Jaintia Hills Research Articles

Indigenous use of medicinal plants by the Pnar community in East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

The Pnar, commonly known as Jaintia, is a sub-tribe of the Khasi community in Meghalaya. They are indigenous to the East and West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya. In this study, indigenous use of medicinal plants by the Pnar community has been reported. The field survey was conducted from December 2019 to July 2020 and data were obtained using open-ended semi-structured questionnaires and field observation with traditional healers and local inhabitants of the community. A total of 40 medicinal plants belonging to 22 families were collected and documented. These plant species are widely used by the local communities in ten villages of East Jaintia Hills District for the treatment of different ailments. As observed from the results, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Zingiberaceae are the most prominent families among the identified species. Moreover, the report incorporates the mode of administration and dosage of these herbal medications.

Sulphur study of the Palaeogene coals from Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, NE India: Implications for palaeoenvironment, utilisation prospects, and environmental impacts

Coal samples of Eocene age (Shella Formation) from four different mines (Bapung, Jaintia, Sutunga, and Lakadong) of the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, Northeast India, were collected and investigated to observe the sulphur content and to understand the palaeoenvironment, utilisation prospects, and environmental impact. The study reveals that these coal samples contain sulphur in higher concentration (4.46% to 7.26%) both organic and inorganic forms. There are 3 coal seams exposed in the area. The organic sulphur is higher (2.53%-5.49%) than the inorganic forms (1.26%-1.77%). The upper seam is found to contain higher concentration of sulphur than the lower seam. Intra seam pyritic sulphur also shows an upward increasing trend. The high sulphur content in the coal seams suggests the marine influence in the peat-forming swamps. These coals are classified as High Sulphur coal (>1%) which is the main obstacle in the utilization although high volatile matter and hydrogen content strongly suggest that these coals are good for liquefaction. Moreover, during coal combustion emissions of sulphur dioxide produce acid rain, affecting the environment of the mine areas.

Prevalence of syphilis infection and associated sociodemographic factors among antenatal-care attendees in Meghalaya, India: Revisiting HIV Sentinel Surveillance data

Despite relatively simple prevention and treatment, syphilis remains a major social and public health concern worldwide, particularly in developing nations. To estimate the prevalence and to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with syphilis infection among antenatal-care (ANC) attendees in Meghalaya, India. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing National HIV Sentinel Surveillance of Meghalaya, January-March 2017. Pregnant women aged 15-49years (n = 3015) were recruited consecutively, interviewed, and tested for syphilis by Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test in eight selected ANC sites representing all districts of Meghalaya. Prevalence of syphilis was found to be 1.03 % (95% CI = 0.67-1.39) (31/3015). Prevalence was maximum among illiterates with gradual lowering of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with improvement of education. Women whose husbands had no income were associated with higher risk (AOR = 4.97, 95% CI = 1.11-22.20) of syphilis. Significant risk (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.02-5.74) was also observed with Jaintia Hills residents as compared to Garo Hills. As high prevalence of gestational syphilis was identified in Meghalaya along with important sociodemographic predictors, evidence to policy translation is required at state and national level to scale up prevention, screening, and management of syphilis.

Description of eleven new species of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) from Meghalaya state, north eastern India

A survey was done in the state of Meghalaya, India covering East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts during May to July, 2019. During the survey 350 specimens were collected from which 11 new species are describedAmblyseius azaliae sp. nov., Amblyseius meghalayensis sp. nov., Euseius fascae sp. nov., Euseius dwakiensis sp. nov., Okiseius jainticus sp. nov., Okiseius unisetatus sp. nov., Phytoseius clavus sp. nov., Phytoseius aonlae sp. nov., Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) barapanicus sp. nov., Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) campana sp. nov., and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) cherrapunjiensis sp. nov.

Iron-Enriched Fish Powder Improved Haemoglobin Levels in Adolescent Girls of West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya, India

This study was carried out to assess the efficacy of sodium iron EDTA (NaFeEDTA) salt-enriched fish powder in addressing iron deficiency in adolescent anaemic girls. This was a 60-day randomised double-blinded, controlled intervention trial involving 123 girls age ranging from 10 to 19years in three villages of West JaintiaHills District of State of Meghalaya in India using soup made out of sodium iron EDTA (NaFeEDTA)-enriched fish powder (250mg/100g). The influence of the iron-enriched powder on blood haemoglobin levels and serum iron was determined. The research also analysed the food consumed by the study subjects during the study period and it was found that there were no significant differences between the iron-enriched and control groups. The results indicated that the girls predominantly consumed cereals with little fruits, vegetables and meat. On an average, 100ml of soup prepared out of 10g of fish powder per day was consumed that theoretically provided about 25mg of iron each day. Following intervention, all the participants in the group that consumed soup made out of NaFeEDTA-enriched fish powder had significantly higher haemoglobin levels and serum iron and a lower prevalence of anaemia than the control group. The effects of NaFeEDTA salt-enriched fish powder were statistically significant and it can be inferred that NaFeEDTA-enriched fish powder was highly effective in controlling iron deficiency and reducing the prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia among the adolescent girls.

Assessment of heavy metals in some natural water bodies in Meghalaya, India

Water samples were collected from thirty different freshwater sources of Meghalaya, India for three seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon). Seven parameters including four heavy metals (Cadmium, Copper, Zinc and Chromium) and three physiochemical parameters (Temperature, pH and DO) were assessed. The order of abundance of the heavy metals on an average was Cr (956 μg L−1) > Zn (715 μg L−1) > Cu (416 μg L−1) > Cd (61.5 μg L−1). The monsoon season showed the highest concentration for all the heavy metals as compared to the other two seasons. The average concentrations of Cadmium, Copper and Chromium were found to be higher than the national standards for all the seasons. Significant pollution was evident from pollution assessments by using indices like heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and degree of contamination (Cdeg). The mean HPI of West Jaintia Hills district for the three seasons viz pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon were 531.29 ± 152.12, 1862.28 ± 587.06, 525.86 ± 152.44, respectively. The mean HPI of Ri-Bhoi district for the three seasons were 518.26 ± 219.19, 1824.69 ± 618.17 and 1937.14 ± 534.26, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a high anthropogenic induced pollution in water sites studied. Highest concentrations of the heavy metals were found in samples collected from urban areas. Cadmium, Copper and Chromium were found to be the main pollutants of concern in this study, hence, remedial measures for sustaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem which harbours aquatic living organisms are recommended.

OCCUPATIONAL MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY AMONG COAL WORKERS AND MINING COMMUNITIES PROXIMATE TO COAL MINING AREAS- A CASE STUDY OF JAINTIA HILLS DISTRICT IN MEGHALAYA

The coal sector of Meghalaya provides the rural people and migrants the means of livelihood. It is an artisanal and small-scale mining which obtain minerals illegally. The present study examines the working conditions and conditions of work of coal workers at the mines which endangers the lives of miners daily. The researcher conducted a household survey with a total sample size of 180 households. Data were collected at the household and individual level surveyed from different coal bearing villages. The problems of environmental degradation are a growing concern to the mined and unmined areas yet on the other side the more complex effects are that unscientific mining is also inextricably associated to different health hazards. The result shows that most mining households with 53% performed work at very deep underground pits of a depth higher than 121 feet below the ground level and 46% of the households reveals to have work in narrow rat holes which are dug horizontally and the distance of its ranging from 1000-1500 metres. Meanwhile the illegal activity pushes to continue extraction into the remote pristine forests which are far from government hospitals, schools, have no transportation service and complete absence of work safety conduct. KEYWORDS: Informal mining, coal workers, rat-hole mines, mortality, morbidity, health conditions, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.

ANATOMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF Cephalostachyum mannii (Gamble) STAPLETON – AN ENDEMIC SCRAMBLING BAMBOO OF NORTHEAST INDIA

Cephalostachyum mannii is a tall, graceful scandent bamboo with solid culms. It is distributed in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland states of Northeast India. The present study was carried out to investigate radial and vertical variations in anatomical and physical properties in the culms of this bamboo species. The mature culms (3-4 years old) were selected from forests of Amkassar Amlarem village, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, India. The selected internodes of culms were radially divided into outer, middle and inner zones, and vertically bottom, middle and top positions. The vascular bundles were of Type II and well developed in middle zones of both bottom and middle positions. The number and size of vascular bundles increased from inner to outer zone and decreased from bottom to top. Vessel length and vessel diameter decreased both radially and vertically. Among fibre characteristics, fibre wall thickness increased, while fibre length, fibre diameter, and fibre lumen diameter decreased significantly in both radial and vertical directions. Among physical properties, density increased, and moisture content decreased in both radial and vertical directions. Radial shrinkage was higher than tangential shrinkage. Both radial and tangential shrinkage decreased significantly from bottom to top. The fibres were long, thick-walled and highly rigid, and the derived indices do not satisfy the requirement as a superior fibrous raw material for pulp and paper making. However, this bamboo species has the potential for making good quality handicrafts and basketry.

Palynology, palynofacies and organic geochemistry analysis of the late Eocene shale from Meghalaya, Northeast India

Here the depositional environment and hydrocarbon source rock potential of the Kopili Formation is investigated using palynological analysis and Rock-Eval pyrolysis on samples from a borehole section (Borehole BUM14) collected at Umphyrluh area in the Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. In these Kopili shales, amorphous organic matter is often associated with structural terrestrial organic matter, biodegraded organic matter, charcoal, black carbon debris, dinoflagellate cysts, and spores. The palynotaxa are mainly composed of dinoflagellate cysts comprising eight genera and twelve referable species. Based on the palynological data, the sediments of the study area were deposited in a shallow marine setting under oxygen deficient conditions in an environment that received a continuous terrestrial influx throughout the succession. Rock-Eval pyrolysis and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis determine the quantity, type, and thermal maturity of the associated organic matter. TOC values range from 0.03 to 0.45 wt.% (averaging 0.28 wt.%) and the Genetic Potential (GP) and Hydrogen Index (HI) values vary from 0.04 to 0.24 mg HC/g rock and 22–100 mg HC/g TOC, respectively. These values imply that all the shale samples have very low TOC values (< 0.5%), S1, S2, and Hydrogen Index (HI) values. Although most of the samples are in a mature stage as the average Tmax value is 428.16°C and the Production Index (average 0.16) indicates a potential for oil generation, low Genetic Potential (S1 + S2) and TOC concentrations suggest there is limited potential for oil generation. The HI vs. OI plot and HI vs. Tmax plot show that most of the shale samples fall in the predominantly gas prone domain (mostly Type III and Type IV), because the organic matter is generally derived from a terrestrial source. Thus, the source rock potential for the Kopili shales of the Umphyrluh area is considered to be poor for gaseous hydrocarbons.

Spatial and temporal village-level prevalence of Plasmodium infection and associated risk factors in two districts of Meghalaya, India

BackgroundDespite declining incidence over the past decade, malaria remains an important health burden in India. This study aimed to assess the village-level temporal patterns of Plasmodium infection in two districts of the north-eastern state of Meghalaya and evaluate risk factors that might explain these patterns.MethodsPrimary Health Centre passive malaria case data from 2014 to 2018 were analysed to characterize village-specific annual incidence and temporal trends. Active malaria case detection was undertaken in 2018 and 2019 to detect Plasmodium infections using PCR. A questionnaire collected socio-demographic, environmental, and behavioural data, and households were spatially mapped via GPS. Adult mosquitoes were sampled at a subset of subjects' houses, and Anopheles were identified by PCR and sequencing. Risk factors for Plasmodium infection were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and spatial cluster analysis was undertaken.ResultsThe annual malaria incidence from PHC-based passive surveillance datasets in 2014–2018 was heterogenous but declining across villages in both districts. Active surveillance in 2018 enrolled 1468 individuals from 468 households (West Jaintia Hills) and 1274 individuals from 359 households (West Khasi Hills). Plasmodium falciparum prevalence per 100 people varied from 0 to 4.1% in the nine villages of West Jaintia Hills, and from 0 to 10.6% in the 12 villages of West Khasi Hills. Significant clustering of P. falciparum infections [observed = 11, expected = 2.15, Relative Risk (RR) = 12.65; p < 0.001] was observed in West Khasi Hills. A total of 13 Anopheles species were found at 53 houses in five villages, with Anopheles jeyporiensis being the most abundant. Risk of infection increased with presence of mosquitoes and electricity in the households [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.19 and 1.11], respectively. Households with reported animals had reduced infection risk (OR = 0.91).ConclusionMalaria incidence during 2014–2018 declined in all study villages covered by the passive surveillance data, a period that includes the first widespread insecticide-treated net campaign. The survey data from 2018 revealed a significant association between Plasmodium infection and certain household characteristics. Since species of Plasmodium-competent mosquito vectors continue to be abundant, malaria resurgence remains a threat, and control efforts should continue.

Environmental Impact of Rat-Hole Coal Mines on the Biodiversity of Meghalaya, India

The paper appreciates coal mining laws and policies applied by National Green Tribunal to ban traditional, artisanal and rat-hole coal mining in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya (a state in India) in an attempt to conserve its environment and biodiversity. Meghalaya represents an important part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot which is one of the four bio-diversity hotspots of India and ranks 34th among the hotspots in the world. It is equally bestowed with rich deposits of coal, which can be found in the Khasi Hills, Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills districts. Coal mining from these districts is labour-intensive and involves digging narrow rat-hole sized tunnels that are four-feet high. The workers enter into the rat-hole in an extremely hazardous manner, setting aside the ergonomic principles for the extraction of coal. The legal framework of coal mining is governed by Mines Act, 1952, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973, Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 and Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015. However, these laws are not applied to Meghalaya because of its constitutional status enshrined in Sixth Schedule and Article 244 of the Constitution of India, 1950. Coal mining has brought employment opportunities, tribal sustenance and economic development that led to environmental degradation, disruption of ecosystems and biological diversity. The hazardous pursuits have been bereft of safety and ergonomic principle besides being oblivious of SDF of mining laws and policies in India.

Measles outbreak among children ≤15 years old, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, India, 2017.

Of 1115 measles outbreaks during 2015 in India, 61,255 suspected measles cases were reported. In 2016, a measles outbreak was reported at East and West Jaintia Hills districts in Meghalaya State, India. The outbreak was investigated to describe the epidemiology, estimate vaccination coverage and vaccine effectiveness (VE), determine risk factors for the disease, and recommend control and prevention measures. A measles case was defined as new-onset fever with maculopapular rash occurring between May 1, 2016, and January 21, 2017, in a resident of East and West Jaintia Hills. Cases were identified by active and passive surveillance. Serum and urine samples were collected from cases with laboratory diagnosis for confirmation. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to estimate vaccination coverage, VE, and risk factors for the disease. We identified 382 cases (51% female). The attack rate was 24% with three deaths. The case fatality rate was <1%. The median age was 4 years (range: 3 months-12 years). Among children 12-60 months, 128 (56%) received measles-containing-vaccine first-dose (MCV1), 85 (37%) received measles-containing-vaccine second-dose (MCV2), and 80 (35%) received Vitamin A. VE for MCV1 was 78% and for MCV2 94%. Being unvaccinated for MCV1 (relative risk [RR] = 9.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.6-20.5) and MCV2 (RR = 17.4, 95% CI = 4.3-69.4) were both strongly associated with illness. Poor vaccination coverage led to the measles outbreak in East and West Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya. Strengthening the routine immunization systems and improving Vitamin A uptake is essential to prevent further outbreaks.

Traditional healing practices of Pnar and War communities in West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya, Northeast India

Pnar and War are the most predominant and oldest ethnic community in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya; they have faith on the medicinal plants for their primary health care. Information about the ethno medicinal uses of several plants were collected through interview of the local respondents following the standard ethno medicinal methods. Statistical tools, informant consensus factors (FIC) and fidelity level (FL) were used to analyze the importance of ethnomedicinal plants. The present investigation revealed 70 plant species belong 64 genera, under 44 family were being used against different ailments, which were classified into 11 groups. The results of the FIC value of blood related disease category had the greatest agreement =1.0), followed by Urinogenetal disease (0.90), Antidote (0.85), Dermatological, fungal and bacterial infections (0.82). The highest FL values were gastrointestinal, parasitic and hepatobiliary (Melastoma malabathricum, 95.83%), followed by external injuries and bleeding (Centella asiatica, 94.11%), oral, dental and otorhinolaryngolgical problems (Curcuma longa, 91.66%).

Potential screening of photoremediating crops and performance of maize in photoremediated coal mined acid soil with phosphorus application

Aim: To assess the ability of phosphorus to counteract harmful effects of heavy metals by reducing their concentration and increasing the maize yield. Methodology: Bulk surface soil sample (0-15 cm) was collected from heavy metal polluted soil of coal mine areas of Sutnga. Two pot experiments were conducted. Ten kg capacity pots were laid out for three phytoremediating crop and replicated 33 times. The processed soil was used for filling the pots. The first pot experiment was conducted to assess the phytoremediation efficiency of Helianthus annus and Vigna ungniculata on heavy metal polluted soil. Thereafter in the second pot experiment Zea mays L. was planted in pots maintained under experiment 1 and subsequently eleven levels of phosphorus i.e. 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 mg P kg-1 soil were super imposed in non-phytoremediated soil, phytoremediated soils through SSP. The elemental uptake and concentration of available phosphorus and heavy metal was determined.? Results: From the first pot culture experiment, it was observed that heavy metals content in soil after harvesting of phytoremediating crops reduced significantly in both the phytoremediated soils as compared to non-phytoremediated soil. From the second pot experiment it was observed that phosphorus as well as the heavy metals concentration and uptake in maize decreased significantly with increasing doses of phosphorus added in non phytoremediated soil.? Interpretation: This study clearly indicates that sunflower can be successfully grown as a phytoremediating crop in coal mine affected soils of Jaintia hills for phytoremediation of heavy metal polluted soils.

Language Recognition and Identity Formation in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills

The official use of any language by the administration and employment of the said language by the state whether through educational institutions and administrators as a standard literary dialect, gives it recognition. The Education policy adopted by the British and the choice of English being made the language of instruction throughout the country is made evident in Macaulay’s Minute of 1835 and is reiterated again more than a decade later in the Minute of 1847. From the very beginning English was associated with the administration and the benefits that it would bring but they failed to take into account the people who were unfamiliar with it. The categorization and later association of languages with religion, caste, community, tribe and class is evident in the various census undertakings as the official recognition became a determination of its status. In the Census of 1891, the Khasis and Jaintias are relegated as “two groups statistically insignificant”, considering the population and the number of people who spoke the languages associated with the communities. The use of the Roman script had by this time been, “thoroughly established” by the missionaries. The first few census data and later writings by indigenous writers helped cement the association of language with the community. The use of the vernacular in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, by the earliest missionaries, initially arose more out of necessity and convenience rather than by official decree. The choice and standardization of dialect and script in print however, helped solidify a Khasi identity. This paper seeks to look at the link between recognition of the standard language used in print and identity formation in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and the relevance of language as a marker of identity today.

From the darkness, light

From the darkness, light

A note on the occurrence of female plants of Trichocolea udarii (Trichocoleaceae: Marchantiophyta)

Female plants of Trichocolea udarii D.K.Singh are investigated for the first time based on recent collections by the authors from its type locality in Jaintia Hills. The details of the same have been provided here alongwith identification key to the Indian species of Trichocolea.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS ITS INFLUENCE ON ACADEMIC INTEREST OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MEGHALAYA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Aim. The study intends to determine the influence of socio-economic status on academic interest of secondary school students in Meghalaya. The study was conducted in two districts of Meghalaya i.e., in East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills Districts.&#x0D; Method. The researcher used sequential explanatory design for collecting the necessary information. The procedure of data collection was that the researcher constructed a semi-structured interview schedule whereby it was validated by the experts in the field of education. In order to determine the influence of socio-economic status on academic interest of secondary school students, the researcher conducted an in-depth interview on 50 secondary school students who were studying in class X. These students were selected purposively from two districts of Meghalaya. The interview was conducted at school premises and the necessary information collected from students was recorded and transcribed to obtain the results.&#x0D; Results. Based on the interview conducted, the study found that socio-economic status did not influence the academic interest of the secondary school students; however, student’s high aspirations, their interest in various subjects, their ambitions, determination and will power to work hard in their studies influence their academic interest.&#x0D; Conclusion. Socio-economic status was not found to have influences on the academic interest of the secondary school students and on the whole the present study suggested for teachers and parents to work cooperatively in order to help students realize their goals and desires.

Water Quality in the Limestone Mining Areas of East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, India

Water Quality in the Limestone Mining Areas of East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, India

Radial Variation of Wood Density in &lt;i&gt;Pinus kesiya&lt;/i&gt; Royle ex Gordon

The present study was carried out at breast-height cross-sectional discs collected from pine forest of Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. The aims of the study were (a) to determine wood density variations from pith to bark and (b) to see the relationship of wood density with age, distance from pith, ring width and growth rate by using simple linear and multiple linear regression models. It was observed that wood density increased irregularly from pith to bark. Age and distance from pith exhibited positive and highly significant relationship with wood density for all trees and pooled data whereas ring width and growth rate were negatively and significantly related with wood density The multiple linear regression model obtained with these variables indicated that both age and ring width are the best predictors of wood density