Midnapore District Research Articles

Evaluating Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes and Health Risk Assessment in West Midnapore District of West Bengal, India

Groundwater quality in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal, India is affected by anthropogenic activities as well as by water quality of Subarnarekha and Kangsabati rivers. This study aims to assess quality of groundwater and river water for drinking and irrigation usage, and assess the health risks of the people consuming the water across the rivers. The study also explores the groundwater-river water interaction. The river water and groundwater samples were collected three times during monsoon season from 14 sites across the rivers. The samples were analyzed for 11 water quality parameters, i.e., pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), major anions and cations, and iron (Fe). The groundwater was found slightly acidic (mean pH ~ 6.71) and correlated with nitrate concentrations. Most of the water quality parameters were found within their permissible limits of drinking water. However, elevated concentrations of potassium (K), ammonium (NH4), magnesium (Mg), phosphate (PO4), sodium (Na), and Fe were detected at some places, which were likely due to use of fertilizers. Water quality index (WQI), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and percentage Na values were computed to evaluate the groundwater quality. The mean WQI value of 37.07 showed that the majority of groundwater samples met drinking water standards. Groundwater was also found suitable for irrigation (SAR ~ 0.26 to 1.62 meq L-1 and percentage Na ~ 13.10% to 78.12%). Health risk assessments suggested minimal immediate risks, though high Na levels in certain areas raised concerns. Piper plot showed that increased calcium concentrations in groundwater were mainly due to interactions between river water and groundwater. Overall, groundwater quality did not present any harmful health hazards to the community. The findings of this study can be instrumental for groundwater managers in identifying potential areas for treating groundwater quality.

A Study on the Availability of Finfish and Shellfish of Junput Mangrove, East Midnapore, West Bengal, India

The fish species diversity is the most important indicator of health of aquatic environment. A good piscina ecosystem diversity illustrates the equable environment. The present study deals with the variety of fishes in the Junput mangrove area (Biramput to Haripur), East Midnapore district. The Junput mangrove area is located at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal (Latitude- 21°94'04.5"N Longitude- 87°26'59.5"E), West Bengal. The field study was taken for a season of two years and data are collected monthly basis were made from May 2022 to April 2024. The study results of the actual inquiry express the occurrence of 93 species (51 finfishes and 42 shellfishes). 51 finfishes belonging to 44 genera, 34 different family and 18 orders and 42 shellfishes belonging to 26 different genera, 15 different family and 03 orders. Among the rerecorded finfish species, 2 species were Vulnerable (VU), 01 species were Near Threatened (NT), 35 species were Least Concern (LC) while 06 species were Not Evaluated (NE), 07 species were Data Deficient (DD) with 44 genus, 18 orders and 34 families. In the case of recorded shellfish species, 33 species were Not Evaluated (NE), 06 species were Least Concern (LC) and 03 species were Data Deficient (DD) with 26 genus, 03 orders and 15 families. The number of species richness in the order Decapoda were dominated by 39 species followed by Perciformes with 08 species; Clupeiformes with 07 species; Tetradontiformes with 05 species; both Gobiformes and Anguilliformes with 04 species; both Acanthuriformes and Carangiformes with 03 species; Siluriformes, Spariformes, Pleuronectiformes, Mugilliformes, Scombriformes, Aulopiformes and Xiphosurida with 02 species; Myliobactiformes, Cypriniformes, Carcharniformes, Elopiformes, Beloniformes and Stomatopoda with 01 species. Out of 93 finfish and shellfish, 50 were carnivores, 39 were omnivores, and 02 were each herbivores and detritivores.

The Quality and Classification of some Slack Water at Digha Shore, Midnapur District, West Bengal

Slack waters at Digha, Midnapur district, West Bengal are used for irrigation in Betel Cultivation. For quality of slack waters, estimations for pH, T. S. S., CO2, HCO3, Cl, SO4 Ca, Mg and Na were done. These slack Waters are compared - with the local sea water and world average Fresh water It is inferred that these slack waters-are not under the Influence of sea water and can well be compared with world average fresh water. Salinity and sodium hazards are low in slack waters, as such they can be used for irrigation with advantage.

Assessment of cyclone induced flood using microwave Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data in four blocks of East Midnapore district, India

East Midnapore district is one of the flood prone regions of West Bengal, India. Geomorphological character, topographic nature and geographical location are the main causes of such kind of flood extensiveness in this region. Four most flood prone blocks of East Midnapore district are considered in this study to analyse, monitor and estimate the flood consequences. Flood intensity, duration of water logging, frequency, interval of flood and measurement of the vulnerability are the important parameters to assess the flood risk. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data has its distinct character to collect the data at the flood time even in bad weather and it can also penetrate the cloud cover and can avoid weather caused signal attenuation. European Space Agency’s (ESA) Sentinel-1 SAR before and after flood data (2021) of Vertical transmit and Vertical receives (VV) polarization has been used to monitor and detect the flood extension and assess the inundated areas. The decibel (dB) value is mentioned and speckle noise correction is applied before and after both images. By applying the threshold dB values on both images, the flood inundated areas are detected and extracted from the natural water bodies. A village wise water logged condition of this region was observed for a long time and the study reveals that total 11612.28 ha. areas are submerged due to flood inundation. For the development of the agriculture and aquaculture in terms of the local economy a special care should be taken in this low land flood, affected region.

Trends of information seeking behaviour of small scale traditional coastal fishermen of Dadanpatrabar ‘KHOTI’ in Purba Midnapore district, West Bengal, India

Trends of information seeking behaviour of small scale traditional coastal fishermen of Dadanpatrabar ‘KHOTI’ in Purba Midnapore district, West Bengal, India

Development and validation of a predictive model for the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease in low-income countries based on two cross-sectional studies

ObjectivesWe developed a questionnaire-based risk-scoring system to identify children at risk for rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in rural India. The resulting predictive model was validated in Nepal, in a population with a similar demographic profile to rural India. MethodsThe study involved 8646 students (mean age 13.0 years, 46% boys) from 20 middle and high schools in the West Midnapore district of India. The survey asked questions about the presence of different signs and symptoms of RHD. Students with possible RHD who experienced sore throat and joint pain were offered an echocardiogram to screen for RHD. Their findings were compared with randomly selected students without these symptoms. The data were analyzed to develop a predictive model for identifying RHD. ResultsBased on our univariate analyses, seven variables were used for building a predictive model. A four-variable model (joint pain plus sore throat, female sex, shortness of breath, and palpitations) best predicted the risk of RHD with a C-statistic of 0.854. A six-point scoring system developed from the model was validated among similarly aged children in Nepal. ConclusionsA simple questionnaire-based predictive instrument could identify children at higher risk for this disease in low-income countries where RHD remains prevalent. Echocardiography could then be used in these high-risk children to detect RHD in its early stages. This may support a strategy for more effective secondary prophylaxis of RHD.

Challenges for menstrual hygiene practice among adolescent school girls in West Midnapur district, West Bengal, India

Challenges for menstrual hygiene practice among adolescent school girls in West Midnapur district, West Bengal, India

A cross-sectional study of the association of Body Mass Index and Physical Fitness Index of college students of Madpur region of West Midnapore district of West Bengal, India

Physical Fitness Index (PFI) is a measure of the fitness of an individual. PFI reflects the cardiopulmonary status of an individual and his ability to recover after exercising. On the other hand Body mass Index (BMI) is an index for determining the stage of obesity and it is also used as a cardiopulmonary risk assessment factor. BMI is evaluated using weight and height of an individual. BMI is an index which is age and sex independent and a known epidemiological marker of nutritional status of adolescents. International obesity task force (IOTF-2000) has proposed the standards for adult’s obesity in Asia and India as follows: A cut off point of 18.5 kg/m is used to define thinness or acute under nutrition and a BMI of 23 kg/m indicates over nutrition. A BMI of over 25 kg/m refers to obesity. In this study we have checked if there exists any significant interrelationship of PFI and BMI of the college students of Madpur Region of West Midnapore District of West Bengal, India.

An Analysis of the Salt Industry in Coastal Region of Midnapore District in the Nineteenth Century: The Emergence, Development and Gradual Decay

The purpose of this research was to analyze a detailed dispassionate and analytical account of the development and decline of the salt industry in the Coastal region of Midnapore district and their impact on the economic condition of the people of the coastal Bengal Presidency. The different aspects of their subjects have been discussed both from the administrative and economic stand points. The overall purpose is to prepare a well-documented profile of the growth and decline of the salt industry in British Bengal Presidency as the first exploration of its kind. The present work is the first of its kind to make a comprehensive and critical study of the salt industry in Coastal areas in Midnapore district during the colonial rule. The central concern is not only to examine the development and decline of the salt industry in aforementioned areas in Midnapore district of Bengal but also their impact on the economic condition of the people. Salt manufacturing was an established industry in the Bengal Presidency in the pre-Colonial rule period. It was in the hand of coastal chiefs and Zamindars. This paper is concluded by offering some suggestions to improve the yield and productivity of laborers engaged in the salt industry.

Societal Impact Analysis of Community-managed Potable Water Supply System in Rural India

Lack of accessibility and affordability to safe and affordable drinking water remains a major challenge in fulfilling sustainable development goals. Community-based water management emerged as a policy response to address the issues. However, the impact of producing community-based water supply institutions on the community is hardly noticed in this context. This paper tries to fill the gap through the relational understanding between the provision of safe water and communities’ socioeconomic upliftment, which remains the main reason behind the establishment of the potable water facility in Porapara village located in West Midnapur district of the state of West Bengal, India. The study findings revealed that community participation through the process of empowerment results in good governance of the potable water project and the socioeconomic well-being of the community in Porapara village. This kind of intervention study may help policymakers in evaluating the societal impact to achieve socioeconomic well-being.

Modeling Generalized Cost of Travel for Rural Bus Users: A Case Study

In order to formulate rational improvement proposal for rural bus services, it is necessary to understand how people value different attributes of travel. In this article, the disutilities of travel have been modeled based on stated choice data collected from trip-makers traveling along a rural bus route in Midnapur district, West Bengal, India. Multinomial Logit Model (MNL) is used to develop utility equations and the total disutility of travel is estimated in the form of generalized cost. The perceived values associated with in-vehicle travel time, service headway, and comfort level for the study route are estimated and found to be significant.

A survey on ethnomedicinal plants of Nayagram Block of Jhargram District, West Bengal, India

Humans have been using plants for ailment of many common diseases since time immemorial. In modern day civilization using of these herbal medicines are generally restricted to the rural areas of our state as well as country. Nayagram is a marginal block of Jhargram district which shares the borders with Paschim Midnapore district of West Bengal and Odissa, a neighbouring state of ours. In this present study, plants which are used by the tribal and other local people of Nayagram CD block have been enlisted. The study reveals that a total of thirty-six [36] . plant species belonging to twenty-four [24] . families are used by the local people of our study site for treatment many common diseases. Scientific and local names of the plants, name of the families they belong to, parts of the plant used and their medicinal uses have been recorded in this study.

Socio-economic status of glove puppeteers of east midnapur, West Bengal, India: A case study

Puppetry has been one of the popular performing arts in India; Glove puppetry is one of them. Glove or Hand Puppetry is deliberated to be among the earliest puppetry. Padmatamali, a village of East Midnapur district of West Bengal is known for the Glove puppetry or Beniputul. In the time of British rule, most of the families (around eighty) of Harijan pally of Padmatamali village used to perform Beniputul door to door. Now the number of puppeteers has been reduced to 25. This study made an effort to study the perceptions of the puppeteers regarding status of puppetry and socio-economic condition of them. Snowball sampling and descriptive statistics have been used for better understanding and analysis. The result shows that there is no enthusiasm of current generation of puppeteers on puppetry, only the willpower of present puppeteers and governmental intervention and allowances help this art form to survive otherwise it can be wiped out like many art forms of rural India.

Study on diversity of cladocerans (Cladocera: Branchiopoda) in some selected wetlands of West Midnapore district, West Bengal, India

Study on diversity of cladocerans (Cladocera: Branchiopoda) in some selected wetlands of West Midnapore district, West Bengal, India

Distress, Duress and Dichotomy:

The sociology of everyday life is a paradigm of theoretical orientation. The complexities of the everyday life of the social actors exhibit more than what is there in the framework of the apparent reality and help in constructing a fulfilling and applicable idea about the social actors. This essay aims to examine such complexities in the fabric of the everyday lives of the scroll painters of Naya, a village in West Midnapore district of West Bengal which are exhibited and expressed in various forms and ways. Th rough examining the social space of Naya that constitutes the lifeworld of the scroll painters and their spatial identity, this essay aims to understand the transformative lifeworld of the scroll painters to argue that the social space of the village acts as an invisible force of the institutionalization of innovation, ingenuity, and integrity

Rural Development by Panchayat in Undivided Midnapore District, West Bengal

The unique experiment of democratic decentralization through the working of Panchayati Raj Institutions in West Bengal has already brought about an unmistakable transformation of the rural society and contributed to the awakening of consciousness among the less privileged sections regarding their ability and capacity to rebuild their future and to bring the fruits of development within the easy reach of one and all. This intimate involvement of the people in the entire process of rural development and the spontaneous growth of genuine rural leadership in the villages and blocks were the main features of the Panchayati Raj system in this state. Yet this great experiment is not free from some problems which have arisen in the day to day or long-term working of Panchayat bodies. These have to be identified and appreciated without in any manner, casting any reflection upon either the Panchayat system or functionaries in the field whether official Panchayat public relations, upon which depends largely the effective and efficient working of the system. N other words, the dysfunctions of the Panchayat institutions should be properly identified in order to check the entropic tendency of the system. Let us now see the types of dysfunctions of this grass-root experiment. The transfer of power and decision-making authority to elected representatives in the field of rural development has understandably disturbed the earlier ‘balance’ between official and non-officials. A process of trial and error, a process of adjustment has, however, already started and there is an increasing appreciation of the viewpoints that power has necessarily to be with the people and their elected leaders and the bureaucracy must consciously and wholeheartedly provide the needful support and assistance in the decision racking process and also in the process of implementation of programmes decided upon.

Quantitative evaluation of biological spectrum and phenological pattern of vegetation of a sacred grove of West Midnapore District, Eastern India

Abstract. Sen UK, Bhakat RK. 2021. Quantitative evaluation of biological spectrum and phenological pattern of vegetation of a sacred grove of West Midnapore District, Eastern India. Asian J For 5: 83-100. Sacred groves, small forests patches devoted to deities and ancestral spirits, are classic examples of community-based, culturally aware, natural resource management. To indigenous groups that care for them, display rich biodiversity, and provide ecological services to local groups that have sustained the environment over the years, sacred groves have cultural and spiritual significance. This studied sacred forest hosts 312 plant species belonging to 257 genera under 78 families of 34 orders according to APG IV. Poales, 73, 23.40% and Poaceae, 48, 15.38% were the dominant order and family. Therophytes, cryptophytes and chamaephytes constitute a higher percentage 16.81%, 3.62% and 3.18% respectively than the normal spectrum exhibiting “thero-crypto-chamaephytic” phytoclimate. Leaf size spectra showed that the plant with leptophyll, 83, 26.60% and ovate, 59, 18.91% type's leaf lamina were dominant. The findings may have a heuristic value in developing future monitoring schemes and assessing the effects of global change in this varied but poorly studied area.

GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATION OF AQUIFER DEPTH AT GOPALI, KHARAGPUR-I BLOCK, PASCHIM MIDNAPORE DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

The overuse of water from aquifers has resulted in a decrease in the groundwater table. Gopali, a small village on the outskirts of Kharagpur, has some clean drinking water requirements. Hence, the goal of the study was to determine the depth of the aquifer in this location that would generate a large volume of water, so that a tube well could be drilled and provide enough water for the settlement. As a result, we identified seven favorable locations for Vertical Electrical Soundings in order to better understand the area's subsurface geology and assess the probability of an aquifer (VES1 to VES 7 respectively). The study dealt with the collection of resistivity data, assessing it, and survey the aquifer layers using this method. In this situation, the electrode spacing was determined using a Schlumberger electrode approach. IGIS DDR3 DC resistivity meter with 600m transverse extension (AB) was used to conduct the exploration at Gopali, block Kharagpur-I, Paschim Midnapore district, West Bengal, India. Because of the significant lateral expansion, over 150m of current penetration data was recorded. Clay-sand intercalations with medium to fine-grained sand were discovered in this sedimentary area, and these alterations were mostly observed between 70 and 150 meters.

Delineating the coastal vulnerability using Coastal Hazard Wheel: A study of West Bengal coast, India

The present study was carried out to deliver an overview of the hazard profile and identify the hazard hotspots of the West Bengal coast. Indian coasts are under threat and vulnerable due to multiple stresses like sea-level rise, erosion, frequent extreme events, saltwater encroachment, and human intervention The newly developed Coastal Hazard Wheel (CHW) methodology explores the vulnerability scenario of any eco-system disruption associated with the gradual inundation; saltwater intrusion, erosion, and flooding of any coastal zone either at a local or regional scale. This study examines coastal vulnerability factors and their assessment of 185 km coast of West Bengal, India, using both CHW data and data of the primary survey. The result shows that the entire coast is high to very highly vulnerable in gradual inundation, saltwater intrusion, erosion, and coastal flooding. Islands of Sundarban and main lands of East Midnapur district facing the coast directly experienced by wave action are always prone to very high vulnerability. On the other hand, areas that are protected from open fetch of the ocean are less vulnerable to coastal hazards. Combined five hazard profiles (ecosystem disruption, gradual inundation, saltwater intrusion, erosion, and flooding) explore that coastal flooding and saltwater intrusion are in most vulnerable indicating a severe effect on the entire coast. Sea level rise induced gradual inundation can damage major parts of the coast. Erosion produces a very high to moderate impact (63%–37%).

Fishery, I.T.D.P., Mat Industry Development by Panchayat in Midnapore District

Midnapur one of the most important districts of W.B. In all the block of all districts all types of development have done through Panchayet administration. Especially in case of horticulture, poultry, forest, roadways, animal husbandry, cottage industry etc of the rate of development has been increased. In this respect the projects based on fishery, mat industry, ITDP etc are discussed in details below.