West Khasi Hills Research Articles

Two new Gastroptychia Kobelt & Möllendorff, 1900 from Darjeeling and West Khasi Hills, northeastern India (Gastropoda: Cyclophoroidea: Diplommatinidae)

Two new species, namely Gastroptychia geoffreyi sp. nov. and Gastroptychia collicola sp. nov., are described respectively from Darjeeling and West Khasi Hills, northeastern India based on historical collections at the Natural History Museum, London. Gastroptychia collicola sp. nov. is distinguished from sympatric species by the presence of a unique palatal swelling and a palatal lamella, while Gastroptychia geoffreyi sp. nov. is distinguished from sympatric species by its dense ribs. The type specimens of all sympatric sinistral species, namely Gastroptychia insignis (Godwin-Austen, 1870), Gastroptychia gibbosa (W. T. Blanford, 1868), Gastroptychia gibberosa (Godwin-Austen, 1892), and Gastroptychia jaintiaca (Godwin-Austen, 1870), are illustrated for comparison.

Community and health worker perspectives on malaria in Meghalaya, India: covering the last mile of elimination by 2030

BackgroundMalaria remains a public health problem in regions of Northeastern India because of favourable bio-geographic transmission conditions, poor access to routine healthcare, and inadequate infrastructure for public health and disease prevention. This study was undertaken to better understand community members’ and health workers’ perceptions of malaria, as well as their knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices related to the disease in Meghalaya state.MethodsThe study included participants from three malaria endemic districts: West Khasi Hills, West Jaiñtia Hills, and South Garo Hills from 2019 to 2021. A total of 82 focus group discussions (FGD) involving 694 community members and 63 in-depth interviews (IDI) with health personnel and traditional healers residing within the three districts were conducted. A thematic content analysis approach was employed, using NVivo12 software for data management.ResultsMost participants reported a perceived reduction in malaria during recent years, attributing this to changes in attitudes and behaviours in health seeking, and to more effective government interventions. Local availability of testing and treatment, and an improved, more responsive health system contributed to changing attitudes. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) were largely preferred over indoor residual spraying (IRS), as LLINs were perceived to be effective and more durable. Community members also reported using personal protective measures such as applying repellents, burning neem tree leaves, straw/egg trays, wearing long sleeve clothes, and applying ointments or oils to protect themselves from mosquito bites. While most participants acknowledged the role of mosquitoes in malaria transmission, other conditions that are not mosquito-borne were also attributed to mosquitoes by some participants. The communities surveyed have largely shifted from seeking treatment for malaria from traditional healers to using public facilities, although some participants reported switching between the two or using both simultaneously. Improved understanding of cerebral malaria, which some participants previously attributed to mental illness due to ‘bad spirits’, is an example of how cultural and ritualistic practices have changed.ConclusionThe findings reveal diverse perceptions among community members regarding malaria, its prevention, practices to prevent mosquito-transmitted diseases, and their opinions about the healthcare system. A key finding was the shift in malaria treatment-seeking preferences of community members from traditional healers to the public sector. This shift highlights the changing dynamics and increasing acceptance of modern healthcare practices for malaria treatment and prevention within tribal and/or indigenous communities. By recognizing these evolving attitudes, policymakers and healthcare providers can better tailor their interventions and communication strategies to more effectively address ongoing needs and concerns as India faces the ‘last mile’ in malaria elimination.

South West Khasi hills district, Mawkyrwat, Meghalaya (India) landslides’ 2022: Case studies, lesson learned and mitigation measures

In June of 2022, a series of landslides occurred in the South West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya during the monsoon season. These events caused significant damage to roads, PHE pipelines, and agricultural areas, and resulted in the deaths of two people and nine animals. The primary cause of the landslides was the incessant rain; Meghalaya being the wettest place on Earth is particularly vulnerable to landslides due to heavy rainfall and extreme tectonic stress. In addition to these natural elements, the construction of roads and excavation activities would have increased the instability of the slopes and increased the risk of landslides. The paper aims to investigate the causes of landslides brought on by intense rains in different economic development, offer solutions to mitigate the effects of such occurrences, and highlight the valuable lessons that may be learned from this regrettable incident.

Characterisation of Anopheles species composition and genetic diversity in Meghalaya, northeast India, using molecular identification tools.

Malaria in India is declining, in part due to the use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and vector control. Historically, the north-eastern region of India has contributed ~10%-12% of the nation's malaria burden. The important mosquito vectors in northeast India have long been considered to be Anopheles baimaii and An. minimus, both associated with forest habitats. Local deforestation and increased rice cultivation, along with widespread LLIN use, may be changing vector species composition. Understanding if and how vector species composition is changing is critical to successful malaria control. In Meghalaya state, malaria is now at a low level of endemicity with occasional seasonal outbreaks. In a biodiverse setting like Meghalaya, where >24 Anopheles mosquito species have been recorded, accurate morphological identification of all species is logistically challenging. To accurately determine Anopheles species richness in the West Khasi Hills (WKH) and West Jaintia Hills (WJH) districts, adult and larval mosquitoes were collected and identified using molecular methods of allele-specific PCR and cytochrome oxidase I DNA barcoding. In 14 villages across both districts, we identified high species richness, 19 species in total. Molecular findings indicated that An. minimus and An. baimaii were rare, while four other species (An. maculatus, An. pseudowillmori, An. jeyporiensis and An. nitidus) were abundant. Anopheles maculatus was highly prevalent in WKH (39% of light trap collections) and An. pseudowillmori in WJH (45%). Larvae of these four species were found in rice fields, suggesting that land cover change is influencing species composition change. Our results suggest that rice fields might be contributing to the observed abundance of An. maculatus and An. pseudowillmori, which could be playing a role in malaria transmission, either independently due to their high abundance, or in combination with An. baimaii and/or An. minimus.

Environmental Degradation in West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya

Environmental Degradation in West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya

Identification of significant subsurface geological structural feature using gravity and magnetic survey in parts of Kamrup district, Assam and West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya

Identification of significant subsurface geological structural feature using gravity and magnetic survey in parts of Kamrup district, Assam and West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya

A study of the ITK used in fisheries and Bioresources of Lai Lyngdoh area, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) has been in use different districts of Meghalaya and it is of different types. In West Khasi hills of district few important ITK is used especially in connection with fish. Besides ITK, bioresources are seen to play an important role in the lives of indigenous communities in Lai Lyngdoh area. The Lai Lyngdoh area in Nongstoin is a group of 34 villages that falls under the jurisdiction of the three Lyngdoh i.e. Marskuin, Nonglwai and Nongkhlaw located in West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. The locals in the area mostly depend on the surrounding environment for their livelihood. From the surrounding forests and forest streams, a variety of minor products are harvested and a number of edibles which include wild fruits, leafy green, wild vegetables, mushroom, fish, frog, crustaceans, tubers and medicinal plants are also gathered. Indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) in the use of bio-resources is still preserved and practised in the indigenous communities and the documentation of local culture and knowledge will play an important role in conservation process. These resources, however, need to be valued and used sustainably so that they can continue to support the community.

Identifying the trend of persistent cluster of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children under five years in northeastern states of India

ObjectiveTo examine the spatial clustering of child undernutrition and identify the persistent clusters. MethodsWe utilized the data from the report of the National Family Health Survey, NFHS-4, (2015–16) and NFHS-5 (2019–21). Trend and spatial analysis were used to identify the persistent and hotspot clusters/areas of stunting, wasting, and underweight. ResultsEach of the northeastern states reported 22% or more stunted children in 2019–21, and at least 9% and 12% of children were wasted and underweight respectively. The hotspot clusters for stunting were found in the district of Assam and Meghalaya in both NFHS-4, 2015–16, and NFHS-5, 2019–21. Jantai Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and Ribhoi in Meghalaya, and Dhubri, Bongaigaon, and Barpeta in the district of Assam were found persistent. And the hotspot cluster of underweight found persistent in both NFHS-4(2015–16) and NFHS-5(2019–21) are Dhubri, Goalpara, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Karimganj, and Darrang of Assam, and North Tripura of Tripura. ConclusionNumerous districts have seen a rise in the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight, in the northeastern states of India. This finding suggests that district-focused programs should be strengthened and sustained, and the outcomes of the study could help to target intervention programs and schemes aimed at eliminating child malnutrition at the district level, particularly in hotspot clusters.

Insect pests of Khasi mandarin in East and West Khasi hills district of Meghalaya

Roving survey of insect pests on Khasi mandarin carried out during August 2018 to February 2019 in the East and West Khasi hills districts of Meghalaya revealed the spectrum of insect pests. The survey covered five villages in each district, that is major citrus growing one. The results revealed eight insect species as the more dominant, and incidence observed individually for these showed that the citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella) was found in abundantly in all the villages. The vector pests of citrus aphid (Toxoptera citricida) was found more in citrus tristeza viral disease prone areas and citrus blackfly (Aleurocanthus woglumi) also occurred.

Petrogenesis and geochemistry of fayalite and fluorite-bearing granite from the Assam Meghalaya Gneissic Complex, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India: their implication towards Rodinia Supercontinent amalgamation

Petrogenesis and geochemistry of fayalite and fluorite-bearing granite from the Assam Meghalaya Gneissic Complex, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India: their implication towards Rodinia Supercontinent amalgamation

Knowledge, attitude and parctice of people towardss COVID-19 vaccination a cross- sectional cummunity survey in West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Aim: The purpose of the study is to identify and evaluate Covid-19 Vaccination in West Khasi Hills Meghalaya among the general public. Method: The study was carried out for 7months in a group of people age between 18-50 years old in both female and male. The study was done in West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. It is a web-based Cross-sectional survey study.About 254 participants were selected for the study and consent form was obtained. The participants selected were above 18 years of age and are belonging to the West Khasi Hills District only. The data was collected by the responds of the Public and the distributed Questionnaires through Google Form format to the Public; it is a self-administered question. Result: The results obtained from the 254 participants were recorded and was seen that the people in West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya have an average understanding about covid-19 vaccination. From 254 participants, 253 of them have responded to the provided questions, and from the responses we have collected it was observed that the people belonging to West Khasi Hills District have an average KAP about COVID-19 Vaccination.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists towards adverse drugs reaction in west Khasi Hills

The purpose of the study is to identify assess and evaluate the adverse drug reactions experienced by the patients from the clinic, and to monitor the adverse drug reactions by spontaneous reporting. As we all know, an adverse drug reaction is an adverse event with a causal link to a drug and can lead to causes of morbidity and mortality. Clinical pharmacists can play an essential role in detecting and preventing as well as management of adverse drug reactions. In general, the patient satisfaction and attitude in West Khasi Hills are the sole subjects of the study as many of the villagers are not able to visit the clinics in town areas in which they depend mostly on the clinical pharmacies for their health care. The entire study was a plan to carry out for a period of months from November (2020) to April (2021). The study was conducted in a cross-sectional method study design. There are about 138 willing participants in the study, most of the pharmacists in West Khasi Hills have low (89.8%) Knowledge about Pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting, it was found that about 79.6% of responders had experienced adverse drug reactions in their practice.

Marketing: Farmers Promulgates Cash Crops, Itinerary to Support Their Livelihood and Enhance Their Living Standard

This paper is a briefing on the marketing and emergence of cash crops in the Indo-Bangladesh border, South West Khasi Hills District Meghalaya. It is solely aimed at understanding the inborn entrepreneurship skills of the particular sub-tribe of the Khasis called "War". They live in steep and sloppy mountains with moderate temperatures and receive sufficient precipitation throughout the year, which enables them to sustain their farming. Marketing is the heart core of every individual, regardless of any background and professionals. Marketing plays a very important role to the farmers, and everyone could enhance their standard of living due to the technique of commercialization. The Non-farmers can buy the food crops from the farmers through the role of business administration. It is pointless to have money without having a food supply. Thus, the commercialization of agricultural produce is highly required. Cash crops cultivation promotes economic growth and social growth; economically, people can generate income, put savings, and purchase physical capital. Socially they bridged with each other, helping one another, exchanging work, advising the younger ones, and imparting knowledge to one another, providing seeds and saplings to the have not. There is an evolution from practicing traditional crops, which can be consumed directly, to Cash crops, which need to be exported outside of the State through a marketing system with the intention to manufacture further for finished products.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic activity of aqueous and methanolic extract of Houttuynia cordata: an in vitro and in vivo study

Available synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyl anisole, butylated hydroxyl toluene, propyl gallate, and ascorbic acid exhibit several side effects. To curb these side effects, more effective, less toxic, and cost-effective drugs are required. Therefore, this study aims to screen and evaluate the antioxidant as well as the anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential of Houttuynia cordata collected from Mairang village, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India using several standard methods. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of H. cordata were evaluated by screening their ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrozyl, 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide. Total phenol and flavonoid content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteau and by AlCl3 colorimetric method respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of the plant was determined using the protein denaturation method. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of Houttuynia cordata exhibit varying free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity. Among the extracts used in the study, the methanolic extract of Houttuynia cordata elicited a higher activity than the aqueous extract. Houttuynia cordata also elicited a marked reduction in blood glucose level of normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Flavonoids, which have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibition, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiallergy, and antioxidant properties may contribute towards the free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effect of Houttuynia cordata.

Identification of polymorphism of FecX gene in indigenous sheep of Meghalaya

Fecundity gene such as FecX, govern fertility and litter size in sheep. Selection of animals with the help of molecular markers through identification of polymorphism of fecundity genes is an impactful method of genetic improvement. The present study was carried out to identify the polymorphism of FecX gene in indigenous sheep of Meghalaya. Blood samples were collected from 50 randomly selected ewes from 2 districts of Meghalaya namely, East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples and PCR amplification of FecX gene with specific primer set was done. PCR product size of 141 bp was obtained. Further, digestion of the PCR product with restriction enzyme HinfI through PCR-RFLP technique was conducted to identify the variants in FecX gene. Upon digestion, 2 types of fragment pattern identified, arbitrarily designated as AA and AB genotype, where AA genotype yielded one fragment (141 bp) and AB genotype yielded 2 fragments (100 and 41 bp). Presence of polymorphism can be an important indicator for selection with the help of molecular markers.

Economic Analysis of Production of Maize in Meghalaya and Constraints Associated with it

The present study was undertaken to estimate the costs and returns structure of maize cultivation and identifying the prominent production constraints in West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. A sample of 60 farmers was randomly drawn from six villages of Mawthadraishan and Nongstoin block of the selected district. The costs and returns per hectare were calculated on the basis of cost concepts and Garett ranking method was used for employed for determination of constraints in maize production. The overall cost of cultivation was found to be ` 37185.22 per ha and the major cost components were manures (48.25%) and human labour (34.73%). The overall net return was evaluated at ` 19038.20 with small, medium and large farmers having similar returns with the exception of marginal farmers gaining a net return of only ` 13889.83 which was 27.04 per cent lower than the average return among the sample farmers. It may be attributed to their heavy dependence on labour and lack of investment on irrigation, plant protection and better-quality seeds. The realised average yield was found to be 23.65 q/ha which was abysmally low compared to other maize producing states of India. A positive trend between the return over cost ratio and the operational holding was observed with an average of 1.51. The prominent constraints as perceived by the farmers were unfavorable weather conditions, the incidence of pests and diseases and costly fertilizers and manures with the Garrett’s score of 64.70, 62.75 and 54.40 respectively

Estimation of milk yield gap and factors associated in local cattle of Meghalaya: Application of ANCOVA model

The per capita availability of milk in India was 375 g/day in contrast to Meghalaya where the per capita availability was 83 g/per day as of 2017. There exists a huge yield gap in the milk yield in Meghalaya. The study was conducted in the West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya to estimate the milk yield gap and factors associated with it. A sample of 73 respondents was selected and primary data were collected. Standard method for yield gap analysis and ANCOVA model to assess the factors affecting of milk yield gap were employed. Total yield gap (TYG) turned out to be of 244.83% in Meghalaya whereas, 279.75% and 203.03% in West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya, respectively. The total yield gap (TYG) of milk in Meghalaya for local cattle was observed to be much higher as compared to national average. Study revealed that the experience in dairy farming, presence of scientific cattle shed, routine vaccination of cattle, education of household head and human labour allocated for dairy (hours) were significant factors for milk yield gap of local cow in Meghalaya. Hence, these significant factors need due care by individuals of the state who are involved in dairy business. State line department and other institutions like ICAR RC, Barapani and Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Barapani need to intervene through various awareness programmes on scientific dairy management in the state of Meghalaya.

Tribal’s Perception on Governance of Village Council (Dorbar) System: A Case Study of West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya State

The traditional local governance system is as old as the history of humanity but only recently it has entered into the broad academic discourse due to different societal setting exist in different societies. The author tries to argue that due to the presence of illiteracy, poverty, inaccessibility of communication facilities, the so called tribal elites are governing the society as according to their own will and at the same devoid of traditional customary laws. Therefore, the author tries to address the issues and at the same time provide the suggestive measures for reform in order to have a better governance at the Village council (Dorbar) system in the State of Meghalaya.

District-level assessment of changes in extreme rainfall indices in Barak and other basins in Indian Himalayan states: risks and opportunities

Spatial and temporal analysis on the extreme rainfall events (ERE’s) across the districts that fall under Barak and its adjacent river basin during the monsoon months have been carried out. The analysis was carried out to understand the risks that arise as a result of changes in the frequency and intensity of EREs for developing adaptation strategies for the vulnerable districts. Indices such as days with rainfall more than 25 mm (R25), 20 mm (R20), and 10 mm (R10), consecutive dry day, consecutive wet days, highest 1-day precipitation have been computed for the earlier years (1901–1976) and the recent period (1977–2015). A comparison of the ERE’s across the two periods has also been carried out to analyze the plausible impact of climate change. Further, the study classifies the various districts into three regions (medium, high, and very high rainfall) and analyze the districts with significant changes in different EREs. Results indicate a significant increase in mean rainfall by 2507–4483 mm in various districts (South Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, and East Khasi Hills) of high rainfall areas during the later period compared to the pre-1977 period. An increase in the number of days in R25 and R20 was noted in the district of Karimganj, Hailakandi, which may worsen the situation in these flood-prone areas. Senapati district, which falls under the medium-rainfall region, has had a significant increase in all the indices. Such districts that show a significant increase in most indices are further selected to illustrate the different impacts of ERE’s in terms of both risks and opportunities. Findings from the study would feed in the district action plan in developing climate change and adaptation policies to tackle the rapid or frequent occurrence of ERE’s in a different region of the basin.

Spatial and temporal village-level prevalence of Plasmodium infection and associated risk factors in two districts of Meghalaya, India

BackgroundDespite declining incidence over the past decade, malaria remains an important health burden in India. This study aimed to assess the village-level temporal patterns of Plasmodium infection in two districts of the north-eastern state of Meghalaya and evaluate risk factors that might explain these patterns.MethodsPrimary Health Centre passive malaria case data from 2014 to 2018 were analysed to characterize village-specific annual incidence and temporal trends. Active malaria case detection was undertaken in 2018 and 2019 to detect Plasmodium infections using PCR. A questionnaire collected socio-demographic, environmental, and behavioural data, and households were spatially mapped via GPS. Adult mosquitoes were sampled at a subset of subjects' houses, and Anopheles were identified by PCR and sequencing. Risk factors for Plasmodium infection were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and spatial cluster analysis was undertaken.ResultsThe annual malaria incidence from PHC-based passive surveillance datasets in 2014–2018 was heterogenous but declining across villages in both districts. Active surveillance in 2018 enrolled 1468 individuals from 468 households (West Jaintia Hills) and 1274 individuals from 359 households (West Khasi Hills). Plasmodium falciparum prevalence per 100 people varied from 0 to 4.1% in the nine villages of West Jaintia Hills, and from 0 to 10.6% in the 12 villages of West Khasi Hills. Significant clustering of P. falciparum infections [observed = 11, expected = 2.15, Relative Risk (RR) = 12.65; p < 0.001] was observed in West Khasi Hills. A total of 13 Anopheles species were found at 53 houses in five villages, with Anopheles jeyporiensis being the most abundant. Risk of infection increased with presence of mosquitoes and electricity in the households [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.19 and 1.11], respectively. Households with reported animals had reduced infection risk (OR = 0.91).ConclusionMalaria incidence during 2014–2018 declined in all study villages covered by the passive surveillance data, a period that includes the first widespread insecticide-treated net campaign. The survey data from 2018 revealed a significant association between Plasmodium infection and certain household characteristics. Since species of Plasmodium-competent mosquito vectors continue to be abundant, malaria resurgence remains a threat, and control efforts should continue.