Jaintia Hills Research Articles

A study on the relation between socio-economic characteristics and HIV/AIDS among the tribal women of Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

The social fabric of a population is of utmost importance to know the scenario of HIV/AIDS in that population. This paper highlights vulnerability of women towards the disease based on their socio-economic characteristics. It is a cross-sectional study among the Jaintia tribal women of Meghalaya belonging to the reproductive and vulnerable age group (15-35years). The methods used for data collection are structured interview schedules, participant observation, focussed group discussions and in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that majority of the women are poor and uneducated and as a result, this has an impact on their role and ability to protect them from contracting the disease.

Additions to the cicada (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadidae) fauna of India: first report and range extension of four species with notes on their natural history from Meghalaya

In order to broaden our understanding about cicada diversity of northeastern India, a comprehensive survey was conducted in the year 2017, in Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya and an occasional opportunistic survey was carried out in northern West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh. During these surveys, we came across four species of cicadas, viz., Meimuna duffelsi, Dundubia annandalei, Balinta tenebricosa, and Orientopsaltria fangrayae, which were not reported from India earlier and among them the genus Orientopsaltria is being reported for the first time from the country. This work provides an account of the taxonomy, natural history, distribution, and acoustics of these four species of cicadas along with their attribute to the culture and customs of the indigenous tribes of the landscape.

Site-suitability Analysis for Turmeric in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, India, using Analytical Hierarchical Process and Weighted Overlay Analysis:A Comparative Approach

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.). The Lakadong variety of turmeric is endemic to Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, India. It is considered as the best quality turmeric containing 7.5% curcumin, which is about three times higher than the other varieties (2–3%). This study identifies potential sites for turmeric cultivation in Jaintia Hills using geospatial techniques, viz. analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and weighted overlay analysis (WOA). WOA identified a total of 162,263.70 ha suitable for the expansion of Lakadong variety of turmeric in Jaintia Hills, of which 18% was highly suitable, 31% moderately suitable and 32% was marginally suitable. In the case of AHP, 21% area was found to be highly suitable, 25% moderately suitable and 45% marginally suitable.

Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on the Utilization of Contraceptive Methods Among the Married Women of Jowai Town, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

Family planning refers to the practices that help individuals or couples avoid unwanted births, regulate the intervals between pregnancies, and determine the number of children in the family. The present study was undertaken to know the extent of knowledge, attitude, and adoption of family planning methods among the married women of Jowai town, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. An attempt has also been made to find out the sociodemographic factors influencing the use of contraceptive methods among the studied population. The information on awareness as well as the use of contraceptives was collected from 719 married women of the reproductive age group 15–49 years using a structured scheduled. Among the women in Jowai town, the knowledge of family planning methods is widespread. In addition, a majority of the women have a favorable attitude towards family planning. However, there exists a gap between the knowledge and the practice of contraceptive methods among the women of Jowai town. Ingesting an oral contraceptive pill is the most preferred contraceptive method among the women. Contraceptive use among women is seen to be positively correlated with educational level and income (significant at p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with current age, age at marriage, number of live births, and family type (significant at p < 0.01). Bivariate analysis substantiates the role of women’s education, household income, current age, age at marriage, number of live births, and family type in influencing the utilization of contraceptive methods.

An Exploratory Study of Health and Livelihood Conditions of Coal Workers in Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya is endowed with rich reserves of mineral resources. The process of coal extraction in artisanal and small-scale mining of the region is primitive, unscientific, haphazard, unchecked, absence of safety gear and illegal. Digging of coal in these areas has been carried out manually in the small deposits with no mechanisation. The objectives of the study are to examine the contribution of coal mining and related activities on employment and incomes of the people, and to study the health and livelihood conditions of coal workers. The present study was carried out in different coal mines of the Jaintia Hills district. Data were collected from randomly 150 households, using structured questionnaires during 2016–2017, and secondary information has been collected from different government offices. In this business, the coal workers get the dust and dirt while benefits accrued in few hands. At present, mining has increased the rate of disease prevalence due to the air and water pollution. The study thus shows the unscientific process of extraction, which is bound to bring a more negative rather than positive transformation in the nearby mined and un-mined areas.

Analyzing the Need to Reinstate the NGT Ban with Respect to Meghalaya’s Rat-Hole Mines

On 13th December 2018, 15 miners were trapped in a rat-hole mine in the East Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya. This incident happened despite the ban imposed and the detailed guidelines laid down by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014, in response to the South Garo Hills incident. As of date, no concrete legislative measures have been implemented by the State Government of Meghalaya, nor by the respective autonomous District Councils to regulate coal-mining. Clothed with the protection conferred by the Sixth Schedule, the State harbors rampant scientific mining practices, and its administration argues that it is a necessity for the economic development of the State. As a result, agriculture has been brought to a standstill and the coal mafia plaguing the State has received an added impetus. Rehabilitation of citizens remains a distant dream and the Sixth Schedule protection afforded to the State, facilitates exploitation instead of protecting the masses. This article will argue strongly for the continuation of the NGT Ban and analyze and counter popular arguments that have been presented for the legalization of coal mining in Meghalaya.

Khasi Speech Recognition using Hidden Markov Model with Different Spectral Features: A Comparison

In this work, various feature extraction techniques are implemented for a speech data corpus in Khasi Language. This paper provides a comparative performance analysis of widely used spectral features like Mel-Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients (MFCC), Perceptual Linear Prediction (PLP), Linear Predictive Cepstrum Coefficient (LPCC), Linear Predictive Coefficient (LPC) and Linear Predictive Reflection Coefficients (LPREFC). For each features we have used coefficient dimensions of static, delta and acceleration evaluated for the recognition of words spoken in Khasi language, a language spoken in the Khasi and Jaintia hills districts of Meghalaya. A recorder based continuous speech database has been collected as per the standard procedure and data processing was done using wave surfer. From the analysis, it was observed that for sampling rate of 16 KHz and 8 KHz the word recognition accuracy of MFCC and PLP features are better than LPCC, LPC and LPREFC features under all circumstances.

Ecostratigraphic implications of a Late Palaeocene shallow-marine benthic community from the Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, NE India

Moderately preserved shallow-marine extinct, fossil benthic community has been recovered from a sub-surface Late Palaeocene limestone cave section near Lumshnong in the Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, NE India. The present contribution focuses on the ecostratigraphic implications of the carbonate microbiofacies based on the evaluated facies gradients. Precise field assessments and microscopic observations led to the identification of three microbiofacies: benthic foraminiferal–algal grainstone, coralline algal framestone and oolitic grainstone–packstone. The microbiofacies distinguished in the study suggest a general shallowing-upward trend from an inner shelf setting to a lagoonal–shoal environment depicting the distinct changes in the benthic community. Presence of coralline alga Distichoplax biserialis and benthic foraminifera Idalina sinjarica, Daviesina khatiyahi, Miscellanea primitiva, Rotalia trochidiformis and Vania anatolica assign the studied carbonates to Early Thanetian (SBZ 3) corresponding to the lower part of the Lakadong Limestone. In this study, ecostratigraphy has facilitated the classification of a single carbonate section corresponding to a solitary shallow benthic zone into multiple microbiofacies attributed to variable environmental depositional conditions. This clearly demonstrates its potential in improving the applicability of biostratigraphy worldwide.

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge in West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

Abstract: Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) is local application methods practiced in different sectors especially in fisheries by local population from time immemorial with some changes from time to time. Many of the ITKs are based on scientific values but they are not well documented. The present study aimed to evaluate the Indigenous Traditional Knowledge practiced in West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya. The ITKs identified are divided in three different groups. They are ITK in value added product, ITKs used as fish baits and fish poison and ITKs used as gear for catching fishes from natural water bodies. Keywords: ITK, Jaintia Hills District, Fish poison, Gear, Value added product.

Effect of topological settings on the soil acidity indices and fertility of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Effect of topological settings on the soil acidity indices and fertility of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge in West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) is local application methods practiced in different sectors especially in fisheries by local population from time immemorial with some changes from time to time. Many of the ITKs are based on scientific values but they are not well documented. The present study aimed to evaluate the Indigenous Traditional Knowledge practiced in West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya. The ITKs identified are divided in three different groups. They are ITK in value added product, ITKs used as fish baits and fish poison and ITKs used as gear for catching fishes from natural water bodies.

Cultural Factors Affecting the Spread of HIV/AIDS among the Women in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Despite years of study and lack of empirical evidence, assumptions about culture as a co-factor in the spread of HIV/AIDS still persist. In recent years, more and more ideas about cultural causality have been called into question, and often disproved by studies. Thus, in light of new evidence, socio cultural causes of the disease, is both warranted and long overdue. The overall objective of this paper is to unravel the sociocultural factors contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS among the Jaintia women of Meghalaya. The study adopted mixed research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. The research designs employed were explorative, descriptive and contextual. The findings revealed that social cultural factors which include gender issues, violence, presence of risk beahviours, stigma and discrimination lead to HIV infection in the study area. Other issues which emerged include lack of information about HIV/AIDS, poverty, unsafe sexual practices, ignorance and cultural beliefs.

Alveolina-dominated assemblages in the early Eocene carbonates of Jaintia Hills, NE India: Biostratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental implications

Larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) are significant proxies in biostratigraphy and also act as excellent indicators of shallow-marine carbonate environments in fossil series. The Palaeogene LBF recorded from Meghalaya, NE India (eastern part of the relic eastern Tethys/Neo-Tethys) have high potential for dating shallow-marine sediments and documenting the multiple episodes of carbonate sedimentation that have contributed to the development of the Sylhet Limestone Group. Early Eocene witnessed the proliferation of LBF species worldwide, the phenomenon better known as the Larger Foraminiferal Turnover (LFT). Genera like Alveolina, Nummulites and Orbitolites with broad species complexes thrived as the dominant LBF amidst numerous other taxa on the verge of extinction or only surviving as stable forms. The current study emphasizes on the biostratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental account of the early Eocene Umlatdoh Limestone successions outcropping in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, primarily based on the recorded species of Alveolina and other larger benthic foraminifera. Five species of Alveolina — A. oblonga, A. schwageri, A. cf. ruetimeyeri, A. aff. haymanensis and A. aff. varians are recorded in the evaluated sections that indicate an early Eocene age corresponding to the Shallow Benthic Zone 10. Major carbonate facies types in the present assessment include oolitic-smaller benthic foraminiferal -green algal grainstone–packstone, smaller miliolid-Alveolina grainstone, green algal-benthic foraminiferal grainstone, larger porcellaneous (Alveolina) grainstone-packstone, Alveolina-nummulitid grainstone-rudstone, and nummulitid grainstone-rudstone, which indicate a shallow marine, high-energy depositional environment ranging from shoal-sandy bars to a distal inner ramp setting.

Indigenous Wild Edible Plants of Bataw Village, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

The study was carried out as a kind of documentation of the used of wild edibles plants by the people in Bataw village, East Jaintia Hills. The results show that there are 35edible plants and belonging to 26 families being taken by the people of Bataw village as food. The mode of utilisation of wild edible plant includes 12 plant species used as vegetables, 11 species eaten as raw and 12 species consume as raw and as well as vegetable. The vast overexploitation of these indigenous wild edible plants has led to the over decline of these species. Therefore steps should be taken to protect such resources and further inventories need to undertake to understand their nutritional benefits and their long term sustenance.

First report on nematicidal properties of Flemingia procumbens against Meloidogyne incognita

Nematicidal property was identified for the first time in root tubers of Flemingia procumbens, an underutilized native crop species grown in the tribal tracts of Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya, India. In vitro studies were conducted on second stage juveniles (J2s) of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, which is a most economically important and commonly found nematode in cultivated fields. Powder extract of small, medium and large size tubers of F. procumbens was tested in vitro against J2s of M. incognita. All the three types of powder extracts were found effective and caused varied mortality in J2s of M. incognita in the range of 88–95% at 100 mg/ml after 72 h exposure. The methodology developed is based on preliminary study and can be standardized for precision following further research investigations.

Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers of West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya, India

A survey was conducted to record the medicinal plants used by traditional medicine practitioners in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. A total of 44 species were recorded, out of which 2 were pteridophytes. Zingiberaceae was the most dominant family with 5 species. 48% of the medicinal plants used were herbs, followed by trees (20%) and shrubs and climbers (16% each). Underground parts and leaves of plants are mostly used as medicine. A large section of the population in Meghalaya still prefers and relies on traditional medicine. But of late, traditional healers are facing difficulties due to shortage of medicinal plants in the wild. Government intervention in the form of financial assistance for setting up medicinal plant gardens and adopting immediate measures for in situ conservation of medicinal plants is the need of the hour. Keywords : Herbal medicine, folk healers, Meghalaya Cite this Article Rikertre Lytan, Devajyoti Bokolial. Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers of West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya, India. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences . 2019; 9(1): 156–164p.

Effect of cement dust on soil physico-chemical properties around cement plants in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Effect of cement dust on soil physico-chemical properties around cement plants in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Seasonal dynamics of soil microbial biomass in fragmented patches of subtropical humid forest of Jaintia hills in Meghalaya, Northeast India

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the seasonal dynamics of microbial biomass and its contribution to soil system along a fragment size gradient in subtropical humid forest of Meghalaya. Area of study: The study was conducted in forest fragments located at Jarain and adjoining areas in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, northeast India.Material and Methods: Forest fragments of sizes ranging from 3.8 to 105 ha were selected for the study and grouped into Small (< 5 ha), Medium (> 5 and < 15 ha), Large (>15 and < 50 ha) and Very Large (105 ha) classes. Three experimental plots each of 20 x 20 m were established at the forest edge and at 50 m distance assigned as ‘interior’ microsite in each of the fragments for sampling of soil. Soil samples (0-10 cm depth) from each of the experimental plots were collected in replicates on seasonal interval and microbial biomass was estimated by the fumigation extraction method.Important findings: Microbial biomass- C, -N and -P varied significantly (p< 0.05) between the fragment sizes, microsites and seasons. The microbial biomass was higher in the interior as compared to the edge. It was also high during the winter season. Overall, soil microbial biomass -C, -N and -P ranged from 260 to 969; 25 to 95 and 8 to 67 µg g-1 respectively. The contribution of microbial biomass -C, -N and -P to soil organic carbon, total Kjeldahl nitrogen and phosphorus ranged from 1.48 to 1.81 %, 2.54 to 4.54 % and 3.41 to 5.22 % respectively. Fragmentation alters the microenvironmental conditions and soil properties that in turn affect the microbial biomass. Highlights: This interaction of plant, soil and microbial community would gradually degrade in the fragments due to change in vegetation composition and structure, microclimatic conditions and soil physical and chemical properties. Our results suggests that microbial mediated ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling are more susceptible to variation at the edge which may become unstable and unpredictable in forest fragments exposed to various human disturbances.Keywords: fragment size, microbial biomass, microenvironment, subtropical forest.

Neutralization of Acid Mine Drainage Contaminated Water and Ecorestoration of Stream in a Coal Mining Area of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

The unscientific mining of coal without environmental safeguards in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya has adversely affected the water resources of the area, leading to streams with a pH of 3–5. The acidic stream water is not suitable for human use and lacks aquatic life. The prevailing situation demanded immediate neutralization and eco-restoration. Considering the need, the water of Moolawar stream in Mukhaialong village, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, India was neutralized by constructing an open limestone channel (OLC) using locally available limestone. The OLC raised the pH of the stream water from 4.31 to 6.57. The near-neutral pH has promoted the reappearance of many aquatic flora and fauna, including two species of fishes and some insects. The OLC was found to be cost effective and technically feasible in this rural area and thus prompted the construction of more such projects for improvement of water quality and ecorestoration of degraded streams. Details of the study and associated improvements in water quality and aquatic ecology are reported.

Dario kajal Britz & Kullander, 2013 (Percomorpha, Badidae): the first documentation of the genus Dario Kullander & Britz, 2002 from Bangladesh

We document for the first time in Bangaldesh Dario kajal Britz & Kullander, 2013, a little-known miniature badid species originally described from the Jaintia Hills, India. We provide records of 8 specimens from 3 localities, of which, 2 are in the Meghna basin. Our finding also confirms its distribution from the Brahmaputra drainage, about 300 km southwest from the type locality. The genus Dario Kullander & Britz, 2002 was previously unknown from Bangladesh.