Kumaon Region Research Articles

An Analysis of Springwater Parameter Status for Different Locations in the Rural Hilly Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand boasts significant spring, groundwater, and surface water resources, particularly in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, where year-round waterfalls and springs are abundant. However, efficient utilization of these resources remains limited. Reports from the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board and Water Commission highlight that many remote villages face issues with high mineral content, particularly calcium hardness, in their water. Nine samples revealed total dissolved solids (TDS) above 500 mg/l and hardness exceeding 300 mg/l, with some containing coliform bacteria. Water quality index (WQI) values showed four samples in the ‘Good’ category, while two indicated poor quality.

Many Personas of Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett was a man of many talents, revered for his diverse contributions to wildlife and conservation. He first gained fame as a remarkably skilled hunter, known for tracking and eliminating dreaded man-eating tigers and leopards in British India, a feat that saved numerous lives. However, Corbett's legacy extends far beyond his hunting achievements; he was also a pioneering conservationist who raised his voice for safeguarding the very wildlife he once hunted. As a naturalist and gifted writer, Corbett shared his experiences and insights through a series of classic books that continue to inspire environmental stewardship. His deep connection to the people and culture of India's Kumaon region further solidified his reputation as a figure of lasting respect and admiration.

A study of thyroid profile in chronic liver disease patients attending a tertiary care center in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand

A study of thyroid profile in chronic liver disease patients attending a tertiary care center in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand

Rediscovery of Swamp Deer Rucervus duvaucelii (G. Cuvier, 1823) in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand State of India

Rediscovery of Swamp Deer Rucervus duvaucelii (G. Cuvier, 1823) in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand State of India

Microfinance, Self-Help Groups and Women Empowerment: An Impact Study in Rural Parts of Hilly Districts of Kumaon Region in Uttarakhand State Under NRLM Scheme

Microfinance, Self-Help Groups and Women Empowerment: An Impact Study in Rural Parts of Hilly Districts of Kumaon Region in Uttarakhand State Under NRLM Scheme

Morphological Study of Human Fetal Lung with Respect to Gestational Age in the Tertiary Care Center of Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand

Introduction: The lung fissures are helpful in the movement of lobes in relation to one another. Variation in the presence or absence of fissures indicates about the pattern of development of the lung. The study was done to observe the appearance of lung fissures in human fetal lungs in relation to the gestational age. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy on 32 pairs of human fetal lungs of either gender which were divided into five subgroups of various gestational ages ranging from 15 weeks to 40 weeks. The morphological details of the appearance of fissures of lungs and the presence of any variation were noted. Results: Out of 32 specimens of the right fetal lung, the horizontal fissure was absent in two fetuses. The oblique fissure was complete and present in all 32 specimens of the right lung. Among 32 specimens of the left lung, the absence of oblique fissure was observed in one lung. No accessory fissure and lobe was seen. Conclusion: In our study, there was no correlation between the appearance of fissure and gestational age as the absence of horizontal fissure in the right lung is found among two gestational age groups; one in 21–25 weeks and one in 36–40 weeks. Furthermore, the absence of oblique fissure in the left lung is seen in the age group of 36–40 weeks. However, it was found that oblique fissure in both lungs and horizontal fissure in the right lung appear as early as 15 weeks of gestation.

Assessing the Influence of Connectivity on Out-migration and Healthcare in Uttarakhand’s Hilly Villages, India

Objective: To assess the influence of connectivity of a geographical location on out-migration and health-seeking behaviour in the hilly village of Uttarakhand. Materials and Methods: Two villages located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India were surveyed. One village had good connectivity, while the other was remote. The survey was conducted through door-to-door visits by two volunteers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed using R software. Results: A total of 63 households in the well-connected village and 94 in the remote village. In the well-connected village, the prevalence of out-migration (household level) was 0%, while in the remote village, it was 32.9% (95% confidence interval: 24.1–43.3). In the remote village, 72.3% of households sought care from traditional healers. A significantly higher proportion of remote village households (88.3%) faced healthcare access issues compared to well-connected village households (17.5%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The healthcare access and out-migration were major issues in the remote village. The government policies should aim to tackle these issues.

Pattern and distribution of injuries associated with road traffic accident in Haldwani (Nainital) - An autopsy based study

Indiais one of the fastest growing economies. There is a rapid inflation of vehicles on the road that range from motorcycles to heavy vehicles which also shows an active surge in the fatal road accidents. This study is focussed to find out the pattern and distribution of injuries in fatal road traffic accident cases in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand as to plan at the time of policy making and traffic law implementation.: The present study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology of Government Medical College, Haldwani from January 1 2019 to December 31 2019, on total 110 cases of RTA brought to mortuary for medico-legal post mortem examination.: Maximum number of cases sustained head and neck injuries (42 out of 110 externally) followed by extremities injury (28 out of 110). Total 38 cases out of 110 sustained head and neck injuries internally, followed by abdominal injuries (28 cases). Abrasions (30 cases) and laceration (29 cases) were commonest type of external injury noted in RTA cases followed by contusion (22 cases) and fracture (19 cases). Most common cause of death among RTA victims was head injury (40 out of 110 cases) followed by shock and haemorrhage (37 out of 110 cases).

Traditional food systems of Kumaon region (Uttarakhand): A blend of taste with medicinal attributes

Traditional food systems of Kumaon region (Uttarakhand): A blend of taste with medicinal attributes

Changing Cropping Patterns in the Central Himalaya: Causes and Implications

The Himalaya is experiencing significant changes in land use and cropping patterns. This paper examines the major causes and consequences of these changes in the Central Himalaya, focusing on two districts: Dehradun (Garhwal region) and Nainital (Kumaon region). Data on land use and cropping patterns for both districts were collected from the district statistical diaries and, subsequently, were analyzed. The analysis reveals that cropping patterns are undergoing substantial changes in both districts, although the change is not uniform across the regions. Various factors contribute to the shifting cropping patterns. In the recent past, there has been a notable increase in climate variability and change, with a persistent warming observed in the river valleys and mid-altitudes. Other significant factors influencing the changing cropping patterns include decline in the area and production of crops, alterations in food habits, population growth, and out-migration in the Central Himalaya.

A study on rural homestays in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand (India): An alternative tourism product for sustainable rural development in hills

A study on rural homestays in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand (India): An alternative tourism product for sustainable rural development in hills

Superstition and Religious Beliefs in the Works of Jim Corbett

Throughout society, the pervasive presence of superstitions and the attribution of supernatural powers are unmistakable phenomena. Superstition, as defined by Merriam Webster, encapsulates any belief or ritual founded upon one's faith in luck or obscure, irrational, or otherworldly forces. While these convictions exhibit regional disparities, their profound influence on the human psyche remains constant. Within the literary tapestries woven by esteemed authors, one encounters a rich tapestry of superstitions, each weaving its own narrative. Even seemingly fantastical attributions of superstition and supernatural prowess to man-eaters are not without their roots in reality. The ingenuity, intellect, dominance, and sheer might of tigers have elevated these majestic creatures to the status of mythical beings. This study endeavors to dissect the role of the supernatural in shaping the superstitions and traditions of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, where these beliefs are cherished and passed down through the ages, weaving an intricate web that binds generation after generation.

Clinicoetiological profile of patients with gastrointestinal bleed presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleed is a common cause of medical emergency resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. GI bleeding can be classified as upper (bleeding source proximal to the ligament of Treitz) and lower (bleeding source distal to the ligament of Treitz). Aims and Objectives: The present study was aimed to determine the current clinicoetiological profile of GI bleeding in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand. Materials and Methods: All patients presented with GI bleed (GIB) to outpatient department and Emergency department or developed the GIB during hospitalization are managed in intensive care unit (preferably) and high-dependency unit. Results: Both upper and lower GI endoscopy were twice normal in 2.7% of patients (obscure bleeding). On upper GI endoscopy findings showing esophageal varices (45.83%), gastroesophageal varices (8.33%), isolated gastric varices (8.33%), gastric ulcer (8.33%), duodenal ulcer (6.25%), Mallory-Weiss tear (6.25%), erosive gastritis (6.25%), gastric antral vascular ectasia (4.16%), gastric carcinoma (4.16%), and Dieulafoy’s lesion (2.08%). Upper GIB (UGIB) had more mortality than lower GIB, among UGIB variceal bleed having higher mortality than non-variceal bleeding. Conclusion: Unlike the evidence from the west that peptic ulcer is the most common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, we found varices as the common cause, followed by peptic ulcer and erosive gastritis. Hence, the variable spectrum of the etiology of the GIB seen in our country could represent either a true epidemiological difference or reflect skewed access to health care.

Assessment of landuse/landcover change analysis in the lower Kumaon region of the Uttarakhand Himalayas

Assessment of landuse/landcover change analysis in the lower Kumaon region of the Uttarakhand Himalayas

Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis of Skimmia laureola Decne. leaves from the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand, India

Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis of Skimmia laureola Decne. leaves from the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand, India

Adiponectin Gene Polymorphisms as Potential Biomarker for Development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Kumaon Region Population

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide health problem caused by resistance to insulin action. Polymorphism of adiponectin gene was found to be implicated in the pathogenesis of T2DM in numerous populations. Adiponectin is secreted by fat cells and is linked with insulin resistance. Methodology: The study included fifty patients with T2DM and fifty healthy individuals served as a control group to assess the association of adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ). The genotyping studies were performed by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. Results: Mean levels of various anthropometric and biochemical parameters were significantly higher in T2DM than healthy controls. The levels of circulatory adiponectin were found significantly lower in T2DM as compared to healthy controls and Serum leptin levels were moderately higher in the diabetic than those in the nondiabetic. There was no significant association of CC and CG genotypes with T2DM patients. C and G allele frequencies of the rs266729 were also not significantly associated with T2DM cases as compared to healthy controls. It was observed that significant impact on circulatory adiponectin levels for rs266729 polymorphism with GG genotype having very low circulatory adiponectin level. There was no significant association of CC, CG genotype and C, G allele frequencies of rs266729 in with T2DM cases as compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: The rs266729 > G SNP of adiponectin gene is a risk factor for the development of T2DM in Kumaon population. Keywords: Adiponectin, Diabetes, Disease, Health, Human

Quantitative Determination and Source Variation of Rutin in Fagopyrum Tataricum

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum sp.) is a traditional crop of Uttarakhand (India) known for its high Rutin content, a bioflavonoid with significant medicinal properties. This study explores the quantitative measurement of Rutin in various buckwheat varieties grown in different regions of Uttarakhand using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Twelve seed sources of Fagopyrum tataricum from the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, along with Fagopyrum esculentum seeds for comparison, were collected. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and carbohydrates, with methanolic extracts showing higher concentrations. TLC analysis was employed to determine the most effective solvent system for Rutin separation, leading to the identification of three samples with substantial Rutin content. HPTLC was then used for quantitative Rutin assessment, with a calibration curve established using standard Rutin solutions. The three selected samples, along with the standard, were applied to HPTLC plates, and the Rutin content was measured based on peak areas and peak heights. The sample collected from Joshimath, Uttarakhand, known as "JOG," exhibited the highest Rutin content. This study provides valuable insights into the phytochemical composition of buckwheat varieties in Uttarakhand, which can inform the development of high-quality functional foods. Rutin, a potent antioxidant with various health benefits, underscores the significance of buckwheat as a naturally occurring functional food source. The results contribute to understanding the Rutin-rich potential of buckwheat grown in Uttarakhand and its applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Further research in this field can promote the cultivation and utilization of buckwheat as a source of this valuable bioactive compound with numerous health benefits.

The Variation of Chemical Constituents across Altitudes in the Himalayan Kumaon Region: Exploring Nature's Wonders

This article investigates the variation in chemical constituents at different altitudes in the Himalayan region, specifically focusing on the Kumaon region. The study aims to understand the impact of altitude on the chemical composition of plants and its implications for ecological interactions and human health. Extensive field surveys were conducted across various altitudes, and plant samples were collected for chemical analysis. The results revealed significant variations in the chemical constituents of plants at different altitudes, including secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The study also identified specific altitude-dependent patterns, with certain compounds being more abundant or absent at particular altitudes. These variations in chemical constituents can be attributed to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and solar radiation, which change with altitude. The findings highlight the importance of considering altitude as a key factor in studying the chemical ecology of the Himalayan region. Understanding these variations can have significant implications for conservation efforts, pharmaceutical research, and traditional medicine practices in the region. Further research is needed to explore the ecological and physiological mechanisms underlying these altitude-related variations in chemical constituents.

Detection of Meloidogyne graminicola (RRKN) in Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayas

Rice root-knot nematode (RRKN), Meloidogyne graminicola is a serious pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.) reported globally. In India, RRKN has been reported from various parts of the rice growing region and causing 17–30% yield loss. In the present study, RRKN population infesting rice growing region of Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, Indian Himalayan region was isolated during 2019–20, characterized using integrative taxonomy by combining molecular analysis using ITS, morphology of male, juveniles, adult female and morphometry measurements of different stages. The data presented in the comparative analysis of morphometry parameters for Meloidogyne graminicola isolate from the Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayas, as compared to the original description by Golden and Birchfield (1965) from Louisiana, USA, reveals some differences in the morphological characteristics of adult females, adult males, and 2nd stage juveniles (J2) of M. graminicola. The ITS sequence from the present study appeared as a single clade between the Fujian isolate (KM111531.1) and the Brazilian M. graminicola isolate (KY962651). To our knowledge, this is the first authentic characterization and report of RRKN from the Hilly region of Uttarakhand state. The detection of M. graminicola in the mid Indian Himalayan region provides valuable information for further studies on the natural population dynamics and distribution patterns of this nematode species. The findings highlight the need for regular monitoring and surveillance of nematode populations in the region to better understand their distribution and potential impact on rice production.

Species distribution modelling and population genetic analysis ofYushania anceps; an endemic temperate woody bamboo of the Uttarakhand Himalayas

AbstractYushania ancepsis a temperate woody bamboo taxon of high socio-economic importance occurring in the sub-alpine zone of the western Himalayas. This study was carried out to delineate the potential distribution ofY. ancepsin the western Himalayas through species distribution modelling (SDM), and genetic characterization using sequence-tagged microsatellite (STMS) markers. The present study revealed an endemic distribution of this species in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, with an estimated area of 211.59 km2. The maximum probability of occurrence was recorded in the moderately dense forests between the altitudinal ranges of 2500 and 2700 m. The model output was well supported with high values of different statistical measures, such as the AUC (0.911) and Kappa coefficient (K= 0.513). Environmental variables related to precipitation, temperature and topography were identified as the most contributory in current SDM. In addition, diversity measures, namely allelic richness (Ar), expected heterozygosity (He), and fixation index (FST), were calculated in five sampled populations with eight STMS markers, which indicated high genetic diversity (Ar = 4.24; He = 0.689) and little differentiation (FST= 0.062). The diversity maps displayed that the populations located in the Kumaon region captured relatively more genetic diversity than the Garhwal region. Further, genetic clustering and STRUCTURE analysis revealed a substantial level of genetic admixing across the analysed populations, and as a result, no sub-structuring was detected. Due to the rare and endemic distribution ofY. anceps, it requires immediate conservation measures, and the knowledge base generated here will be of paramount importance to forest managers, researchers and policymakers.