Nainital District Research Articles

A Socio-Economic Survey of Village Khurpatal: A Case Study from Southern Border Region of Kumaun Himalaya

The most important concern in the modern world, particularly in emerging countries, is socioeconomic standing. Over time, the socio-economic situation in rural areas is progressively getting better. The socioeconomic position of the inhabitants in rural regions has been improved via the implementation of several programs and initiatives. However, residents in rural regions could not grow equitably across the region in an economic sense. Different economic classes can be found, even in a tiny community. This study article makes an effort to determine the true socioeconomic situation of people across various income brackets from village Khurpatal of District Nainital. The researcher conducted a door-to-door survey using a relevant questionnaire to gather the primary data that served as the foundation for the entire study.

Rainfall frequency analysis of Nainital District (Uttarakhand)

Rainfall frequency analysis of Nainital District (Uttarakhand)

Morbidity pattern and its correlates among adolescent girls residing in rural and urban areas of Haldwani, India

Background: Adolescent girls are vulnerable to different morbidities as their health is a confluence of diverse factors, with the profile of disease burden varying from early adolescent girls of 10-14 years age, to late adolescent girls of 15-19 years age.Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in rural and urban schools of Haldwani block of district Nainital. Multistage random sampling was used to select adolescent girls of 10 to 19 years of age, who were clinically examined and interviewed. Data was analysed using SPSS v21. Statistically significant association was established by Chi-square test.Results: Common morbidities found among adolescent girls were menstrual problems (54.81%), malnutrition including nutritional deficiencies (54.03%), refractive errors (31.17%), hair problems (28.31%) and dental problems (28.18%). General morbidity was present among 51.69% and 61.47% of rural and urban girls respectively. 123 (15.97%) and 97 (12.60%) were found to suffer from skin diseases and respiratory diseases respectively.Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of various morbid conditions among adolescent girls despite of various ongoing measures addressing them.

Land suitability modelling for enhancing fishery resource development in Central Himalayas (India) using GIS and multi-criteria evaluation approach

In recent years, fish production from open waters in Central Himalayas, especially from riverine system, has declined considerably. Degradation of soil and water quality and poor infrastructure facilities are among the major causes of declined fish production in this region. Keeping this in view, the present investigation was carried out to assess the soil, water and infrastructure facilities by using geographical information system (GIS) and multi criteria evaluation approach which helped in understanding the key elements to develop and improve resource management strategies that are vital to ensure sustainable fish stocks in this region. Various important parameters of soil, water and infrastructure facilities of this mountainous region were thoroughly assessed by analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for development of fish culture. Based on these characteristics, sixteen thematic layers were prepared using the Geomedia Professional software to develop a series of GIS models/ sub-models. In this process, the region was categorized to different suitable locations for the development of highland and lowland fishery. The model output clearly indicates the location and extent for the development of this sector in different suitability scales viz., most suitable (51,112 ha, i.e. 13%) and moderately suitable (61,164 ha i.e. 15%) out of the total land cover area of Nainital district (about 402,000 ha). The study will help planners to design plans to harness maximum fish biomass and to derive social benefits from inland open waters in the region.

Prevalence of Dyslipidemia in Geriatric rural Population Residing in a Hilly District of Uttarakhand State, India

Background: Dyslipidemia is a major contributing determinant in the development of ischemic heart diseases, stroke, and other vascular diseases. It increases the risk of mortality amongst the geriatric population.
 Objective: To assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in geriatric rural population residing in a hilly district of Uttarakhand state, India.
 Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted during 2015-2016 in District Nainital, Uttarakhand. A list of all villages with their population in the district was developed. From this list, thirty villages were identified using population proportionate to size sampling method. From each village 30 geriatric subjects were selected. A total of 1003 geriatric subjects aged 60 years and above were included in the study. The data was collected on socio demographic profile and lipid profile from all the enrolled subjects. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was assessed using National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) criteria.
 Result: The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 50.6%. A total of 26.3% participants had hypercholesterolemia, 34.2% had hypertriglyceridemia and 23.5% had high LDL levels. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was higher in women compared to men.
 Conclusion: High prevalence of dyslipidemia was found amongst geriatric rural population. 

Socio - Economic and Educational Status of Dalit Women: A Case Study of Nainital District of Kumaun Region

Socio - Economic and Educational Status of Dalit Women: A Case Study of Nainital District of Kumaun Region

Physico-chemical characterization of Oak, Pine and Sal forest soil profiles of Betalghat Region of Kumaun Himalaya

Soil is one of the basic natural resources on which all forms of terrestrial life co-exist. The soils of three forest types i.e., banj-oak ( Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) chir-pine ( Pinus roxburghii Sargent) and sal ( Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) of Betalghat block, Nainital District, (Kumaun Himalaya). Soils were drawn from three depths viz. 0-10 cm, 11-20 cm, 21-30 cm. The present study were studied resulted to soil physico-chemical properties i.e. maximum soil texture (sand 34.30 %, silt 57.21 % and clay 33.23 %), soil moisture ( 12.6 %), bulk density ( 1.43 g.cm -3 ), porosity ( 52.06 %), water holding capacity ( 69.27 %) and the maximum values of chemical analysis i.e. pH ( 6.80 ), total carbon ( 3.82 %), organic matter (6.57 %), total nitrogen ( 0.36 % ), available potassium ( 267 mg/kg ) and available phosphorous ( 62 mg/kg ). Banj-oak forest shows rich physical properties followed by sal and chir-pine forest while chir-pine forest shows rich chemical properties in compared to sal and banj-oak forest.

Participation of Scheduled Caste Women in Politics - A case study of Rural and Urban Women of Nainital District of Kumaun region

Participation of Scheduled Caste Women in Politics - A case study of Rural and Urban Women of Nainital District of Kumaun region

A comparison of nutritional status of rural and urban adolescent girls from schools in North India: a cross-sectional study

Background: Adolescence is a nutritionally vulnerable period for a number of specific reasons, including high requirements for growth, eating patterns and lifestyles, risk-taking behaviour and, susceptibility to social and environmental influences. The objectives of the study were to compare the nutritional status of rural and urban school going adolescent girls by anthropometric measurements.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in urban as well as rural schools of Haldwani block of district Nainital from October 2012 to September 2014. Multistage random sampling was used to select the requisite number, 770 (443 rural and 327 urban) of school going adolescent girls of 10 to 19 years of age, who were interviewed and anthropometric measurements were recorded for assessing the nutritional status. WHO 2007 growth standards for 5-19 years old for girls was followed. Height-for-age Z scores and BMI-for-age Z scores were calculated with help of WHO Anthro Plus Software version 1.0.4. Data was analysed using SPSS v.20.Results: Mean weight and mean BMI of adolescent girls in urban area was significantly higher than those in rural area, while mean height in two groups was not significantly different. Mean height-for-age and the mean BMI-for-age of the study girls was below median of the 2007 WHO reference throughout the adolescent period.Conclusions: Thinness was significantly higher in rural girls while overweight and obesity was not significantly different in rural and urban girls.

Prevalence and risk factors of underweight, overweight and obesity among a geriatric population living in a high-altitude region of rural Uttarakhand, India.

To assess the prevalence and risk factors of underweight, overweight and obesity among a geriatric population living in a high-altitude region of India. Community-based cross-sectional study. Data were collected on sociodemographic profile and anthropometric parameters. Weight and height measurements were utilized for calculation of BMI. Nutrient intake data were collected using 24 h dietary recall. High-altitude region of Nainital District, Uttarakhand State, North India. Community-dwelling geriatric subjects (n 981) aged 60 years or above. We found that 26·6 % of the elderly subjects were underweight (BMI<18·5 kg/m2). Overweight (BMI 25·0-29·9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI≥30·0 kg/m2) was seen among 18·0 % and 4·6 %, respectively. After controlling for potential cofounders, risk factors such as low level of education and income, chewing problems and lower number of daily meals were found to be associated with underweight. On the other hand, risk factors for overweight/obesity were lower age, high income and unskilled work. There is a need to develop and implement intervention strategies to prevent underweight, overweight and obesity among the geriatric population of India.

Modeling habitat suitability of Perilla frutescens with MaxEnt in Uttarakhand—A conservation approach

Prediction of suitable cultivation regions through modeling has evolved as a useful tool for the assessment of habitat suitability and resource conservation to protect medicinal plants. The population of Perilla frutescens, one of the therapeutic traditional crop in the Indian Himalayan region has declined over the past few years. This paper reports on potentially suitable cultivation regions for Perilla in Uttarakhand using MaxEnt Modeling.For modeling procedure 35 occurrence records and 14 Worldclim environmental factors as well as aspect, slope, vegetation and elevation data was used. The result showed that precipitation is the key influential factor that affects the distribution of Perilla. The highly suitable cultivation regions of Perilla are Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand, India. The statistically significant AUC (area under curve) value (0.915) of ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve indicated that MaxEnt could be used to predict the potentially suitable cultivation regions of medicinal plants, and the results could pave way for habitat conservation and resource utilization of rare and endangered medicinal plants.

Studies on the effectiveness of kishan gosthi in imparting agricultural information for scaling up of livelihood of hill women

Economic and social development of hill areas is solely dependent upon women. A study conducted in four villages viz.; Bhaluti, Kausani, Jeoli and Sariyatal of Nainital District of Uttarakhand to know the awareness about agriculture and animal husbandry. Questioner based study was conducted, which was focused on the socio-economic characteristics and problems of hill women. Result revealed that majority of respondents belonged to middle age group category (58 per cent) and all the respondents have television and mobile phone. Majority of farm women were involved in farming and dairy. Maximum (90 per cent) respondents take farming related information with input dealers. Maximum numbers of respondents were unaware about scientific packages and practices related to crop production, farm implements suitable for hills areas (98 per cent), high yielding varieties of crops/use of improved varieties (94 per cent), processing technique (96 per cent) and storage techniques (82 per cent).Majority of respondents (96 per cent) were unaware about SHGs followed by small enterprise (90 per cent). On the basis of needs of hill women a participatory need based Kishan Gosthi was organized to aware the hill women on many aspects.

Diversity of Fodder Plants of Betalghat Block, Nainital district, Western Himalaya

The Himalaya is well recognized for its bio-physical diversity and socio-cultural heritage, traditional systems and an ample quantity of indigenous knowledge. The study was conducted with the help of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tool to document the diversity of fodder plants of Betalghat Block of Nainital District (Western Himalaya). Total 210 fodder plants species belonging to 70 families, 164 genera of different habits such as trees (35%), shrubs (31%), herbs (25%), and climbers (9%), were recorded. Out of 70 families, 12 dominant families were Poaceae (18 species), followed by Fabaceae (16 species), Moraceae (10 species), Rosaceae (10 species), Asteraceae (8 species), Euphorbiaceae (7 species), Mimosaceae (6 species), Caesalpinaceae (5 species), Ranunculaceae (5 species), Rhamnaceae (5 species), Urticaceae (5 species) and Rubiaceae (5 species). Of the total recorded species, 41% of the species were used during winter days, 38% during summer and 21% throughout the year. For each species, scientific and vernacular names, multipurpose uses (Fuel, medicinal, timber, agricultural tools, religious and fiber) were used. For the conservation of fodder plant species prioritization, mass multiplication with afforestation, reforestation and forest rehabilitation must be done.International Journal of EnvironmentVolume-6, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2017, page: 1-27

Study on Utilization of Free Neonatal Services Under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram at Government Health Facilities in Haldwani Block, District Nainital, Uttarakhand

Study on Utilization of Free Neonatal Services Under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram at Government Health Facilities in Haldwani Block, District Nainital, Uttarakhand

Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and associated risk factors among geriatric population living in a high-altitude region of rural Uttarakhand, India.

Background:Hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) both are rapidly emerging as public health problems among geriatric population in developing countries. HTN can lead to stroke, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney diseases among geriatric population. DM increases the risk of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy among geriatric population.Methodology:A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted during 2015–2016 in District Nainital, Uttarakhand. A list of all villages with their population in the district was developed. From this list, 30 villages were identified using population proportionate to size sampling method. From each village, 30 geriatric subjects were selected. A total of 1003 geriatric subjects age 60 years and above were included in the study. Data were collected on sociodemographic profile, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, anthropometry, and lipid profile from all the enrolled subjects. The prevalence of HTN and DM was assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify risk factors associated with HTN and DM.Results:The prevalence of HTN and DM was found to be 54.5% and 14.6%, respectively. For HTN, advancing age, high educational level and body mass index (BMI) (≥25 kg/m2) and for DM higher education level and BMI (≥25 kg/m2) were found to be significant risk factors.Conclusion:A high prevalence of HTN and DM was found in geriatric population residing in rural area of Uttarakhand.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors among geriatric population living in a high altitude region of rural Uttarakhand, India.

Introduction:Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is responsible for 2.5-fold increase in cardiovascular mortality and a 5-fold higher risk of developing diabetes.Materials and Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted during 2015–2016 in District Nainital. A list of all villages was developed. From this list, thirty villages were identified using population proportionate to size sampling method. From each village, thirty geriatric subjects (GSs) were selected. The study population included 979 GSs aged 60 years and above. The data were collected on anthropometry, blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profile from all the enrolled subjects. The prevalence of MetS was estimated using International Diabetes Federation criteria. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to identify factors associated with MetS.Results:The prevalence of MetS was found to be 28.6%. Step-wise multivariate logistic regression analysis found that female gender, higher income, and body mass index ≥25 were significant and independent risk factors of MetS amongst GP.Conclusion:There is a need for screening of GP living in high altitude region so that efforts can be initiated to prevent complications of MetS.

Ethno-veterinary practices of goat farmers in tarai region of Uttarakhand

A survey was carried out on 645 goat farmers in Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand from April, 2015 to March, 2017. The information on the common symptoms or ailments inflicting losses to the goats along with the use of local plants and other traditional healthcare practices followed by them were collected through personal interview using a wellstructured questionnaire. It was found that ethno-veterinary practices used by the farmers for diarrhoea/dysentery, pneumonia, anoestrus, bloat, retention of placenta, gastrointestinal helminthiasis, external parasites, constipation, indigestion, wounds and plant poisonings are common ailments in goats. Different types of plant species and their parts viz., roots, leaves, twigs, bark powder, fruits, seeds, oils etc. are used for the treatment of these ailments. Ethno-veterinary practices like bolus made from pigeon droppings and sprouted Triticum for aneostrous goats, feeding cotton seeds for enhancing growth, oral administration of a mixture of asafoetida, Chirayata swertia, Trachyspermum ammi and black salt for bloat, feeding a paste of Curcuma longa, Trachyspermum ammi and black salt for fever and pneumonia, feeding castor (Ricinus communis) seeds for constipation were evaluated.

A study on career maturity of Indian adolescents with respect to their educational settings

Education is the act of learning things around us. Education is the first and foremost rights of every human being. Education helps a person in nourishing his present and future by ensuring aim of the life. Career education or Vocational education is very important especially in the context of recent changes in education system which aims to bridge the gap between work-oriented education and mature career choices. The present paper assessed and compared the Career Maturity of adolescents from two different educational settings, viz., private and government schools. 100 high school students from private schools and 100 from government schools were randomly selected from Haldwani block of Nainital districts as respondents for the present research. Student studying in class X of government and private schools of Haldwani were selected for the present study making a total of two hundred (200) respondents. A self designed performa was prepared to get necessary information and details regarding subjects. It was used to study the socio-demographic characteristics of class X students of the selected schools. Career maturity of the students was assessed by Career Maturity Inventory Indian adaptation by Gupta (1989). Z-test and Chi- test was employed to measure the statistical differences in career maturity of respondents across the two educational settings. Results revealed that there is a significant difference showed on every component of career maturity between government and private schools. Private school students were significantly better on Attitude, Self Appraisal, Occupational Information, Goal Selection, Planning and Problem Solving and thus more career mature than government school students. The prominent reason for significant difference in career maturity across different educational setting was observed across gender composition, type of family, number of siblings, and ordinal position factors.

Appraisal of water quality in the Lakes of Nainital District through numerical indices and multivariate statistics, India

ABSTRACTNainital district is naturally gifted with numbers of natural water bodies. Among these water bodies, the four lakes (Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal and Sattal) are the major source of freshwater for the local inhabitants and industries situated in surrounding area. However, the lakes receive an enormous amount of untreated wastewater which imbalances the nutrients concentration in lake water. Therefore, the present study is focused to assess the water quality using water quality indices (NSFWQI, CPI and HPI) based on the concentration of parameters (like DO, BOD, heavy metals, etc.) in the lakes. The envirometric applications (HCA and PCA) were also used to identify the similarity in pollution load at sampling locations and the source of factor responsible for pollution in the lakes. The water samples were collected in pre- and post-monsoon months in the year 2014–2015, from 12 sampling locations. The results indicate that the water quality of lakes is unsuitable for drinking, as the average CPI was 0.90 and 0.88 in Bhimtal Lake, 1.42 and 1.43 in Nainital Lake, 1.19 and 1.27 in Naukuchiatal Lake, 1.46 and 1.42 in Sattal Lake in pre- and post-monsoon months, respectively. The HPI was found more in Nainital Lake than in rest other three lakes, while risk assessment index (RAI) was found in range RAI > 1 in the four lakes. HCA gained two clusters and PCA gained two PCs, which indicate the impact of both anthropogenic and natural sources for deterioration of water quality. Therefore, it has been suggested that the lake water must be treated before used for drinking.

Income Generation Capacity of Rural Women through Selected Entrepreneurial Activities (A Case Study of Nainital District)

women's role is limited to household affairs and farm activities, which, in general engage them for a longer hours each day. The women can be proved as a great resource for development process if properly managed and organized. The poor rural women need more to be self-reliant. Economically productive activities thus can significant improve the women's role in household and social decision making. Moreover, she can earn for her, maintain the earnings and can use this for herself and the children. Because, women's earning has a positive correlation with health, nutritional levels and education of children in the family. In the lack of identification of her strength, the potential in women for the development is going waste. All that required is to motivate poor rural women to participate in economically productive activities needed for their self-development and stability. Apart from agriculture, women must utilize her capacities through entrepreneurial activities to support their family income for further development. The study was conducted in Haldwani, Ramnagar, Nainital and Lalkhan Tehsils of Nainital District in Uttarakhand state. Rural women engaged in Shawl weaving, Carpet and mat making, Handicraft and embroidery work and Pine-wood work were taken as sample for this study which amounts to a total random sample of 60 female respondents. The income of the respondents increased significantly after taking up the selected entrepreneurial activities. The rural women utilized the income to fulfill the family requirements, for savings and on education of children. Further women reported changes in food, clothing and education of children. It can be said that income generating activities is a powerful tool for women to fight against object poverty and to become self-reliant and independent.