North Bengal Research Articles

Historical expansion of tea plantations over 150years (1876-2023) in North Bengal, India.

The Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze agroforestry system has been a dominant driver of land transformation for over a century. However, most previous studies have not captured the dynamics of tea plantations since their inception. To address this research gap, this study investigates 150years (1876 to 2023) of tea area dynamics and two decades (2001-2022) of tree loss in the Bengal-Dooars region (Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts). Various data sources were employed, including Sentinel-2A imagery (10m), early twentieth century topographic maps at a 1:50,000 scale, and historical records from the British colonial period. Results revealed that the tea area expanded from 331 to 95,800ha (a 70% increase) during the study period. The 1-km grid-wise spatial analysis indicated that approximately 70% of the increase was attributed to the 60-90% and > 90% grid categories, signifying the expansion of large tea estates. Most tea gardens(TG) are sustained with trees, which can significantly contribute to carbon stock. Tree loss within and outside TG for 2001-2022 was analyzed using annual tree loss data at 30m from the Global Forest Watch (GFW) platform. Between 2001 and 2022, about 52.7% of tree loss was attributed to TG, although tea covers only 15.3% of the geographic area of the study region. Our findings highlight the historical expansion of tea plantations and their impact on natural land cover. We suggest that future studies address the mean age of TG along with tree fractions for improved carbon estimates.

Burden and Pattern of Infectious Diseases among Tribal and Non-Tribal Peoples of North Bengal, India

Burden and Pattern of Infectious Diseases among Tribal and Non-Tribal Peoples of North Bengal, India

Conservation of Barilius barila Through Innovative Cultivation: Ecological, Socio-Economic, Ethical Impacts in Bengal and Relevant Legal Issues

The conservation of Barilius barila (locally known as Boroli) is significant for maintaining ecological balance and supporting the socio-economic fabric of North Bengal, India. This study explores innovative cultivation techniques aimed at preserving this species, which is indigenous to the clear streams and shallow rivers of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Despite its classification as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, Barilius barila faces threats from environmental degradation, particularly in North Bengal. This research examines the ecological, socio-economic, ethical, and legal dimensions of Barilius barila conservation, with a focus on the artificial cultivation efforts initiated by the West Bengal government in South Bengal. The study employed a mixed-methods approach i.e. water quality assessments, and socio-economic analyses to assess the effectiveness of these conservation strategies. The findings highlight the challenges posed by anthropogenic activities, including pollution, deforestation, and climate change, which have led to the degradation of natural habitats and a decline in the quality of naturally sourced Barilius barila. The research also addresses ethical concerns regarding the potential impact of artificial cultivation on the species' taste and market value which necessitates legal frameworks to support sustainable practices. This study advances the understanding of Barilius barila conservation by providing an analysis of the species' ecological role, the socio-economic implications of its decline, and the effectiveness of innovative cultivation methods. The finding justifies the importance of balancing technological interventions with the preservation of natural habitats, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Barilius barila and its ecological niche in North Bengal.

Investigating bacterial diversity involved in the production of vegetable-based ethnic fermented food of North Bengal and their metabolic pathways with reverse ecology approach

Endemic fermented vegetables play a crucial role in local cuisine and culture, with traditionally fermented raw green vegetables such as gundruk being a popular practice in North Bengal and Sikkim, India. However, there is a gap in the microbial profiling of these vegetables. This study aimed to explore the diversity of dominant bacterial populations in fermented leafy vegetables using both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. In addition to isolating bacteria using conventional methods, we conducted phenotypic and biochemical characterization, community DNA isolation, and amplicon sequencing. We also introduced a new approach in bioinformatics analysis: reverse ecology, which analyzes complementation and competition among participant microbes. In conventional culture-dependent techniques, LAB genera such as Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Leuconostoc, and Pediococcus have been identified as predominant consortia, whereas metagenomic analysis revealed that the microbiome of fermented dried leafy vegetables was mainly composed of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroides, and Planctomycetes at the phylum level. Within the Lactobacillaceae family, predominant types included Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, Enterococcus, Vagococcus, Weissella, and Carnobacterium. The microbial metabolism revealed key pathways, such as carbon metabolism, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and glyoxylate. Aromatic amino acid degradation, fatty acid metabolism, amino sugar metabolism, nucleotide sugar metabolism, and biosynthesis of nucleotide sugar pathways were also active. The competition index among microbes and human metabolic data was low (0.32–0.44), indicating minimal competition for nutrition. Complementation indices between bacteria and humans were high (0.76–0.88), suggesting a beneficial impact of gundruk microbial populations on human health.

A Study on Psychological Autopsy of Suicidal Cases of North Bengal Region

A Study on Psychological Autopsy of Suicidal Cases of North Bengal Region

Linguistic landscape as social identity construction of the public space: an empirical study of the plain region of Darjeeling district

ABSTRACT In the past decade, Linguistic Landscape Studies (LLS) have grown into a robust discipline within sociolinguistics. There is a growing focus on multilingualism within linguistic landscape (LL) scholarship, which is gaining traction in European contexts. However, empirical research conducted in Indian contexts has been notably scarce despite India’s potential as a multilingual society. This study addresses the research gap by focusing on an Indian urban context, i.e. Siliguri. The study aims to explore the social identity construction of Siliguri through LL in light of the theoretical underpinning proposed by Landry and Bourhis (1997) and Ben-Rafael et al. (2006). A total of 446 photographic data were collected and analysed employing a mixed method analysis. The findings show five languages in the LL: English, Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, and Urdu. English is the most commonly used language, followed by Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, and Urdu. Furthermore, the finding shows the city as an emerging commercial hub in the entire North Bengal, leaning towards Western cultural influences and the process of globalisation. The predominant representation of English signs in public spaces also proves their high symbolic value in the city, making it a language with ‘linguistic capital’.

THE KAMTAPUR MOVEMENT AND THE CALL FOR A DIVIDED STATE IN NORTH BENGAL

The Kamtapur movement is a socio-political movement that originated in the northern part of West Bengal, India, and it has significant historical, cultural, and political dimensions. This demand is embedded in a distinct cultural and historical identity, tracing back to the ancient kingdom of Kamata. The movement, rooted in ethnic identity and historical grievances, reflects the aspirations of the Rajbongshi community, predominantly inhabiting this region. The demand for a separate state or autonomous region, termed Kamtapur, arises from perceived injustices, including economic disparity, cultural marginalization, and political underrepresentation. Furthermore, the Kamtapur movement intersects with broader issues of identity politics and regional autonomy within Indias federal structure. The Rajbongshi communitys quest for recognition and empowerment within the framework of Indian democracy amplifies the movements significance. Over the years, the movement has witnessed various forms of agitation, including peaceful protests, political lobbying, and, at times, violent clashes. This study covers the historical background of the Kamtapur movement and the various factors that led to the movements demand in North Bengal. It also looks at the dynamics shaping the movement today, such as political mobilization, cultural resurgence, and socioeconomic difficulties. Additionally, it examines the role of various stakeholders, such as political parties, and the state government, in either fuelling or addressing the movements grievances. Our analysis shows that the Kamatapur movement is currently revolving around three main issues i.e. more militant political-cultural demands expressed through violence, moderate political demands for autonomy, and cultural demands for recognition. The movement has received some attention from regional political parties recently, especially during election seasons, as they try to win over the Kamtapuri community. However, neither the Indian government nor the state authorities have accepted their demand for a separate state.

Human-elephant conflict: attitudes of local people toward elephants and the conflict management authority in a shared landscape of India

ABSTRACT Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is one of the major conservation challenges for elephants. To address this issue, understanding the ecological and sociological perspectives of HEC is crucial. In North Bengal, India, we explored 25 electrocution cases of Asiatic elephants (Elephas maximus) and surveyed the attitudes of 209 local people toward elephants and the HEC management authority (forest officials). We used open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires in the surveys and binomial logistic regressions to analyze the datasets. We observed that electrocutions primarily occurred during cropping seasons and adult elephants mostly died in these incidences. Despite experiencing high HEC, most respondents had a positive attitude toward elephants. However, they felt differently about the forest officials. Key factors driving their attitudes include cultural, emotional, and economic associations with elephants, HEC-related costs, and perceptions of HEC management. Community participatory approaches and financial and technical support are recommended for local people in HEC management.

Demographic Study on Enteric Fever: A Single Centre Experiences

Background: Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi, infects various organs after entering the bloodstream. It typically presents with headache, fever, splenomegaly, abdominal pain, and leucopenia, among other symptoms. Globally, it affects 11-21 million people annually, causing 120,000-160,000 deaths, with Southeast Asia being the most impacted region. Improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices are crucial for prevention, alongside targeted public health strategies in endemic regions like Bangladesh. Aim of the study: The study aims to identify demographic risk factors associated with typhoid fever in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, North Bengal Medical College Hospital, Sirajganj, Bangladesh, over 12 months. We included 72 patients presenting with fever, headache, and abdominal pain, with positive blood culture reports for Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi, aged 18 years and above, who provided informed consent. Excluded were patients on antibiotics and those with multiple blood culture samples. A short questionnaire, validated through a pilot study, captured demographic and clinical data. Result: Mostly 76.39% of participants were aged 18-45. Males comprised 58.33% of participants, and females 41.67%. Occupationally, 48.61% were civil servants, 16.67% housewives, 13.89% students, 12.50% businessmen, and 8.33% farmers. Socio-economically, 16.67% were upper class, 37.50% middle class, and 45.83% lower class. Urban residents made up 40.28% and rural residents 59.72%. All participants had a fever, with other symptoms including headache (69.44%), abdominal pain (48.61%), vomiting (20.83%), coated tongue (27.78%), and constipation (61.11%). Conclusion: This study examines factors influencing enteric fever in Bangladesh, noting higher prevalence among males aged 18-45 due to occupational risks. Lower socio-economic status and rural living also increase risk, highlighting healthcare disparities. Common symptoms included fever, headache, and abdominal pain. Improving sanitation and targeting high-risk groups can reduce incidence.

Nutritional assessment and GC analysis of rice bran and bran oil of north Bengal: A prominent nutritive byproduct

The rice bran (BRRI 28) and the bran oil of north Bengal have not been studied previously. The yield of the oil extracted from the bran was much higher (20.30 %) than some previously reported data. The fatty acid analysis by GC-FID found that the percentage of palmitic, stearic, and arachidic acids was higher than previously published data. Caprylic and behenic acids were also found in this rice bran oil, which was not reported in the previous work. The oleic acid content of the bran oil in this study was found to be 35.69 %, which is higher than other edible oils. The nutritional value of the bran such as carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and protein content was 38.78 %, 20.30 %, 1.42 %, and 9.45 % respectively. Moisture and ash content were found at 9.49 % and 20.5 % respectively. The important minerals were found like Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, Na, etc. The higher saponification (110.13 mg KOH/g) value of the oil indicated that it could be used as raw materials in good quality soap. The low iodine (46.25 I2/100 g) value of the oil indicated that it was stable and could be used for cooking purposes. This research recommends this rice bran as a prominent nutritive byproduct.

Variations in platelet indices in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension: A case-control study from a tertiary hospital in North Bengal

Variations in platelet indices in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension: A case-control study from a tertiary hospital in North Bengal

Are the Adivasi Rice Growers of Sub-Himalayan North Bengal Efficient Enough? Role of Machine Learning in Farm Business After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown have disrupted the farming communities across the planet; however, the indigenous communities such as the Adivasi people of tea garden areas in India have been hit hard. It becomes more crucial when we talk about marginalized communities. In India, the Adivasi tribe found in the sub-Himalayan North Bengal cultivates folk rice that needs immediate energy-efficient measures as the production has been increased after receiving the geographical indication tag. Energy efficiency estimation often applied a two-step data envelopment analysis model in agricultural production. However, in most of the previous articles, the applications discussed the factors affecting energy use efficiency with rare studies on efficiency prediction. In this article, first, data envelopment analysis was used to estimate the energy efficiency of rice growers, and in the second stage, extreme gradient boosting, a state-of-the-art machine learning algorithm, was employed to derive the key leading efficiency determinants. The findings revealed wide variation among efficient and inefficient rice growers in the first stage and derived the most salient factors predicting energy efficiency in the second stage. The optimal use of energy inputs combined with effective education, better credit delivery mechanism, arable land availability and years of farming experience provided improvement for the future energy use efficiency of the Adivasi farmers. Further, the novel application of extreme gradient boosting as a machine learning algorithm in energy efficiency evaluation suggests decision-making solutions with a prediction accuracy of 80.91%. Moreover, this study aims to assist future researchers in examining and predicting the key leading determinants to affect energy utilization.

Orchids of the Plains of North Bengal

The present paper deals with the Orchids of North Bengal. There are 54 species growing in that area. These fall under 24 genera ; 23 species are epiphytic and 31 are terrestrial. Among the terrestrials, one is saprophytic, viz. Didymoplexis pallens Griff.

Folk Theatres, Oral Poetry and Cultural Artifacts along the Border Regions of North Bengal

Folk Theatres, Oral Poetry and Cultural Artifacts along the Border Regions of North Bengal

Living with technological drought: Experience of smallholding farmers of Bangladesh

Technological drought is caused by a lack of irrigation technology and a poor water management system. Here we present and analyse the results of a large survey of farmers in Bangladesh, designed to reveal their experience of and attitudes to, as well as factors and challenges of technological drought management. Also, we analysed the impact of water sources and the role of irrigation development to mitigate the technological drought taking North Bengal of Bangladesh as a case study. To explore the nature and characteristics of technological drought, we have used both qualitative and quantitative data from the study area. We used Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to find out the underlying dimensions and factor loadings of the technological drought using the field data. Moreover, we compared the relations and associations between socio-demographic, water source characteristics and technological drought perceptions. PCA results indicated seven underlying dimensions (challenges) out of thirty-one factors of technological drought related to river water management, irrigation technology, socio-economic conditions, land use, and electricity and fuel supply. The high population, lack of modern irrigation technology, upstream management problems, inefficiencies in the system, electricity connections, load shedding, and poor socio-economic conditions prevent people from getting the water they desperately need in the case study area. We also found a significant relationship between farmers’ socio-demographic and water source characteristics with technological drought perceptions. Although there has been increasing use of irrigation technology and improved water resource management in recent years, it is essential to highlight that there will likely be more challenges in the future if this trend continues.

Molecular delineation and genetic diversity of Fusarium species complex causing tea dieback in India and their sensitivity to fungicides

Fusarium dieback is a prevalent disease of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) in India and China. The pathogen affects plucking shoots and causes complete crop loss under favourable conditions. Although, other fungal diseases that infect tea were widely explored for pathogen identification and characterization, little is known about Fusarium dieback in major tea growing regions of India. Therefore, in this study 24 isolates of Fusarium species causing dieback on tea in 24 tea gardens of Assam and North Bengal were isolated and characterized through micro-morphological and molecular analysis using multi-locus DNA sequences to determine whether multiple species of Fusarium are responsible for dieback disease. Molecular analysis revealed the association of four species of Fusarium, namely F. concentricum, F. solani, F. fujikuroi, and F. oxysporum. The most dominant species was F. concentricum (62.5%), whereas the occurrence frequencies of F. solani, F. fujikuroi, and F. oxysporum were 20.8%, 12.5%, and 0.04%, respectively. All Fusarium isolates were pathogenic to tea leaves when individually and co-inoculated, with F. concentricum HPE0F10 and NHT0F17 exhibiting 19.3 mm lesion length being the most virulent isolates. The growth rate of the pathogen was positively correlated with lesion lengths (P < 0.001). Co-infection of two or multiple Fusarium species enhanced the disease severity and quicker disease development compared to single inoculation. All the isolates showed diverse genetic backgrounds based on Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers and principal coordinate analysis. In fungicide screening test, all isolates except HPE0F10, NDS0F18, and SNY0F22 were insensitive to M1 fungicide (copper oxychloride). Isolates GNP0F8 and LKW0F16 were insensitive to MBC + M3 (Carbendazim + Mancozeb), whereas HPE0F10, NLG0F11, IND0F13, and NLW0F19 were insensitive to DMI (respective each two to Hexaconazole and Valextra) fungicides. Notably, all the isolates were susceptible to propiconazole. Further, ISSR segregated isolates insensitive to MBC + M3 and M1 fungicides into two separate clusters, representing their distinctiveness. The fungicide screening results indicate that fungicide resistance can be managed by rotating different modes of action of fungicides against multiple Fusarium species causing tea dieback.

Comparative Analysis for Gender Determination of Palatal Rugoscopy among Children in Different Ethno-racial Populations of North Bengal

Comparative Analysis for Gender Determination of Palatal Rugoscopy among Children in Different Ethno-racial Populations of North Bengal

Correlation of Gestational Age Sonographically Using Western Nomogram with That from Last Menstrual Period among North Bengal Population: An Overestimate or Underestimate

Context: Pregnant women in India are often unable to recall the last menstruation period (LMP) and also present in the late trimester. In India, to determine the fetal age by ultrasonography (USG), Western nomogram is being used, but the racial and ethnic variation might lead to variation in estimation of fetal parameter. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the value of different fetal biometric parameters by USG and to compare it with Western nomogram like Hadlock’s. Settings and Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: The study was performed among 150 pregnant women in their second or third trimester following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 22.0. Results: 51.33% of participants were in 29–37 weeks of pregnancy. A statistically significant high positive linear correlation within the estimates of different sonological parameters was found. The observed coefficient of correlation for different parameters was as follows: biparietal diameter (r = 0.968), head circumference (r = 0.963), abdominal circumference (r = 0.964), and femur length (r = 0.963). In the same gestational age (GA), Hadlock’s chart reported higher diameter(s)/length, and differences were noted to be statistically significant. GA estimated by Hadlock’s chart was found to be significantly lower than that of the GA determined from LMP. Conclusion: The biometric sonological fetal parameters in the present study were significantly different from the Hadlock’s chart which notes a considerably higher reading for the same GA, indicating that the probability of race, ethnicity, and sample size played a role.

Exploring the Role of Serum Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) Levels in Manic Depressive Psychosis in Terms of Its Association, Diagnostic Ability, and Severity Prediction: Findings From a Tertiary Care Center in North Bengal.

Manic depressive psychosis (MDP) or bipolar disorder, a prevalent psychiatric condition globally and in the Indian population, has been attributed to various pathological mechanisms. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a member of the gasotransmitter family, may be linked to the development of bipolar disorder because it plays a crucial role in maintaining proper neuronal function in terms of excitability, plasticity, and homeostatic functions. There is very little data regarding the role of the gasotransmitter H2S in MDP in terms of its association, diagnostic ability, and severity prediction, which led us to conduct this study among MDP patients in the Sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal. This was an observational case-control study performed in the Department of Biochemistry, North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Siliguri, West Bengal, India, from January 2022 to December 2022. Fifty diagnosed MDP patients and 50 healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were studied. The H2S level in the blood was assayed using the standardised spectrophotometric methylene blue method. The severity of depression was assessed by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scoring. Of the 50 MDP patients, 45 (90%) were in the depressive phase, and five (10%) were in the manic phase. Of the 45 depressive patients, eight (17.8%) had mild depression, 12 (26.7%) had moderate depression, 19 (42.2%) had severe depression, and six (13.3%) had very severe depression. The mean H2S level in MDP patients (41.98±18.88 μmol/l) was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that in control subjects (99.20± 15.20 μmol/l). It was also observed that the mean H2S level in MDP patients decreased with the duration of the disease but was not statistically significant. The mean H2S levels in the different depression severity groups were found to be significantly different (P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that a cut-off value of H2S <78.5 μmol/l was associated with MDP, with a sensitivity of 96%and a specificity of 88%,and a cut-off value of H2S < 53 μmol/lpredicted the severity of depression with a sensitivity of 89.3% and a specificity of 76.5%. The significant association of the gasotransmitter H2S in MDP patients and its role as a diagnostic and severity predictive marker can help us to employ proper measures for better management of MDP and improving quality of life.

Investigation on disease incidence, distribution and diversity of Begomoviruses infecting cucurbitaceous crops in North Bengal, India

Aim: To study the disease incidence and diversity of Begomovirus infection and crop loss due to spread of virus across different districts of North Bengal. Methodology: Several fields in different districts of North Bengal were surveyed and potential begomoviral-infected samples were collected for further analysis. Total DNA extraction, PCR analysis, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted. Results: During 2019-2021, ten fields of each district were surveyed and begomoviral occurrence was observed in almost every field. The disease incidence in different districts varied from 15-45%. The highest disease (42.5%) incidence of was observed in the Darjeeling district while the lowest (15%) was recorded from Alipurduar district. The maximum crop loss due to Begomovirus was 64-100% in bitter gourd, 40-80% in cucumber and 20-30% in wax gourd. 153 samples from 6 different cucurbits were collected and analysed. PCR using AV494/AC1048 primers that amplified coat protein region (~550bp) showed 74% of the samples as positive. Upon sequencing and BLAST analysis, ToLCNDV, SLCCV and BGYVV were detected. In phylogenetic analysis, the isolates clustered in three separate clades based on Begomovirus species irrespective of the hosts. Present isolates showed more closeness to Indian and Bangladesh isolates. Interpretation: The documentation of disease severity caused by Begomovirus is of extreme importance for food security of the people. Present study revealed that Begomovirus is present in all the crop field studied. The results indicated an urgent need for the management of the viruses to save crops. Key words: Begomovirus, Cucurbitaceous crops, Disease incidence, North Bengal