Districts Of West Bengal Research Articles

Environmental contamination of arsenic: pathway analysis through water-soil-feed-livestock in Nadia District (India) and potential human health risk.

This study investigated arsenic (As) concentrations in diverse environmental components and their potential impact on the health risks faced by residents of the arsenic (As)-contaminated Nadia district in West Bengal, India. A random selection of 182 cattle and 255 goats from 40 livestock farmers in the district revealed that both animals and humans were naturally exposed to elevated arsenic levels through contaminated drinking water, foods, grasses, concentrate feeds, various fodder tree leaves, and other food/feed resources. The mean As concentration in roughages (483.18µg/kg DM) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in tree leaves (391.53µg/kg DM), and concentrate feed/ingredients (186.66µg/kg DM). Pond water exhibited higher arsenic levels (106.11µg/L) compared to shallow tube well water (47.96µg/L) and deep tube well water/tap water (10.64µg/L and 10.04µg/L, respectively). The mean arsenic concentration in soils DM of fodder fields, crop fields, and grassland was 10.25, 10.58, and 10.20mg/kg, respectively. It was observed that protein-rich feeds had lower levels of arsenic accumulation (p < 0.048), while fiber-rich feeds containing more cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin had higher arsenic levels (p < 0.017). Goats consumed 73.46% more arsenic per kg body weight compared to dairy cows. Although chronic and sub-chronic arsenic exposure in the district did not typically manifest symptoms or visible signs in ruminant animals, concentrations in the hair and feces of both cattle and goats exceeded normal values. Cattle feces had significantly higher arsenic (410.43µg/kg DM) levels (p < 0.001) than goat feces (227.00µg/kg DM), and arsenic concentration in cattle hair (1917.74µg/kg DM) was also significantly greater (p < 0.001) than goat hair (1435.74µg/kg DM). Arsenic levels in milk samples from both species were below 10µg/kg. Liver (356.02µg/kg DM) and kidney (317.22µg/kg DM) contained significantly higher (p < 0.001) levels of arsenic compared to muscle (204.23µg/kg DM), and bone (161.98µg/kg DM) in local meat-type adult male goats. The skin accumulated the highest amount of arsenic (576.24µg/kg DM) among the non-edible parts of the goat carcass. The cumulative cancer risk value for adults was 4.96 × 10-3, exceeding the threshold value (1 × 10-6). This suggests a significant risk of cancer development for the population in arsenic-affected areas. Non-cancer risks (hazard indexes) were estimated at 11.01 for adults. Our observations revealed that the highest bioaccumulation of arsenic occurred in the hair of cows, and goats in the examined localities. The biotransformation factor (BTF) for hair was much higher compared to other excreted samples from both species. The calculated BTF followed the order: hair > feces > milk for cows and goats. Livestock farmers in Nadia district are advised to carefully select feed resources, prioritizing those high in crude protein and low in neutral detergent fiber, and they should provide drinking water from deep aquifers to ensure the safety of milk and meat for human consumption.

Possibility of the optimum monitoring and evaluation (M&E) production frontier for risk-informed health governance in disaster-prone districts of West Bengal, India

An efficient M&E system in public healthcare is crucial for achieving universal health coverage in low- and middle-income countries, especially when the need for service remains unmet due to the exposure of the population to disaster risks and uncertainties. Current research has conducted exploratory and predictive analyses to estimate the determinants of sustainable M&E solutions for ensuring uninterrupted access during and after disasters. The aim was to estimate the efficiency of reaching a higher M&E production frontier via the Cobb‒Douglas model and stochastic frontier model as the basic theoretical and empirical frameworks. The research followed a deductive approach and used a stratified purposive sampling method to collect data from different layers of health and disaster governance in a flood-prone rural setting in the Malda, South 24 Parganas and Purulia districts in West Bengal, India. The present mixed-method study revealed multiple challenges in healthcare seeking during disasters and how a well-structured M&E system can increase system readiness to combat these challenges. The stochastic frontier model estimated the highest M&E frontier producing the most attainable M&E effectiveness through horizontal convergence between departments, enhanced coordination, the availability of frontline health workers at health centers, the adoption of learned innovation and the outsourcing of the evaluation component to external evaluators to improve M&E process quality. Although the study has several limitations, it shows the potential to increase technical and allocative efficiency through building skills in innovative techniques and applying them in process implementation. In the future, research on strategy improvement followed by real-world evidence-based policy advocacy is needed to increase the impact of M&E on access to healthcare services.

The role of Self-Help Groups in strengthening resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from India

Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the credit based voluntary groups in India are widely known for their potential to alleviate poverty and empower women. This research article explores a lesser-known theme. It tries to analyze the possibility of utilizing the current SHG model of the Indian Government to build and strengthen resilience of the SHG members in case of an external shock like financial stress, food insecurity, dispute in home for joining SHG, and difficulty to repay loan amidst lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article also focuses on their coping mechanisms and attitude towards these crises. By utilizing primary data collected from 320 SHG members in one of the aspirational districts in West Bengal, India, the present paper tries to fulfill its objective. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the problems faced by the SHG members by combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings reveal that from organizing vocational trainings to relaxing loan repayment, SHGs and its women members overcame various adversities with tenacity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the study findings, it is reasonable to conclude that the current SHG model in India presents a promising avenue for enhancing the resilience of its members in the face of external shocks.

Functional integration of services during the antenatal period can potentially improve childhood growth parameters beyond infancy: findings from a post-interventional follow-up study in West Bengal, India

BackgroundDespite progress, the prevalence of childhood undernutrition in India remains amongst the highest globally.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the impact of a functional integration interventional package during the antenatal period on childhood growth parameters.MethodsThis is a post-interventional follow-up study of a maternal nutrition interventional study conducted between 2018 and 2019 among women in their first trimester of pregnancy from three districts in West Bengal, India. Pregnant women received a package of augmented interventions from study staff which supplemented those provided to them under the state-run programmes, that included body-mass-index measurement at pregnancy registration, monthly weight monitoring, targeted dietary counselling, supervised supplementary nutrition intake and iron-folic acid supplementation during daily anganwadi center visits. In the current follow-up study conducted in 2021, age-matched pregnant women from the same areas who were pregnant during the same period as in the original study and had received standard-of-care under the state-run programmes were recruited into a comparison group. Study staff collected data regarding maternal height and serial weights that were recorded at antenatal visits in 2018-19, and birth and infant characteristics. Child height and weight were measured during the follow-up visit in 2021, which were used to calculate the relative risks of stunting, wasting and underweight using generalized linear models, to understand the sustained impact of the intervention beyond infancy. Eight-hundred-nine mother-child dyads (406 intervention; 403 comparison) were followed.ResultsMedian age of women in the intervention and comparison group was 23 (IQR 20–25) and 25 (IQR 24–27) years respectively. Median gestational-weight-gain was higher amongst intervention group women (9 vs. 8 kg, p = 0.04). Low-birth-weight prevalence was 29.3% (119/406) and 32.0% (129/403) in the intervention and comparison group. At 12–35 months of age, children born to women in the intervention group had significantly reduced risk of stunting (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.44–0.94), wasting (RR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.33–0.97) and underweight (RR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.88).ConclusionsThese results indicate that functional integration and strengthening of routine antenatal care services including targeted nutritional counselling to expectant mothers can have distal beneficial effects on childhood undernutrition beyond the immediate post-natal period.

Flood Monitoring and Mapping in the Ghatal Region of West Bengal, India

Abstract The Ghatal block of Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal, India experiences frequent flooding due to the overflow of the rivers Dwarakeswar, Rupnarayan, Shilabati, and their tributaries. Although the Ghatal master plan was prepared and the foundation stone was placed in 1982 to reduce the flood vulnerability in this region, the plan is still not being implemented. To determine the flood vulnerability in the Ghatal block, very few research investigations have been carried out. The previous studies just applied a successful scientific methodology to evaluate flood risk; they did not engage in participatory research with local community perception. Hence, a thorough investigation is needed to manage floods in a way that increases community resilience. Using a comparative review and the geographic information system (GIS), the study seeks to identify the flood-prone locations in the Ghatal block, which is essential for flood management in any region. The article uses a multi-criteria analysis to pinpoint probable flood hazard regions. Seven parameters are used in the study to carry out the multi-criteria analytical hierarchy procedure. Based on their relative importance for the event, the criteria’s weights are determined using the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) method, and a Suitability Index is prepared. The index indicates that the severe problem of river flooding in the Ghatal block of Paschim Medinipur needs to be looked after on an urgent basis and with path-breaking solutions, especially for the Ghatal municipality and the various gram panchayats such as Irpala, Mansuka-I, Monoharpur-I, Ajobnagar-I, Mohonpur, Dewanchak-I and the North-Eastern part of Sultanpur and the Southern part of Dewanchak-II.

Measuring Social Vulnerability Indicators to CoVID Pandemic: A GIS Based Analysis in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India

Abstract Identifying highly vulnerable communities and implementing effective strategies are crucial components in interrupting the transmission chain of any virus. This, in turn, can mitigate the economic and social repercussions of a virus outbreak. As part of this research, a CoVID-19 vulnerability map was developed for the North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, India. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of rural-urban patterns, spatial dynamics, and morphological factors on Coronavirus infections. This investigation involves examining micro-level differentiations within the district area. Various explanatory variables, including socioeconomic, behavioral, environmental, geographic, and demographic factors, are employed to assess the factors influencing the regional spread of infectious diseases. North 24 Parganas has observed the clustering of CoVID-19 cases at the block level. Incorporating socioeconomic and environmental risk factors such as age, gender, caste, religion, language, occupation, and urbanization status into CoVID-19 case and mortality data will undoubtedly aid in elucidating the geographical origins of the pandemic.

Advancement Of Women Education In Relation To Attitude Of The Shedule Castes People With Various Socio-Economic Sectors And Regions Of Nadia District In West Bengal

Abstract Introduction: The study investigates the progress of women’s education among Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Nadia District, West Bengal, highlighting the significant barriers they face due to historical marginalization and socio-economic constraints. Objectives: The study investigates socio-economic factors’ influence on women’s education, community attitudes towards it, identified barriers, evaluated policy effectiveness, and devised region-specific recommendations for SC women in Nadia District.

Assessing the role of forest resources in improving rural livelihoods in West Bengal of India

Forest resources play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of rural communities residing in forest-rich areas. In India, a forest-rich country, a significant proportion of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is consumed locally, supporting numerous rural communities relying on forests for essential resources, such as firewood, timber, and NTFPs. This study focuses on two forest-dominant districts in West Bengal of India, namely, Jhargram District and Paschim Medinipur District. Furthermore, this study aims to enhance the understanding of forest-dependent communities by comparing the standard of living among different village classes. Thus, we categorized villages into three classes based on the distance from home to forests, including inner villages, fringe villages, and outer villages. Through focus group discussions and household surveys, we explored the sources of local economy, income sources of household, and reasons for economic diversification in different village classes. The study findings confirm that substantial variations existed in the income sources and the standard of living in these villages. Forest income varied dramatically among the three village classes, with inner villages having greater forest income than fringe villages and outer villages. Meanwhile, households in outer villages depended on forests and engaged in diverse economic activities for their livelihoods. Compared with inner and fringe villages, households in outer villages derived a significant portion of their income from livestock. This discrepancy can be attributed to challenges, such as inadequate transportation, communication, and underdeveloped market chains in inner villages. Moreover, these findings emphasize the need to develop sustainable forest management practices, create alternative income-generation opportunities, and improve infrastructure and market access in inner villages, as well as promote economic diversification in outer villages. Through targeted policy measures, these forest-rich regions can achieve improved livelihoods, enhanced standard of living, and increased resilience for their communities.

Ethnobotanical Significance of the Flora of Neora Valley National Park in the District of Darjeeling, West Bengal (India)

Recent floristic survey of Neora Valley National Park in Kalimpong sub-division of Darjeeling district of West Bengal revealed that the park is a rich repository of the ethnobotanically important plant resources that includes species of food, medicine, ornamental, poisonous and other assorted ethnic values. Based on available literature and direct interaction with forest dwellers living in the periphery of the park, altogether 83 medicinal, 59 edible, 18 ornamental, 21 poisonous (irritants and lethal) and 11 plants having fascinating assorted ethnic uses have been recognized. The forest dwellers have their own dictionary of local names for the identification of these valuable plant resources by which they are maintaining their own ancient ethnoscience. Many of these medicinal plant species were assessed to be the valuable resources for the treatment of a range of human ailments for which there are no complete answers in the modern medical science (?).

Distribution of Carnivorous Plants in West Bengal

The distribution of 18 species of carnivorous plants in the different districts of West Bengal is recorded with annotations. Some of these are new records for the state of West Bengal.

PLAY PARTICIPATION OF ADOLESCENT SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN

Play is a spontaneous, creative, pleasurable and normal activity of the child. It is an integral part of children’s everyday experience, from the earliest days of life through adolescence and into adulthood. Through play the child attains fullness physically and mentally. When the body and mind are alert and fresh, life is full of joy. The aim of the present study is to study the overall statuses of participation of adolescent school going children in play activities and to compare participation of adolescent school going children in play with respect to their gender, family structure and district. The sample of the study consists of 400 Upper Primary and secondary adolescent school going children from six schools of Paschim Medinipur and South-24 Parganas district in West Bengal. The sample was drawn on the basis of non-probability convenient sampling technique. To measure the overall statuses of participation of adolescent school going children in play activities, a three point Likert type Play Participation Scale was developed by the investigator. Collected data were analyzed using the statistics- Mean, Standard Deviation (SD) and Percentage analysis. t- Test analysis was conducts with SPSS programme. Hypotheses were tested at probability level of 0.05. Results of the research showed that most of the adolescent school going children i.e. 92.5% average participation in play activities. Most of them i.e. 67.25% opined that they have low participation per day in play activities and almost negligible percentage i.e. 5.5% of them opined average participation in it. Significant differences in the play participation were found among adolescent school going children with relation to their gender and district. No significant difference in the play participation was found among adolescent school going children with relation to their family structure.

Integrating gender in microfinance: Identifying strategies for women's empowerment across different institutional models

The issue of microfinance and women's empowerment has been intensely debated in the last two decades or more. Most of the debates have been about whether microfinance leads to empowerment in the context of specific programmes. Many impact studies focus on specific quantifiable indicators, whether economic or social. This paper moves beyond such debates to understand which strategies work to create empowerment and how. It looks at three institutional models of microfinance across the minimalist and credit plus spaces to identify gender specific and other strategies which enable experiences of empowerment for members of microfinance institutions. Instead of quantitative indicators or specific achievements, the paper explores dimensions and processes of empowerment such as solidarity, leadership and challenge to patriarchal ideology. Although the study is located in a certain district of West Bengal, a state in India, the observations and findings have relevance globally because similar institutional models and strategies are present across the world, especially in the Global South.

An Observational Study on Perception of Efficacy of Crop Insurance among the Farmers of a Community Development Block in the State of West Bengal

Crop insurance is a formal mechanism of risk management to farmers exposed to a similar type of risk in agricultural production. It is a means to protect the cultivators against financial loss on account of anticipated crop loss which might arise out of uncontrollable natural calamities such as natural fire, weather, floods, pests, diseases etc. In West Bengal, various crop insurance schemes have been implemented so far. The common aim of the schemes is to provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure and stabilize farm production and income of the farming community. This is the motivation behind the study. The study has been conducted among farmers of Hooghly district in West Bengal to understand their perception of efficacy of crop insurance schemes. Respondents include both insured and non-insured farmers. The mean age of the farmers with crop insurance was 43.18±16.13 years and the mean age of the ones without crop insurance was 44.22±18.07 years respectively (p=0.62). All respondents were males with full ownership of farms. The mean size of the farms was 5.95±3.28 bigha. A total number of 60 farmers were selected randomly out of which 30 farmers were with crop insurance and rest 30 were without crop insurance. Among the risk management strategies adopted for the destruction of crops, sale/ mortgage of land, sale of livestock and government relief were higher among non-insured farmers as compared to insured farmers (p&gt;0.05).

Through the eyes of grandparents: an in-depth exploration of the nexus between grandchild caring and the psychological well-being of older grandparents

BackgroundGrandchild caring has positive as well as negative impact on the grandparents’ psychological well-being and the findings are varied by culture and country.MethodsPresent study was intended to understand the relationship between caring for grandchildren and psychological well-being of grandparents living in skipped (SGH) and multi-generational households (MGH) in Indian demographical context. The present research involved In-depth Interviews (IDI) focusing on grandparents above 60 and grandchildren below 18, where the elder played a crucial role in caregiving. The study area was Malda, a district of West Bengal in India. Purposively 24 IDIs were selected. Psychological well-being was measured using open-ended questions. Thematic and content analyses were adopted to understand the perspective of grandparents.ResultsMost of the grandparents from SGH reported depression word frequently, while grandparents from MGH reported happy. In the content analysis, grandparents from SGH expressed tension, mental turmoil, and worry about grandchild’s future. On the contrary, grandparents from MGH expressed happy, companionship, and worry about grandchild’s future. Further, full time caring, compulsive reason behind grandchild caring, and working status were linked with living in SGH and grandchild caring, which were in turn connected with deteriorate psychological health. However, in MGH, a different scenario was observed, most grandparents were partially and non-compulsively engaged in grandchild caring and had expressed positive mental health.ConclusionsThe Findings provide an intervention implication, particularly in the context of India’s ageing population and their well-being by acknowledging the influence of household structure, caring intensity, motive behind grandchild caring, and working status on their psychological health. Understanding the importance of these key factors may help the policy maker and the individual to incorporate the most effective intervention to achieve sustainable development goal 3 and healthy ageing.

A study on factors responsible for delay in diagnosis of breast cancers among a tribal community in a low resource district in West Bengal, India

A study on factors responsible for delay in diagnosis of breast cancers among a tribal community in a low resource district in West Bengal, India

Status of Nutritional Services to Vulnerable Population in West Bengal and Their Hardship during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Community-based Qualitative Exploration

Introduction: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were imposed on various activities including nutritional services. This study was conducted with the objective to explore the status of the nutritional services and to identify the hardship and barriers faced by the vulnerable population and challenges for service providers and program managers during the initial phase of pandemic. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted among three vulnerable population groups (slum dwellers, tribal population, and residents of disaster-prone area) in three districts of West Bengal, the reference period being April–September 2020. To assess the status of nutritional services and identify existing barriers or challenges, the study employed a mixed-methods approach utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs) as well as in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted with beneficiaries, service providers and program managers. One habitation in each district was selected to obtain case scenarios on food insecurity and hardship. Descriptive analysis of household surveys and thematic analysis of FGDs and IDIs were done, and the findings were triangulated. Results: Different nutritional services (supplementary nutrition, micronutrient supplementation, growth monitoring, nutrition counseling, and nutrition rehabilitation) were disrupted. Shifting from hot-cooked meals to dry take-home ration was the most conspicuous change during restoration phase. Food security was absent in majority of the households. Reduction of income affected their affordability, which along with difficult accessibility to diverse food items contributed to their hardship. Service providers identified several challenges, including increased workload due to both COVID-19 activities and a rise in beneficiaries, transportation difficulties, and experiences of stigma and discrimination. Long administrative decision-making process, additional hurdles due to cyclone, and containment zones were identified as challenges by the program managers. Conclusion: As the hardship of vulnerable population was pervasive, it is necessary to formulate mitigating measures in light of the identified challenges and to combat similar crises in future.

Critical Watershed Prioritization through Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Techniques and Geographical Information System Integration for Watershed Management

The Precambrian hard rock topography of the Manbhum-Singhbhum plateau, which is well known for its semi-arid climates prone to drought, is often seen in Purulia district in West Bengal, India. Despite the district’s middling groundwater capacity, 17 out of 20 blocks have exorbitant fluoride pollution in the groundwater that negatively impacts the health of local residents. Approximately 13% of the whole area suffers from severe erosion. It is evident that the river Kangsabati and its tributaries are not well fed by rainwater and thereby there is always a dearth of ground water. The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize integral watersheds in the Purulia area using Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The evaluation was carried out in the Bandu sub-watershed, which contains five micro watersheds: 2A2B5m, 2A2B5k, 2A2B5h, 2A2B5b, and 2A2B5j. The analysis considered five major factors: lithological properties, land use and land cover, soil erosion, groundwater recharge, and hydrogeomorphology. The weights of these criteria were determined by the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, which was then prioritized using the Techniques for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) technique. This study emphasized an integrated approach to assess watershed hazards and to establish rational conservation goals. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) of India report was referred during data analysis. As a result of this study, the 2A2B5k watershed emerged as the most critical due to its susceptibility across the analyzed parameters. This thorough plan demonstrated the usefulness of identifying watershed threads and prioritizing conservation efforts.

A Comparative Study of Regional Disparities in the Districts of West Bengal

In the post-economic reform period, the overall economic growth of West Bengal has been increasing. However, agricultural growth has become sluggish since the 1990s. The relatively low contribution of the secondary sector reveals an absence of a strong manufacturing base in the state. The high contribution of the tertiary sector indicates diversification and expansion of services. The time dimension for district-level analysis has been constricted by data availability. The inequality among the district is increasing, with a divergence of growth. Three development indices and a composite index reveal a significant disparity in development outcomes across districts between 2001 and 2013. The developmental gap between districts in the southern and northern parts of West Bengal has become prominent. JEL Codes: R11, 047, D63

A Study on Contribution of Handloom and Cotton Industry in Indian Economy

The wave of globalization and liberalization appeared in the India in 1991. With the concept of liberalization, privatization and globalization a new chapter has been opened up in the Indian economy and her billion plus population. The Hugli district and Nadia District in West Bengal are one of the most renowned names in the handloom and cotton industry of West Bengal and a good percentage of people are engaged in this heritage industry. The paper also suggests some strategies to make this ever challenging industry globally competitive, such as, the identification of modern trends, promotion of exports, market assessment so that this heritage industry can cope with the modern trends and utilise the benefits of globalization.

Estimating Marketing Efficiency of Organic Farmers: Evidence from Districts of West Bengal, India

The growing organic food market offers considerable trading opportunities for organic farmers in India. In this context, this article intends to find out whether the organic farmers are exploring these marketing opportunities in the three districts (namely, Purulia, Purba Bardhaman and Nadia) of West Bengal. Farm-level marketing efficiency is measured in a framework of data envelopment analysis. Evidence reveals that farmers’ marketing activities determine the level of marketing efficiency. Results show that organic farmers in Nadia district are relatively marketing efficient in comparison to the farmers in Purulia and Purba Bardhaman districts. Moreover, an attempt has been made to identify the determinants of marketing efficiency. The result shows that marketing efficiency is affected by the economic status, level of education, years of farming experience, size of landholding of the farmer household and the type of marketing arrangement.