Kinnaur District Research Articles

LOCALIZED CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS DUE TO LEISHMANIA DONOVANI AND LEISHMANIA TROPICA: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY OF 161 NEW CASES FROM A NEW ENDEMIC FOCUS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) in India is due mostly to Leishmania tropica. It is mainly endemic in the deserts of Rajasthan. Recently, Himachal Pradesh has been identified as a new endemic focus for the disease. In the last few years, the number of new cases has been increasing almost to epidemic proportions. This report presents the preliminary findings of clinico-epidemiologic and investigative results of 161 new localized cases of LCL seen between May 2001 and December 2003. The study populaton was composed of 80 males and 81 females between 10 months and 75 years of age. All were indigenous to the sub-alpine valley along the Satluj River in the mountainous region of the Kinnaur District (altitude = 700-2,900 meters). Most patients were seen from April to September and had 1-8 lesions (duration = 1-6 months) that involved mainly the face. Tissue smears were positive for amastigotes in 37% and histopathology showed non-caseating epitheloid cell granuloma in 77% of the cases. Analysis by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the ribosomal gene region of 10 biopsy specimens showed amplicons indistinguishable from L. donovani in eight cases and L. tropica in two cases. Leishmania was cultured on modified Nicole-Novy-McNeal (NNN) medium containing RPMI 1640 medium and heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum from 13 of 38 biopsy samples. Three of these isolated strains were identified as L. donovani while a fourth was L. tropica by PCR-RFLP of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region. One strain had a gp63 sequence identical to that of east African strains. Another strain had a unique gp63 sequence that has not been found in L. donovani complex strains. Sand flies trapped in the cattle sheds of a few patients were identified as Phlebotomus longiductus (Parrot 1928). Treatment with intralesional sodium stibogluconate was effective in all patients without any major side effects. One patient developed lupoid leishmaniasis that responded to higher dose of sodium stibogluconate. Though rarely reported as a cause of LCL, L. donovani seems to be the predominant pathogen in this new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Phlebotomus longiductus is a possible vector, albeit based on circumstantial evidence.

Petrogenetic Appraisal of Early Palaeozoic Granitoids of Kinnaur District, Higher Himachal Himalaya, India

The Early Palaeozoic felsic magmatism of Kinnaur district is represented by more-or-less equivalent Akpa granitoids (477±29 Ma) and Rakcham granitoids (453±9 Ma), which form an integral part of the Central Crystalline Zone in the southern portion of the Tethys Himalayan Tectogen. Both, Akpa granitoids (AG) and Rakcham granitoids (RG), intrude the rocks of the Vaikrita Group. Substantially low magnetic susceptibility values (c = 0.016-0.187 × 10 −3 SI) of these Early Palaeozoic granitoids suggest their nature similar to as ilmenite series (reduced-type) granitoids emplaced in a syn-collisional tectonic setting. The modal compositions of AG mainly correspond to two-mica (muscovite-biotite) monzogranite belonging to the granitoids generated by crustal fusion. Based on mineral assemblage (Ms+Bt+Tur+Ap), associated skarn-type tungsten mineralization, occurrence of metasedimentary enclaves, and whole-rock geochemistry (SiO 2 = 70.75-72.95 wt.%, TiO 2 = 0.02-0.17 wt.%, K 2O/Na 2O = 1.05-2.32, molar A/CNK = 0.93 to 1.33, CIPW corundum 0.17 to 3.82 wt.%, Av. Sr = 304ppm, initial 87Sr/ 86Sr = 0.7206±0.00235), the AG can be typically characterized as peraluminous (S-type) granite as similarly noted for RG. Higher Rb/Sr ratio and initial 87Sr/ 86Sr = 0.737±0.002 of RG compared to that of AG however indicate involvement of relatively more crustal component in generation of RG. The AG is enriched in Ba and light rare earth elements (LREE). The chondrite normalized REE patterns of AG appear weakly fractionated (La N/Lu N= 1.06-6.43) and show pronounced negative Eu-anomaly (Eu N/Eu * = 0.03). The AG and RG represent typical S-type granite suites that largely evolved due to differential degree of anatexis (partial fusion) of sedimentary protoliths, prior to Caledonian but after the Pan-Indian thermal orogenic event.

Indigenous Knowledge and Conservation Practices in Tribal Society of Western Himalaya: A Case Study of Sangla Valley

KEYWORD Tribal societies; indigenous knowledge; conservation practices; natural resource management; sustainable development. ABSTRACT The tribal people of the Sangla valley of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh constitute a special category of economically backward area due to its inaccessibility and inhospitable geo-climatic set-up of the region. Subsistence agriculture, livestock rearing and trading off the minor forest products are the only means of economy activities of the marginal people. The tribals have accumulated their own innovative traditional knowledge and have developed a congenial relationship with the locally available biological resources and diverse geo-climatic conditions thus, establishing a perfect harmony with the nature. These people since time immemorial are practicing the indigenous means of conservation of cultural and biological diversity. The existence of an age-old tradition of preserving forests on the ground of religious and mythological beliefs has become a key factor in the revival of degraded areas. A meaningful development of the are could only be achieved when cultural practices (based on indigenous knowledge) are synthesized with the ecological and economic development packages/programmes by involving local people of the region.

Characterisation of Spiti Horses of India

SummaryThe breeding tract of Spiti horses is located in the Kaja subdivision of the Lahul and Spiti district and the Yanthang area of the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh in India. The horses in this area are smaller in height and called Spiti ponies. They are reared as pack animals at high altitude. Their body is well developed with fairly strong bones. The mane is long and has hairs of 25 to 40 cm in length. The body is solid, displaying and alert attitude, the face is convex, the ears are erect and the eyes are black. The tail is medium in length and straight. The horses are docile in temperament. The body colours are grey, brown, black and piebald. On an average, these horses stand 129 cm height, have a body length of 100 cm, a heart girth of 148 cm, an ear length of 15 cm and a face length of 50 cm. Animals are reared on grazing (alpine pasture) from May to November and stall fed from December to April. The breeding season is from February to July. The average age at first fertile service, age at first foaling, gestation period, service period and foaling interval were estimated as 1 054, 1 297, 333, 63 and 516 days, respectively under intensive management at Kamand farm. It has also been ascertained from various sources that their number is declining rapidly, however breed population statistics are not available. There is, therefore, an urgent need to conserve this breed.

Ethnobotanical study in the village Chhitkul of Sangla Valley, District Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

An ethnobotanical survey has been carried out in the tribal village Chhitkul, Sangla Valley of district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, which resulted in the recording of 17 plant species of medicinal importance, 25 of edible and agricultural value, 14 of cultural and religious importance, and 22 species of fuel, fodder and timber values. The role of ethnic tribals in the conservation, optimum utilization of natural resources has also been discussed. The details of ethnomedicinal plants are highlighted with their botanical & vernacular names, brief description and uses. The plants of other importance are also tabulated along with vernacular names and parts used.

Landslides, risk and decision-making in Kinnaur District: bridging the gap between science and public opinion.

In November 1989 a major landslide destroyed the link road to the village of Sapni in Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh in the Indian Himalaya. Although aware of the risk of further landslide activity, the community has campaigned successfully for reconstruction of the road. Decisions of this kind take place at the local level, through village institutions and open debate, with good feedback between villages and district government authorities. In this way a balance is established between meeting more immediate needs (such as domestic water supply, irrigation, road access) and taking acceptable risks. Using the Sapni landslide as a case study, this paper explores the issue of 'acceptable risk', and looks at the existing strategy for risk and disaster reduction in the district.

Iodine deficiency in district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh.

The state of Himachal Pradesh is a known iodine deficiency endemic region since the last 40 years. The state government is supplying iodised salt to the district since 1970. No recent survey has been conducted on the prevalence of iodine deficiency from the district Kinnaur which is located at an average altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level. A total of 1094 children in the age group of 6-10 years were included in the study and clinically examined. The total goitre prevalence of 6.1% was found in the subjects studied. Urine samples were collected from 226 children and were analysed using standard laboratory procedures. It was found that the percentage of children with < 2 mcg/dl, 2-4.9 mcg/dl, 5-9.9 mcg/dl and 10 and above mcg/dl of urinary iodine excretion (UIE) level was 1.3, 5.8, 10.6 and 82.3 respectively. A total of 242 salt samples were collected and analysed using the standard iodometric titration method. Results showed that almost 90% of the families were consuming salt with an iodine content of 15 ppm and more which is the stipulated level of iodisation of salt. The findings of the study indicate that iodine nutrition is in the transition phase from iodine deficient to iodine sufficient. Findings revealed a need for further strengthening the monitoring of the quality of salt being distributed in Kinnaur to achieve elimination of iodine deficiency.

Land Use and the Biophysical Environment of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Land Use and the Biophysical Environment of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Studies on the apple fruit moth,Argyresthia conjugellaZeller (Yponomeutidae: Lepidoptera): Identification, distribution and extent of damage in India

Abstract A fruit‐damaging insect on apple in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh has been identified as the apple fruit moth/miner, Argyresthia conjugella Zeller, a common pest of apple in Asian, European and American countries. It seems to be native to India, where its primary host, the sorb tree, Sorbus aucuparis Linn. is present. Studies on the distribution and extent of damage during 1983 and 1984 revealed that the pest was distributed in the Kinnaur district at altitude between 2445 to 2900 m and in yearly isotherms of 0 to 10° C. The damage varied from zero to above 50%. Its spread to other apple growing areas of the state is unlikely due to unsuitable agroclimatic conditions.

Note on the Morphology of Baspa Glacier, Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India

AbstractBaspa Glacier occupies an area of about 35 km2 in the south-eastern part of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, and it is the source of the Baspa River, a major tributary of the Sutlej. It is a longitudinal valley-type glacier with a large cirque area. The field evidence indicates that the glacier has retreated considerably in the recent past.

Note on the Morphology of Baspa Glacier, Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract Baspa Glacier occupies an area of about 35 km2 in the south-eastern part of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, and it is the source of the Baspa River, a major tributary of the Sutlej. It is a longitudinal valley-type glacier with a large cirque area. The field evidence indicates that the glacier has retreated considerably in the recent past.