South West Delhi Research Articles

Seasonal dynamics and hydrogeological assessment of Najafgarh drain and its irrigation channels for agricultural purposes in Southwest Delhi, India

ABSTRACT This research paper focuses on evaluating the suitability of drain water, whether untreated or treated, for irrigation purposes in a peri-urban region of southwest Delhi, India. A total of 11 drain water samples were collected during the pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) seasons. A comprehensive assessment of various water quality parameters, including pH, EC, major cations (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+), anions (Cl−, HCO3−, SO42−, NO3−, F−), heavy metals, and irrigation water quality (SAR, Na%, RSC, KR, MH, PI) were analyzed. The results revealed that the drain water was highly unsuitable and marginally suitable for irrigation in PRM and POM. The Wilcox diagram classified 91% of samples as doubtful to unsuitable during PRM but only 63% during POM due to the rainfall. Heavy metal concentrations often exceeded permissible limits, with Fe ranging from 0.98 to 8.65 ppm (PRM) and 0.004 to 10.32 ppm (POM). Other metals like Mn (0.12–0.98 ppm PRM), Zn (0.02–2.54 ppm POM), Cd (0–0.031 ppm POM), and Cu (0.07–0.345 ppm POM) also showed elevated levels. The chemical composition of the water was influenced by evaporation and rock–water interactions as indicated by Gibbs diagrams in both the seasons.

Correction to: Evaluation of Hydrogeochemical Processes for Irrigation Use and Potential Nitrate Contamination Sources in Groundwater Using Nitrogen Stable Isotopes in Southwest Delhi, India: A Case Study

Correction to: Evaluation of Hydrogeochemical Processes for Irrigation Use and Potential Nitrate Contamination Sources in Groundwater Using Nitrogen Stable Isotopes in Southwest Delhi, India: A Case Study

Living on the Margins, Working in the Planned: Domestic Workers Traversing to/Between Squatter Settlements and Planned Colonies in South and South-West Delhi

This article explores the lives and labour dynamics of domestic workers in Delhi, focusing on their work in planned colonies and residence in jhuggi jhopri (JJ) clusters, or squatter settlements. Through narratives and in-depth interviews, it explores the complex interplay between these women’s employment and the broader urban landscape. The study investigates the intergenerational journey of domestic workers, tracing their migration from rural areas to urban centres in search of better opportunities. Further, it unpacks the realities of exclusion faced by domestic workers, residing in JJ clusters, which often lack legally secured tenure rights and access to basic amenities. The article examines the systematic flow of labour from JJ clusters to nearby planned colonies, where domestic workers play a crucial role in the functioning of households. Despite contributing significantly to the urban workforce, domestic workers remain in the shadows of planned development, enduring informality and inadequate legal protections. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this research highlights the socio-spatial dynamics that confine domestic workers to their settlements and restrict their mobility options. By understanding the intricate relationships between gendered work and urbanisation, this study aims to contribute to the creation of more inclusive and equitable urban spaces, shelter and employment in Delhi and beyond.

Estimation of Compression Index of Cohesive-Frictional Soil in Southwest Delhi District Using Statistical Correlations

Estimation of Compression Index of Cohesive-Frictional Soil in Southwest Delhi District Using Statistical Correlations

Assessment of utilization of nutritional support scheme vis a vis nutritional status of tuberculosis patients on nutritional support scheme

IntroductionTuberculosis and undernutrition is a well-known association and form a vicious cycle. A nutritional support scheme under the name of NIKSHAY POSHAN YOJANA (NPY) was launched in April 2018 where a direct bank transfer of INR 500 was made to the patients enrolled in the NIKSHAY portal monthly to support the nutritional needs of the patients. The study was undertaken to study the implementation and utilization of the benefit among tuberculosis patients. MethodsA total of 1000 patients were enrolled in the study who have completed their treatment under the Tuberculosis unit of Rao Tula Ram Memorial Hospital in South West Delhi. ResultsMean age ±S.D. of the study participants was 33.94 ± 15.38 years. Majority (55.2%) were males. More than half (51.6%) of the study participants had not received the incentive money till the completion of their treatment while 53.9% of the participants had received at least one installment but not all of them. Amongst those who received, 90.1% of participants spent it on their nutrition while the remaining spent it on other expenses. The major reason for not receiving the incentive or the delay in receiving it was found to be lack of funds with the Government (84.5%) or lack of communication with the healthcare workers (29.1%). The improvement in their nutritional status (weight and BMI) was found significant in all the participants while it was comparatively more among those who received the monetary suport than those who did not receive it. ConclusionThe nutritional support scheme had a significant improvement in the nutritional status of the beneficiaries. It can be improved with better communication from the healthcare workers and timely implementation so that beneficiaries can receive the benefit in time during their disease.

Healthcare seeking behavior among patients visiting public primary and secondary healthcare facilities in an urban Indian district: A cross-sectional quantitative analysis.

In this work, we examined healthcare seeking behavior (HSB) of patients visiting public healthcare facilities in an urban context. We conducted a cross-sectional survey across twenty-two primary and secondary public healthcare facilities in the South-west Delhi district in India. The quantitative survey was designed to ascertain from patients at these facilities their HSB-i.e., on what basis patients decide the type of healthcare facility to visit, or which type of medical practitioner to consult. Based on responses from four hundred and forty-nine participants, we observed that factors such as wait time, prior experience with care providers, distance from the facility, and also socioeconomic and demographic factors such as annual income, educational qualification, and gender significantly influenced preferences of patients in choosing healthcare facilities. We used binomial and multinomial logistic regression to determine associations between HSB and socioeconomic and demographic attributes of patients at a 0.05 level of significance. Our statistical analyses revealed that patients in the lower income group preferred to seek treatment from public healthcare facilities (OR = 3.51, 95% CI = (1.65, 7.46)) irrespective of the perceived severity of their illness, while patients in the higher income group favored directly consulting specialized doctors (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = (1.34, 5.51)). Other factors such as having more than two children increased the probability of seeking care from public facilities. This work contributes to the literature by: (a) providing quantitative evidence regarding overall patient HSB, especially at primary and secondary public healthcare facilities, regardless of their presenting illness, (b) eliciting information regarding the pathways followed by patients visiting these facilities while seeking care, and (c) providing operational information regarding the surveyed facilities to facilitate characterizing their utilization. This work can inform policy designed to improve the utilization and quality of care at public primary and secondary healthcare facilities in India.

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF FOSSIL FUEL CO2 IN MEGACITY DELHI DETERMINED USING RADIOCARBON MEASUREMENTS IN PEEPAL (FICUS RELIGIOSA) TREE LEAVES

ABSTRACTThe quantification of fossil-fuel derived carbon dioxide (CO2ff) emissions is critical for regional carbon budgets. Radiocarbon (14C) is an effective tool to estimate the contribution of CO2ff to the total atmospheric CO2. In the present study, we have determined the spatial distribution of fossil fuel derived CO2 across Delhi using 14C measurements in Peepal tree leaves from April 2016 to March 2017 at city scale. Our analysis results show that the Δ14C values vary between –67.78‰ to 5.61‰ and corresponding CO2ff values are varying from 1.63 ppm to 33.34 ppm. CO2ff values from campus sites vary between 6.99 ppm to 16.38 ppm with an average value of 10.22 ± 3.20 ppm, while CO2ff values vary from 2.41 ppm to 33.34 ppm with an average value of 13.32 ± 9.40 ppm for sites located in the parks. Further, we observed the higher contributions of fossil fuels in the CO2 from northwest Delhi, central Delhi, and some parts of east and southwest Delhi. In the absence of real-time CO2 monitoring, the results of this study provide a potential method for analyzing the contribution of CO2ff values over the urban landscape to total CO2 over the study region.

Evaluation of the drinking water quality and potential health risks of nitrate and fluoride in Southwest Delhi, India

ABSTRACT The present study was attempted to evaluate the water quality index (WQI) and also performed potential human health risk assessment i.e. Hazards quotient (HQ), Total hazard index (THI) of nitrate (NO3 −) and fluoride (F−) through ingestion of groundwater in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The WQI classification showed that 56%, and 34% of groundwater resources were unfit for consumption in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The HQ and THI of the non-carcinogenic hazards were computed using the potential health risk assessment of NO3 − and F−enriched groundwater. The findings showed that in adults, 26% and 36% of the water samples had high risk quotients for HQ-NO3 − and HQ-F−, respectively, while in children, 40% and 54% of the samples had risk quotients for HQ-NO3 − and HQ-F− above the permissible level. This suggests that F− contributes more to the non-carcinogenic risk than NO3 − in pre-monsoon. However, NO3 − adds more to the non-carcinogenic risk than F− in post-monsoon, as shown by the HQ-NO3 − and HQ-F− in 42% and 2% of samples for adults, and in 58% and 14% of samples for children, respectively. Children in the study area were more vulnerable to the non-carcinogenic effects of NO3 − and F− according to the findings. Total hazards index (THI) for adults and children in for NO3 − and F− were ranged from 0.34 to 8.61 (Avg. 1.68) and 0 to 8.20 (Avg. 1.75) in pre-monsoon season. Similarly, NO3 − and F− were ranged from 0.37 to 2.85 (Avg. 1.86) and 0 to 2.86 (Avg. 0.85) in post-monsoon season, respectively. The results of this study can improve effective environmental management measures for enhancing the groundwater quality and public health of the study area.

Dalit Histories, Pandemic Histories

Dalit Histories, Pandemic Histories

Terrain, Slope, and Geological Stratification Modelling of a Site in Southwest Delhi District, NCT of Delhi, India Using Various Software

Terrain, Slope, and Geological Stratification Modelling of a Site in Southwest Delhi District, NCT of Delhi, India Using Various Software

An exploratory study to understand water, sanitation, and hygiene practices and their perceived impact on health status amongst women of reproductive age residing in an urban slum of New Delhi, India

Background: Disadvantaged urban slums in India are prone to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) inadequacies. Due to biological necessities and sociocultural context of India, women remain one of the most vulnerable groups prone to the negative consequences of WASH inadequacies. This study explored the WASH practices among women residing closer to the community-managed toilet (CMT) in the slum locality of South-West Delhi to determine critical linkages to WASH inadequacies that can be used to improve accessibility, usage, and care provided by the CMT. Objectives of the study were to understand the WASH practices and the perceived physical and psychosocial impact on women residing closer to the CMT.Methods: Qualitative study using thematic content analysis. Fee-list interviews and FGD were conducted to collect data to explore the perceived health effects of WASH practices among the women of the community.Results: We found that WASH practices are defined by concerns across multiple dimensions and can lead to adoption of harmful coping strategies. An interplay of sociocultural, infrastructural and household and community level factors acts as mediating factors to limit the usage of WASH facilities which may seemingly look available and accessible to women in disadvantaged urban locations.Conclusions: Access to improved WASH facilities does not imply usage and women are disproportionately burdened by WASH inadequacy. Practices such as reduced eating at night to avoid open defecation and fear of violence threaten women’s physical and psychosocial health and well-being. Priority public health attention should be given to the linkages between women’s health and inadequate WASH practices.

Exploring the differences between socio-economic groups to know their perspective and mind set about generic medicines

Medicines comprise an important element in healthcare, providing protection, restoring and maintaining people’s wellbeing. Then the availability and excess of appropriate medicines of accrued quality, and quantities at reasonable prices are thus, a concern of global and national policymakers, health agencies and organizations. Pharmaceuticals and medicines form a sizeable outer pocket expenditure of health in Indian households. In the context of providing universal health care, providing financial risk protection to households affected by illness is a key objective with a focus on providing cover for medicines. To address this issue, the Government of India launched the Jan Aushadhi (Medicine for the Masses) Scheme (JAS) to provide cheap generic medicines to patients. Jan Aushadi stores have been established across the country to supply generic medicines. Generic medicines provide an option for patients to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses, as generic medicines are usually priced 10-80 % less than their branded counterparts. In the last FRGS project[1] researcher wanted to see the prescription of patients from government and private hospitals in southwest Delhi, Dwarka and the compliance with Rule 1.5 of Medical Council Rule 2002.

Is Delhi an Emerging Scrub Typhus Hotspot? An Entomological and Zoonotic Exploration of a Scrub Typhus Outbreak

Background: Scrub typhus is an emerging public health challenge in India with increasing evidence of its activity being reported from all over the country. An outbreak of scrub typhus was reported from an area of South West Delhi, India hitherto not known for scrub typhus activity which prompted this zoonotic and entomological investigation.Methods: Zoonotic and entomological investigations were undertaken in five residential areas of South West Delhi, India located in the vicinity of the reporting hospital to determine the rodent hosts, vector mite diversity, and rickettsial activity in rodents. The rickettsial activity was ascertained using Weil-Felix test.Results: Palam area of Delhi, India is a hotspot of scrub typhus with evidence of tick and endemic typhus activity as well. This study reports the presence of known vectors of scrub typhus viz. Leptotrombidium deliense and Schoengastiella ligula, besides enriching the database of mite fauna of Delhi with an addition of a total of five new records, three of Leptotrombidium - vietzi, bhattipadense, fulmentum, and two records of Ascoschoengastia indica and Walchia lupella.Conclusion: The study reports Delhi as a scrub typhus hotspot. In Delhi, Palam was the most affected and had the highest number of cases and deaths, presence of the vectors of scrub typhus and evidence of tick and endemic typhus activity amongst rodents. The mite database of Delhi has been updated with the addition of five new trombiculid mite records.

A Preliminary Study on the Floristic Diversity of the Najafgarh Drain, South West Delhi

A Preliminary Study on the Floristic Diversity of the Najafgarh Drain, South West Delhi

Homicidal deaths in south-west delhi and NCR: A retrospective study

Homicidal deaths in south-west delhi and NCR: A retrospective study

Compliance assessment with tobacco control regulations at wheelchair-based tobacco Point of sale in Delhi, India

Background: In India, tobacco products are sold at the outlets/shops following the provisions regulating the point-of-sale (PoS) environment under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA, 2003). Objectives: Given the lack of evidence regarding wheelchair-based tobacco PoSs (WC-PoSs), compliance assessment for Sections 5 and 6 of COTPA was conducted within Delhi. Materials and Methods: Using multistage random sampling in the 11 districts of Delhi, 200 WC-PoSs were identified in May–June 2017. Areas 1 km around each selected landmark were mapped using a map tool, and WC-PoSs were screened using a self-designed study tool (background information and compliance checklist). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the data using EpiData. Results: Of the 11 districts, 4 were constituted majority of the WC-PoSs: South West (21.5%), West Delhi (20%), North West (17.5%), and North East (11%). The outlet characteristics were government sponsored (36.5%) and mobile outlets (95.5%). Majority of them (94.5%) showed noncompliance toward Section 5 of COTPA. While none of them complied with the display of Section 6(a) signage, only 6% of the outlets were found selling tobacco products within the 100 yards of educational institutes. Conclusions: The sale of tobacco in Delhi at these unique PoSs continues with a lack of compliance with the rules of COTPA. The implications of this noncompliance in the national capital are of major significance for the rest of the country.

Value of Landscape Design In Creating Sustainable Urban Transformation Model For Sarojini Nagar Housing Community, New Delhi

The challenges of rapid urbanization are going to increase as cities are becoming bigger and numerous. These cities then put additional pressure on natural resources to meet its energy demands, creating irreversible damage to environment. New Delhi capital city, that has doubled its urban area in a span of twenty years, is now suffering from pollution, water scarcity and vulnerability to natural disasters etc. Sarojini Nagar (south-west Delhi) is a housing community that is essentially known for its city level informal market. These markets attract large crowds every day and has become a unique social space. Looking at its commercial value, a redevelopment scheme is envisaged by the government to accommodate a population density beyond its carrying capacity. This proposal threatens the 4500 trees at site, which not only acts as green lungs to the city but marks for social and cultural identity. An alternate design approach that explores the possibility to integrate natural infrastructure with urban growth is required for such redevelopment. McHargian method of landscape analysis is adopted to come up with Sarojini Nagar masterplan. Evidence based results from landscape practitioners are devised to formulate several design strategies. In this complex Indian context, the design proposal creates multifunctional and resilient landscapes. It attempts to resolve traffic and cars, by creating pedestrian dominated circulation network, strategic car parks and active streetscape. It safeguards native trees by re-imagining the built-grid and bringing the idea of nature in a convincing way. The hierarchy of well-knit open spaces creates a sense of place & belongingness to the users. Rigorous design ideations carried with planning process allows for creating compact urban infrastructure and sustaining ecology as potential living spaces. Through multifunctional landscape design societal challenges such as population growth, scarcity of resources, environment degradation can be addressed.

Assessment of knowledge and practices of hygienic milk production among dairy farmworkers, Southwest Delhi

Introduction:India has emerged as the highest milk-producing country in the world, with an annual production of 137.7 million tones (2013–2014). The quality of contaminated milk deteriorates quickly and produces diseases if consumed. Therefore, care has to be taken in production, storage, and transport of milk. Knowledge about hygienic milk production practices is essential for proper health and nutrition. However, an assessment of their knowledge of hygienic milk production practices has not been carried out in a systematic manner.Objective:This study aims at assessing the knowledge and practices of hygienic milk production among small dairy farmers in the peri-urban area of Southwest Delhi.Methodology:This exploratory cross-sectional study is conducted among 60 dairy farmworkers, selected conveniently from Southwest Delhi. Practices and knowledge levels are assessed using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire.Results:The desired outcome indicates the knowledge level of dairy farmworkers regarding clean milk production practices.Conclusion:Knowledge level -It can be observed that 66.6% of the dairy farmworkers belong to category 2 (medium), whereas 13.3% and 20% of dairy farmworkers belong to category 1 (low) and 3 (high), respectively. Practice level –This study indicates that 60% of the dairy farmworkers belong to category 2 (medium), followed by 21.6% and 18.3% of the dairy farmworkers belong to category 1 (low) and 3 (high), respectively.

Potential Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Dairy Farmers of Peri-urban Areas of South West Delhi.

Background:Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by various Brucella species, which mainly infect cattle, swine, goats, sheep, and dogs. Humans generally acquire the disease through direct contact with infected animals, by eating or drinking contaminated animal products, or by inhaling airborne agents. The majority of cases are caused by ingesting unpasteurized milk or cheese from infected goats or sheep.Objective:The objective of the study was to identify the exposure to potential risk factors of brucellosis among the dairy farmers of South West Delhi.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out in Jhuljhuli village of Najafgarh division in South West Delhi from January 2017 to April 2017. One hundred individuals were selected through snowball sampling method. A semistructured questionnaire was designed to conduct interviews for data collection.Results:On analysis, it was found that only 36% of the respondents get their animals vaccinated regularly. Regarding the treatment of the animals, 70% of the individuals said that they treat their animals on their own. 72% of the individuals’ animals had cases of abortion in the last 1 year. 100% of the respondents reported assisting their animals during reproduction without using any protective gear. Almost half (57%) of the respondents consumed raw milk at their home on different occasions.Conclusions:The study concluded in bringing out the contributing risk factors for brucellosis. The study concluded that treating animal infection on their own and helping animals during reproduction without using protective gear, as major contributing risk for brucellosis. Other factors includes, keeping animals in close proximity during sleep, irregular vaccination, etc.

An Assessment of Knowledge Regarding the Risk of Zoonoses and Hygiene Practices among Females with Livestock in South-West Delhi, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction:Globally, India is the largest milk producer with highest population of cattle i.e., 134 million cows and 124 million buffalos, with women accounting for 93 per cent of total employment in dairy production. The Indian subcontinent is one of the four global hot-spots at increased risk for emergence of zoonotic diseases. Health hazards occurring due to lack of awareness about the causes and impact of zoonosis on the public health are significant. In addition, fewer efforts are seen in One-Health programs in India.Objective:To assess the knowledge level regarding the risk of zoonoses and hygiene practices among rural female population with livestock. And also to assess the actual status of practices adopted in the small holder dairy farm.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 female populations in peri-urban area of Najafgarh, New Delhi. A structured questionnaire and checklist for observing practicing gaps were used for data collection; Knowledge level was calculated with the help of knowledge scores. Snowball sampling was used. The analysis was done with SPSS-(22). Descriptive statistics, one sample t-test, cross tabulation and Chi-square test were used.Results:Out of total score (28), the respondents got a maximum mean score of 11. Majority of respondents (75%) had low knowledge of specific zoonotic diseases and there was an observed gap in practice.Conclusion:75% of the respondents had low knowledge on specific zoonotic diseases, hence importance should be given on increasing knowledge about the correct handling of the livestock especially in female population through national-programs and strengthening One-Health efforts.