Garhwal Himalaya Research Articles

The Rhythms of Tradition: Understanding Ḍhol Sāgar and Drumming Knowledge in Garhwal Himalaya, North India

The Rhythms of Tradition: Understanding Ḍhol Sāgar and Drumming Knowledge in Garhwal Himalaya, North India

Potential of Tagetes minuta L. populations as a high-yield crop for essential oil production in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Although a weed in many parts of the world, Tagetes minuta L. has become a crop of commercial importance. The current study assessed the morphological variation and oil yield of T. minuta from various populations in the Garhwal, Himalayan region, aiming to identify those with high yields. Results revealed that the qualitative morphological features of T. minuta populations were consistent across all samples, suggesting a uniform genetic makeup. However significant (p ≤ 0.05) variation was detected in quantitative morphological traits among the populations. With Barsu exhibiting the tallest plants and Gangnani showing the greatest leaf length and number of leaflets per leaf. The Barsu population also demonstrated superior biomass and essential oil yields at both pre- and full-flowering stage. At the full-flowering stage, fresh biomass, essential oil content, and yield were 7.48%, 52.04%, and 55.16% higher, respectively, compared to the pre-flowering stage. However, stem biomass at the full-flowering stage decreased by 8.25% relative to the pre-flowering stage. Strong positive correlations were revealed between plant height, biomass, and oil yield, with taller plants showing higher productivity. Geographical variables, such as latitude and longitude, influenced various morphological and yield traits, particularly highlighting increased values towards higher latitudes and more eastern regions. Additionally, phenotypic and genotypic analyses underscored high variation in traits such as the number of main branches and biomass yield, with heritability estimates suggesting potential for targeted breeding. The highest genetic gain was observed for the number of primary branches and stem biomass, indicating opportunities for future improvements in essential oil production. This study highlights the potential of T. minuta for essential oil production and emphasizing the importance of both genetic and environmental factors in yield variation.

Levels and risk due to radon concentration in drinking water samples of the Chakrata region of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Levels and risk due to radon concentration in drinking water samples of the Chakrata region of Garhwal Himalaya, India

One-dimensional crustal velocity structure for Tehri, Garhwal Himalaya and its implications in improved locations of earthquake hypocentres

One-dimensional crustal velocity structure for Tehri, Garhwal Himalaya and its implications in improved locations of earthquake hypocentres

Does oak forest ecosystem provisioning services (fuel and fodder) differ in accordance with size of the forest in Garhwal Himalaya, India?

Does oak forest ecosystem provisioning services (fuel and fodder) differ in accordance with size of the forest in Garhwal Himalaya, India?

Influence of Altitude and Climate on the Distribution of Vegetation, Ecosystem Services and Human Population in Garhwal Himalayan Region

Influence of Altitude and Climate on the Distribution of Vegetation, Ecosystem Services and Human Population in Garhwal Himalayan Region

Woody biomass-carbon and soil organic carbon stock in subtropical forests of Garhwal Himalaya

Woody biomass-carbon and soil organic carbon stock in subtropical forests of Garhwal Himalaya

Comparative Assessment of Live and Dead Thermophilic Bacterial Isolates of Surya Kund Hot Spring, Yamunotri for the Bioremediation of Cu2+

Heavy metal pollution, especially copper (Cu2+) contamination, poses significant threats to ecosystems and human health due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Traditional methods of copper remediation are often expensive and generate secondary pollution, necessitating the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives. Bioremediation, leveraging the metabolic capabilities of microorganisms, offers a promising solution. This study investigates the bioremediation potential of copper ions (Cu2+) using thermophilic bacterial isolates from the Surya Kund Hot Spring in the Western Garhwal Himalayas (Uttarakhand). Both live and dead bacterial cells were tested for their ability to remove Cu2+ from contaminated solution, and thermophilic dead cells showing significantly higher bioremediation efficiency. Isolates Y12-II (Pseudomonas alloputida strain BG-3) and Y10 (Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus strain NBRC 15656) exhibited the highest bioremediation rates, achieving up to 51.97% and 50.82% for the Cu2+ removal, respectively. The findings suggest dead bacterial biomass offers a promising approach for the passive bioremediation of heavy metal contamination. However, recent advancements in microbial isolation, genetic engineering, and metagenomics have expanded our understanding of bacterial metal resistance mechanisms and enhanced copper remediation strategies. This study reveals the potential of bioremediation as a sustainable approach to address Cu2+ metal pollution, contributing to environmental restoration and public health safety.

Vegetation Pattern During Early Succession in Landslides of Garhwal Himalayas: Correlation Between Plant Species and Soil Characteristics

Vegetation Pattern During Early Succession in Landslides of Garhwal Himalayas: Correlation Between Plant Species and Soil Characteristics

Annual effective dose assessment of radon concentration in spring and ground water for the population of Devprayag region in Uttarakhand Garhwal Himalayas.

Annual effective dose assessment of radon concentration in spring and ground water for the population of Devprayag region in Uttarakhand Garhwal Himalayas.

Post-mobilization experimental evaluation of Tangni Debris flow in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Post-mobilization experimental evaluation of Tangni Debris flow in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Phytochemical Profiling and Antibacterial Efficiency of Hypotrachyna cirrhata and Parmotrema tinctorum Lichen Extracts from Madhyamaheshwar Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Lichens, symbiotic associations of fungi and algae, have long been utilized in traditional medicine and various industrial applications due to their rich bioactive compound diversity. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical profiles and antibacterial activities of extracts from two lichen species, Hypotrachyna cirrhata and Parmotrema tinctorum, collected from the Madhyamaheshwar valley, Uttarakhand, India. Phytochemical screening revealed distinct secondary metabolite compositions in chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol extracts of both lichen species. The extracts of Hypotrachyna cirrhata contained flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and phenols across different solvents. Among these, the ethanol and methanol extracts exhibited the highest diversity of constituents and demonstrated the most effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Parmotrema tinctorum extracts similarly showed a range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and phenols, with ethanolic extracts displaying potent antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains. All lichen extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial potential. These findings underscore the importance of solvent selection in extracting bioactive compounds from lichens, influencing their phytochemical composition and antibacterial efficacy. Further exploration of specific active compounds and their mechanisms could enhance the therapeutic applications of these lichen species as natural antibacterial agents.

Tree diversity, carbon sequestration and production potential of Oryza sativa L. in traditional agroforestry systems of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Agroforestry is an alternative land use practice that holds promise for societal benefits and the attainment of ecosystem sustainability. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the tree diversity, carbon sequestration, soil carbon pool, oxygen production and rice productivity under traditional agroforestry systems at different elevations in the Garhwal Himalayan region of India. Tree diversity, carbon sequestration and oxygen production were quantified by field measurements (using 0.04 ha quadrats) and subsequent calculations. Rice productivity was assessed using grain yield, straw yield and biological yield, while soil properties were analyzed in the laboratory using standard methods. Results of the study showed that tree diversity was higher at the 1200–1600 m elevation and had a maximum Shannon Diversity Index (1.29) and Simpson Diversity Index (0.69). The 1600–2000 m elevation stored more carbon (34.43 Mg ha−1) and total oxygen production (91.79 Mg ha−1). Among the agroforestry trees, Quercus leucotrichophora, Melia azedarach and Prunus cerasoides showed the highest carbon storage and total oxygen production. Elevation and soil depth were found to affect the soil properties. The agroforestry systems had higher soil organic carbon and lower bulk density than sole cropping systems. Compared to the agroforestry system, the monoculture produced more rice (Oryza sativa). The study shows that traditional agroforestry is a valuable tool for carbon sequestration and soil improvement, albeit with potential compromises in crop productivity. It emphasises the need for tailored management approaches to harness the ecological and environmental benefits of agroforestry in the Himalayas. This study draws attention to the potential of traditional agroforestry in the Garhwal Himalaya for carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation and soil quality improvement which provides a reference for striking a balance between the ecological advantages of agroforestry and the socio-economic considerations of local communities. However, it also underlines the importance of considering trade-offs between environmental benefits and crop yields when implementing such agroforestry systems.Graphical

Measurement of natural radionuclides and health risk assessment in soil samples of the Main Central Thrust region in Garhwal Himalaya, India.

Ionizing radiation emitted from radionuclides is present everywhere in the environment. It is the main source of health hazards to the general public. The present study elaborates on the analysis of primordial radionuclides in the collected soil samples from the Main Central Thrust (MCT) region of Uttarakhand Himalaya in a grid pattern. The naturally occurring radionuclides radium (226Ra), thorium (232Th) and potassium (40K) were analyzed using a thallium-doped sodium iodide detector-based gamma-ray spectrometer. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to vary from 9.82 ± 2.35 to 39.17 ± 5.50 Bq kg-1 (arithmetic mean 15.76 Bq kg-1), 15.09 ± 6.93 to 32.90 ± 7.80 Bq kg-1 (arithmetic mean 21.66 Bq kg-1), and 165.71 ± 43 to 417.16 ± 61.73 Bq kg-1 (arithmetic mean 320.30 Bq kg-1) respectively. The spatial distribution and radiation hazards of primordial radionuclides are discussed in the paper.

Temporal Assessment of Recent Erosion and Accretion in the Ganga and Alaknanda Rivers in Parts of Garhwal Himalaya, India: Unveiling the Linkages with Anthropogenic and Climatic Events

ABSTRACT Unravelling erosion and accretion patterns of rivers with the application of remote sensing and GIS tools leads us to understand the river morphology and its behaviour. In the recent past, the catchment areas of river Ganga and its major tributary Alaknanda River affirmed some unprecedented anthropogenic interventions such as infrastructure boom, and deforestation as well as catastrophic climatic events. Considering these factors, the present study evaluates the erosion and accretion pattern of these river sections in the Garhwal Himalaya, India. The shape files of river sections of duration between 2017 to 2022 were extracted from high-resolution Sentinel-2, Land Use Land Cover (LULC) imageries. To understand their exactitude effect on river dynamics, these patterns are further correlated with recognised anthropogenic activities and natural events.

Temporal Assessment of Recent Erosion and Accretion in the Ganga and Alaknanda Rivers in Parts of Garhwal Himalaya, India: Unveiling the Linkages with Anthropogenic and Climatic Events

ABSTRACT Unravelling erosion and accretion patterns of rivers with the application of remote sensing and GIS tools leads us to understand the river morphology and its behaviour. In the recent past, the catchment areas of river Ganga and its major tributary Alaknanda River affirmed some unprecedented anthropogenic interventions such as infrastructure boom, and deforestation as well as catastrophic climatic events. Considering these factors, the present study evaluates the erosion and accretion pattern of these river sections in the Garhwal Himalaya, India. The shape files of river sections of duration between 2017 to 2022 were extracted from high-resolution Sentinel-2, Land Use Land Cover (LULC) imageries. To understand their exactitude effect on river dynamics, these patterns are further correlated with recognised anthropogenic activities and natural events.

Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of fruit extract of Prunus cerasoides Dehradun from Garhwal Himalaya

Phytochemical screening of the petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extract of fruits of Prunus cerasoides and their in vitro antibacterial activity by agar disc diffusion method. All the extracts were found to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins except for the absence of tannins and steroids. The plant extracts were studied using Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria Monocytogenes, Serrtia marccenscens, Aspergillus flavus for their antimicrobial activity.

Air Quality Assessment in the Foothills of Garhwal Himalayan Environment during the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak

Strict lockdown procedures were implemented across the country, including major urban areas, to put a check on the COVID-19 outbreak. Due to the limited extent of commercial activities, these restrictions have significantly impacted improving ecological well-being. The lockdown was imposed at Haridwar, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site with heavy daily foot traffic, industrial activities, and a populated urban area The different air quality parameters (nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter [PM]2.5, and PM10) were analyzed throughout the COVID-19 outbreak lockdown period as compared to a pre-lockdown period in both pandemic waves, 2020 and 2021. Significant variations were observed while assessing air quality during stages of lockdown at different sites during the first and second waves. Pre-lockdown air quality index (AQI) in the first wave varied from 91.12 to 55.47, with SIDCUL having the highest value and Jagjeetpur having the lowest. The AQI improved throughout the lockdown, rising from 41.04 to 54.59, with SIDCUL having the lowest score and Ranipur having the highest. Pre-lockdown AQI ranged from 54.930 to 88.0534 in the second wave, with SIDCUL once again having the highest and Jagjeetpur having the lowest. The lockdown AQI increased from 51.062 to 79.382, with Jagjeetpur continuously having the lowest values and SIDCUL continually having the highest. During the lockdown, the AQI was significantly improved in Haridwar, showing clear improvement throughout the successive phases of limitation. . KEYWORDS :Air pollution, Air quality, COVID-19, Lockdown, Nitrogen dioxide, Sulfur dioxide, Uttarakhand

Assessment of active tectonics based on GIS and statistical model: A case study of upper Alaknanda catchment (western Himalaya, India)

Due to continuing deformation of the Earth’s crust, degradation and aggradation processes, the upper part of the Alaknanda basin lying in the Garhwal Himalaya, India, is considered to be tectonically active. Active tectonics in this region made a considerable impact on the drainage system and the topographic expression. Using a digital elevation model (DEM) with a resolution of 30 m * 30 m and based on eight geomorphic indices [hypsometric integral (HI), drainage texture (Dt), asymmetry factor (AF), ruggedness number (Rd), circularity ratio (Rc), valley floor width/height ratio (Vfw), lemniscate coefficient (k) and basin shape index (Bs)], we evaluated active tectonics. Application of Index of Active Tectonic (IAT) and clustering model disclose the sub-watersheds in the southern part covering watersheds 16, 17 and near Badrinath sub-watershed 4, 9 and 8 are tectonically highly active (Class-1, 1.500-1.781). Cluster analysis defines two prominent clusters of sub-watersheds: 2, 4,14 and 15 in cluster 1; and 6, 7, 8 and 18 in cluster 2. Cluster 1 includes sub-watersheds 2, 4, 14, 15, and 16 and very high, high, and moderate IAT magnitudes. Sub-watersheds 6, 7, 8, and 18 are included in Cluster 2, which has very high and high tectonic activity

Linking Body, Memory, and Divine Embodiment: Two Cases of Ritual Healers from the Garhwal Himalaya

Linking Body, Memory, and Divine Embodiment: Two Cases of Ritual Healers from the Garhwal Himalaya