environmental impacts on plant species in future. Keywords: Floristic inventory; Life form; Life-span, Nagraparkar; Plant habits; Thar Desert http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80038

Ground-Water Quality in Islamkot and Mithi Talukas of District Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

Surface water supplies are gradually becoming short in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Thus, assessment of groundwater quality for crop use appears to be very essential for management and utilization of precious natural water resources. This study reports the water quality of 52 hand pumps and one tubewell located in the most remote areas of desert region, viz. Islamkot and Mithi talukas of district Tharparkar. The water samples were collected during April 2016 (just before the start of rainy season). The water samples were analyzed for EC (Electrical Conductivity), pH, CO32-, HCO3-, Cl-, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ concentration. The SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) and RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonates) were estimated using their respective formula. The categorization of water samples based on their soluble salt content clearly revealed that the water bodies of majority (65%) of areas were hazardous, while 25% areas were marginal. Thus, only 11% water samples of the area under study had useable irrigation water. Because of SAR and RSC the majority (89 and 77%, respectively) of water samples were found to be free from the sodicity hazard. The study concluded that salinity, and not sodicity was the major threat to the area under irrigation with these water bodies. It is, therefore, suggested that the salinity tolerant crops and their genotypes may be used in this area to sustain crop production.

Bioaccumulation of arsenic and fluoride in vegetables from growing media: health risk assessment among different age groups.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the arsenic (As) and fluoride (F-) concentrations in growing media (stored rainwater and soil), of district Tharparkar, Pakistan. The bioaccumulation/transportation of As and F from growing media to different types of vegetables (wild cucumis, Indian squish and cluster bean) was evaluated. Total concentrations of As and F- in stored rainwater samples were observed up to 585μg/L and 32.4mg/L, respectively, exceeding many folds higher than WHO provisional guideline values. The As and F- contents in soil samples of nine agricultural sites were found in the range of 121-254mg/kg and 115-478mg/kg, respectively. The highest contents of As and F- were observed in wild cucumis as compared to Indian squish and cluster bean (p < 0.05), grown in the same agricultural field. The bioaccumulation factors of As and F- were to be > 4.00, indicating the high rate of transportation of As and F- from growing media to vegetables. A significant positive correlation of As and F- in vegetables with their concentrations in soil and water was observed (r > 0.60 with p < 0.05). The risk assessment elucidated that the population of different age group consuming local vegetables and drinking water contaminated with As and F- may have adverse health effects.

Climate Change and Drought: Impact of Food Insecurity on Gender Based Vulnerability in District Tharparkar

Climate change has now become a reality that has intensified the sufferings of people living in arid ecosystems. Decrease in rainfall, rise in temperature and increase in the frequency of extreme events are some of the changes observed in the semi-arid desert of district Tharparkar. For thousands of years, people of Tharparkar are coping with drought and aridity of the land by using indigenous knowledge. However, global changes in the climatic pattern and deterioration of social and economic conditions have pushed the inhabitants of this arid region into extreme vulnerable situation. This paper investigates the link between climate-induced natural disasters, particularly drought, from the perspective of changing climate patterns which have resulted in food insecurity and water scarcity. The paper analyses the rainfall pattern in the last 38 years—dividing it into two periods i.e. from 1975-1994 and 1995-2014. The findings of the paper have challenged the prevailing notions about aridity and rainfall patterns in Tharparkar district. The research found that there is an increase in average annual precipitation in the district with erratic patterns. Thus, the nature of drought in the district has changed from its historic pattern of less or no rainfall to more but erratic rainfall that is more threatening to livelihoods of the people that in turn have multiplier effect on water and food insecurity. In particularly, women are more vulnerable in the absence of social security and lack of basic necessities for their survival amidst drought. For instance, traditionally the burden of managing water resources falls on women, which leads to an increased work load during the time of drought and also water scarcity. JEL Classification: Q54, Q56, Q25, I30 Keywords: Climate, Environment and Development, Drought, Water, Poverty

An Outbreak Investigation of Chikungunya Fever -District Tharparkar, Pakistan, August 2017

Background: On 8th August 2017 print media reported 49 cases of fever with severe joint pains from different villages of District Tharparkar. On the same day a team of FELTP fellows was deputed to investigate the situation. Objective: The objectives of the investigation were to determine the extent of outbreak, evaluate the risk factors and suggest recommendation for control. Methods: A descriptive followed by age and sex-matched case-control study was conducted in District Tharparkar in August 2017. Review of reported cases and active case finding was conducted. A case was defined as acute onset of fever (102°F) and severe arthralgia or arthritis not explained by other medical conditions, in a resident of District Tharparkar from 13 July to 27 August 2017. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information. Blood samples were sent to National Institute of Health for confirmation RT-PCR. An entomological survey was conducted in the affected area. Frequencies were calculated, attack rates computed, and multivariate analysis undertaken at 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. Results: A total of 204 cases were identified, 155 through active case search. Mean age was 25.5 years (range 01 month - 80 years) with a female preponderance (n=112; attack rate (AR) 54%). The overall AR was 26.7/1000, with 20-29 years being the most severely affected age group (AR 33/1000). Presence of uncovered water containers was significantly associated with disease (OR=10.4, 95% CI= 6.54-16.6). Use of bed nets had a protective effect. Out of 48 samples sent, 34 were positive on RT-PCR. Entomological Survey revealed house index 79.3%, container index 40.6% and breteau index 182%. Conclusions: Presence of uncovered water containers in the house were potential breeding sites for the vector and was the most probable cause of the outbreak. Indoor residual spray followed by fogging and community awareness were conducted.

Outbreak Investigation of Dengue Fever in Water Scarce District Tharparkar of Pakistan, 2016

Background: On 8th December 2016, 43 cases of dengue fever were reported from Tharparkar to Director General Health Office. The very next day FELTP fellows were assigned to investigate the outbreak. Objective: Objectives were to assess the magnitude, evaluate the risk factors and recommend control measures. Methods: Review of hospital records and active case finding was done. A descriptive followed by a case control study was conducted in December 2016. A case was defined as acute fever more than 102°F lasting >3 days, plus a positive NS-1 test in a resident of Tharparkar during September to December 2016. During entomological survey objects containing water were sampled and investigated for presence of larvae or pupa. The collected vectors were examined for species identification. Results: A total of 254 cases were identified (211 by active case finding) with 73% males. Overall attack rate (AR) was 0.02 with 10-14 years being the most affected age group (AR=0.03). Out of 254 cases, 79%(n=201) had indoor water receptacles (OR 32, CI 19.6-54 with P<0.00), 61% (n=155) had potted plants inside the house (OR 8, CI 5-13, p value < 0.00), and 46% (n=118) had outdoor water receptacles (OR 3, CI 2-4 with p value < 0.00) whereas intact window nets 52% of cases (n=132) (OR 0.44, CI 0.02-0.08, P value < 0.00) were found protective against getting the dengue infection. Total 2616 Aedes larvae-(58.3 per dip) and 423 pupae-(8 per dip) were collected by 320 dips. Among 152 houses 182 breeding sites were identified. Adult Aedes were found in 12 of 230 rooms. Conclusions: The outbreak was likely caused by presence of vector breeding sites inside and outside the house. On the recommendation of the study, health authorities initiated health awareness sessions and promoted mechanical control of breeding sites as well as use of windows net.

Nutritional Profile and Medicinal Properties of Cucumis melo var Agrestis: A Non- Conventional Vegetable

The research study was design to determine the nutritional profile and medicinal properties of non-conventional vegetable Cucumis melo var Agrestis of district Tharparkar, for sake to take a little step for overcoming the situation of malnutrition and to alleviate the nutritional and health status of the community as well. Cucumis melo var Agrestis fruits sample were collected from the vicinity of Mithi, district Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan. Biochemical and phytochemical screening via different standard methods was performed to assess the nutritional value of the plant. The outcomes of experimental work were estimate ash content with 3.8%, moisture 80.9%, carbohydrate content 31.2%, moreover protein content of Cucumis melo var Agrestis was detected 18.9% in fruit part. However, the presence of Phenolic compounds alike total alkaloids and total Tannis was also observed, beside this the heavy metals was found available and analysis shows presence of Cu, Fe, Zn, Co with 138, 141, 17.6 and 0.03 of ppm concentration were found respectively, although very minute concentration of Mn, Pb and Cd perceived below the limit of detection. Hence it was concluded from present study that Cucumis melo var Agrestis (Fruit) was found nutritious that can be used as food to overwhelm the situation of malnutrition.

Prevalence and control practices of gastrointestinal helminths of camel in district tharparkar, sindh Pakistan

Prevalence and control practices of gastrointestinal helminths of camel in district tharparkar, sindh Pakistan

Occurrence of Anthrax Spores in Small Ruminants Hair/Wool in District Tharparkar, Sindh

Occurrence of Anthrax Spores in Small Ruminants Hair/Wool in District Tharparkar, Sindh

‘Religious identity and coal development in Pakistan’: Ecology, land rights and the politics of exclusion

This paper examines the role of religious identity in the context of a coal development project in District Tharparkar, Pakistan. Research was conducted in six rural communities located in the vicinity of the coal project. The results obtained are important for two reasons. First, they provide insights into the heterogeneous composition of communities based on religious identity, which explains contrasting perceptions toward project development. Second, they entail a practical dimension that suggests that in the process of assessment, development and management of coal resources, differences related to religious and community identity must be recognized and taken into account to minimize community conflict.

In-situ Conservation of Commiphorawightii: an Endangered Medicinal Shrub through Integrated Participatory Approach in the Nagarparkar Hills of Tharparkar, Pakistan

Participatory oriented actions were taken in district Tharparkar (South-eastern Pakistan) to combat desertification effects through conserving Commiphora wightii, an endangered medicinal plant and local biodiversity protectionat large scale. Synergies of various stakeholders at different levels were undertaken to strengthen local ecosystem conservation projects in Nagarparkar area of district Tharparkar by involving indigenous communities through in-situ Commiphora wightii proliferation, plantation and awareness raising programmes. Optimistic results were achieved from local communities' participation in various activities, plantation of 4250 Commiphora wightii(three and half months old)was carried out through vegetative cuttings at the selected natural rangeland sites in the study area.

Status of Water Bodies and their Effect on Human Health in District Tharparkar

Status of Water Bodies and their Effect on Human Health in District Tharparkar