West Singhbhum Research Articles

Forest fragmentation and forest cover dynamics: Mining induced changes in the West Singhbhum District of Jharkhand

Forests play a crucial role in the global climate system by acting as important carbon storage sinks and controlling the flow of carbon between land and the atmosphere. They provide a wide range of ecosystem services, including the supply of resources and biodiversity conservation. Deforestation is a significant issue leading to the release of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. The destruction and fragmentation of existing habitats pose significant threats to biodiversity. This study examined land use/land cover (LULC) alterations in the West Singhbhum district between 1987 and 2021, specifically emphasizing the influence of mining operations on the local forest ecosystem. This study used Landsat satellite imagery to examine data from 1987 to 2021, emphasizing five primary classifications: water body, mining area, built-up areas, open/cropland, and forest/vegetation. The maps were reclassified into two categories, namely, “No-Forest" and “Forest. Forest fragmentation maps were created using Landscape Fragmentation Tool (LFT) v2.0. A regression analysis was conducted to ascertain the correlation between mining growth and the reduction in forest cover. The analysis revealed increased mining areas, developed buildings, and cultivated land accompanied by a decline in forested areas and vegetation. There were substantial changes in land use, with mining areas expanding by 31.14 km2 and open/cropland increasing by 30.39 km2. The conversion of forested areas into agricultural zones and mining regions resulted in a 1.08% reduction in forest coverage.

Seroprevalent study of cytomegalovirus infection in the regions of Jharkhand.

The Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a type of beta herpesvirus widespread in all human populations. It is estimated that up to 80-100% of adults worldwide and most infections are harmless and can cause severe health complications in infants, like hearing loss and developmental issues. Still, immunocompromised individuals can experience serious complications from the virus. Unfortunately, there is limited information on the prevalence of this virus in our country, and no studies have been reported on the rate of CMV transmission yet. This study aims to evaluate the levels of IgM antibodies against Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela Kharsawan using an ELISA test. An indirect ELISA test was performed to detect anti-CMV IgM and the period of study was from January'2021 to June'2023. The examination tested 55 people for the TORCH profile of CMV parameters from regions of East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela Kharsawan. Here, 17 people (30.09%) were IgM positive by ELISA. The serological data confirms that CMV is not being monitored and recognized in the general population, which limits our study between CMV infection, disease, and clinically diagnosed outcomes. This understanding is crucial for the healthcare and policy sectors. Thus, we recommend implementing a surveillance and mindfulness program for at least one-fourth of the population in Jharkhand and continuing to explore and develop effective vaccines to control CMV infections.

Exploring the Traditional Foodways for Nutritional Well-Being Amongst Vulnerable Communities: Insights from Ho Indigenous Community of Jharkhand, India

Nutritional well-being of Indigenous Peoples is shaped by foodways through their relationship with culturally vital indigenous foods. An exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted among Ho community of Jharkhand to get an insight into their traditional foodways. Study sites included ten randomly selected villages from three geographically distant blocks of West Singhbhum, including Sonua, Khuntpani and Chakradharpur. Qualitative enquiries included focus group discussions and village transect walk interviews which captured diverse information including food access from natural sources, market access, livelihood sources, social and cultural norms around foods, environmental factors, hygiene and sanitation conditions, and community health. Seasonal market surveys (monsoon and winter) in ten local markets provided information on food diversity and local prices. The findings revealed that foodways of Ho community are based on foraging, hunting, and traditional farming through use of available ecosystem resources. However, their traditional foodways are under threats due to livelihood and nutrition transitions. They have unique food traditions and cultures, yet their meals lack variety in terms of the foods consumed. Their smallholder farming systems are not profitable, pushing them towards rural-to-urban migration. Thus, it is crucial to promote traditional foodways of Hos to support bio-cultural knowledge, food justice and nutrition in this community. Keywords: foodways, Indigenous Populations, food beliefs, lifeways, smallholder farmers

Biodiversity and Soil Properties of Saranda Sal Forest: Implications for Conservation and Management

Aims: This study is significant as it elucidates the relationship between floristic composition and soil nutrient availability of India's Saranda Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) forest. Study Design: Vegetation sampling was done following a grid of 5 km x 5 km, and soil sampling was done in each sampling plot using a Z-pattern. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Saranda Forest of West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, Eastern India, during 2021-2022 Methodology: Sampling has been designed as grid methods (5 km X 5 km) following a forest survey of India, and vegetation sampling was done by quadrat method. The soil samples were collected from three depths (i.e., surface: 0–30 cm, sub-surface: 30–60 cm and inner: 60-90 cm from each selected site. ANOVAs were used to compare the chemical properties of soil samples from various forests. Pearson correlation analyses to examine the effects of climatic variables on chemical properties of the soil of selected Sal forest as well as their relation with plant diversity. Results: A comprehensive analysis of 5432 vascular plants from 65 species and 34 families was conducted across the 17 sites. Fabaceae is the most dominant family with 07 species. The study also examined soil chemical parameters and micronutrients in different sites and established their relations with vegetation dynamics. Notably, tree density showed a significant positive correlation with soil pH (r=0.59, p<0.05), but a significant negative correlation with Shannon diversity (H') (r=-0.53, p<0.05). Similarly, there was a significant positive correlation of Organic carbon with copper (r=0.59, p<0.05) and iron (r=0.61, p<0.00); however, there was a significant negative correlation with Available Phosphorus (r=-0.52, p<0.05). Conclusion: Research findings underscore the importance of soil nutrients in promoting forest health and growth. Importantly, they can guide the formulation of practical and effective soil-forest management strategies for S. robusta and its associated forests, directly benefiting the forestry and environmental science community.

Empowering the Traditional Indigenous Politics through Education: An Agent of Political Socialization

Empowering the Traditional Indigenous Politics through Education: An Agent of Political Socialization

Composition of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in forest and systematic plantations of tasar silkworm food plants and their relationship with soil and leaf nutrients

Aim: To investigate the status of bacterial load and number of isolates of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in forest and systematic plantation of Terminalia tomentosa and T. arjuna, and their relationship with soil and leaf nutrient levels. Methodology: Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of food plants in four tasar silkworm rearing regions of India. Bacterial load of total bacteria, Nitrogen fixing bacteria (NFB), Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and bacteria grown on King's B media (KBB) was enumerated on specific media by employing serial dilution technique. Based on the colony morphology and cell type, distinct colonies on specific media were counted as isolate. Nutrient levels in soil and leaf samples collected from different plantations were analyzed. Multivariate correlation analysis was performed between PGPR microbial load and isolates with soil physio-chemical parameters and leaf nutrients. Results: The rhizosphere of forest plants possessed the highest total bacterial load, the systematic plantation possessed the highest NFB load, whereas PSB and KBB load was equal in both the plantations. Forest plantations of Keonjhar and Sundergarh regions had the highest number of NFB isolates per rhizosphere soil sample and systematic plantations possessed the highest number of KBB (Keonjhar and Sundergarh regions) and PSB isolates (West Singhbhum region). Positive correlation was observed between PSB load and the number of isolates with soil organic carbon, KBB load with soil electrical conductivity and available potassium, PSB load and KBB isolates with soil available sulphur. NFB and KBB load and their isolates showed positive correlation with leaf N and K content. Interpretation: Results suggest the possibility of improving leaf nutrient quality of tasar silkworm food plants by enriching PGPR microbial load through biofertilizer application. Key words: Rhizobacteria composition, Soil nutrients, Silkworm, Terminalia tomentosa, Terminalia arjuna

Diversifying vegetable production systems for improving the livelihood of resource poor farmers on the East Indian Plateau

Failure of the rice crop, or low rice yield has dire consequences for rice-dependent households, including food insecurity and malnutrition, for India’s poorest farmers in the East Indian Plateau region. Crop diversification could reduce the risks of rice production from the vagaries of rainfall and provide cash income which is not generated from subsistence rice. Being the primary household laborers women bear the brunt of these difficult conditions in patriarchal societies. For this reason we engaged with the women farmers in Bokaro and West Singhbhum in the State of Jharkhand, and Purulia in West Bengal who participated in experiments conducted with vegetable crops and legumes in the upland and medium uplands where the traditional crop is broadcasted paddy rice. We explored four different vegetable systems, (i) cucurbits (rainy/kharif) (season—June to September), (ii) growing tomatoes in the “off season” (rainy season—July to October), (iii) growing legume crops in rotation with direct sown rice (dry/rabi season—November to January), and (iv) intercropping beans with maize (rainy season—June to September). The results showed that all the above crops proved much better in terms of income to the farmers, return per person day, although the input cost varied it was higher with the new systems explored. The research with the small-holding women farmers enabled them to try new options and make informed decisions about these opportunities. This study showed that farmers can increase crop diversity and expand the area sown to non-paddy crops. The farmers are now looking for new crops where the demand exceeds the supply. Importantly this study has demonstrated that the direct involvement of communities’ in research enables the farmers to sustainability explore solutions to the future problems with limited support from the external agencies.

Economic Analysis of Non-Timber Forest Products with Reference to the Tribal Entrepreneurs in Jharkhand

Purpose : The present study aimed to analyze the economic benefits earned from the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as sal leaf, mahua flower, tamarind, lac, siali leaf, and chironji seeds by the tribal entrepreneurs of West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. Methodology : The present study was conducted in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand ; 272 samples were collected from the tribal entrepreneurs of six villages, Bila, Baraebir, Bara, Dewanbir, Gobindpur, and Bhalurangi, consisting of two blocks, Goilkera and Sonua. We asked the respondents about what forest resources they depended on, the use of products, the time of collection, and the earnings throughout the year. Findings : Collection, processing, and selling of NTFPs are the prime activities tribal entrepreneurs do to generate income. Tribal entrepreneurs are more dependent on the NTFPs as there is an enormous increase in the annual household income, which leads to improved socioeconomic conditions and poverty alleviation. Practical Implications : Policy should be made towards implementing conducive and supportive schemes for the marketing and business processes of the NTFP products. Originality : The majority of tribes of Jharkhand are dependent on the NTFPs for their livelihood development. The study is novel as literature lacks on NTFP products and their economic analysis.

Effects of community youth teams facilitating participatory adolescent groups, youth leadership activities and livelihood promotion to improve school attendance, dietary diversity and mental health among adolescent girls in rural eastern India (JIAH trial): A cluster-randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether and how community youth teams facilitating participatory adolescent groups, youth leadership and livelihood promotion improved school attendance, dietary diversity, and mental health among adolescent girls in rural India. DesignA parallel group, two-arm, superiority, cluster-randomised controlled trial with an embedded process evaluation. Setting, intervention and participants38 clusters (19 intervention, 19 control) in West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand, India. The intervention included participatory adolescent groups and youth leadership for boys and girls aged 10–19 (intervention clusters only), and family-based livelihood promotion (intervention and control clusters) between June 2017 and March 2020. We surveyed 3324 adolescent girls aged 10–19 in 38 clusters at baseline, and 1478 in 29 clusters at endline. Four intervention and five control clusters were lost to follow up when the trial was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescent boys were included in the process evaluation only. Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary: school attendance, dietary diversity, and mental health; 12 secondary outcomes related to education, empowerment, experiences of violence, and sexual and reproductive health. ResultsIn intervention vs control clusters, mean dietary diversity score was 4·0 (SD 1·5) vs 3·6 (SD 1·2) (adjDiff 0·34; 95%CI -0·23, 0·93, p = 0·242); mean Brief Problem Monitor-Youth (mental health) score was 12·5 (SD 6·0) vs 11·9 (SD 5·9) (adjDiff 0·02, 95%CI -0·06, 0·13, p = 0·610); and school enrolment rates were 70% vs 63% (adjOR 1·39, 95%CI 0·89, 2·16, p = 0·142). Uptake of school-based entitlements was higher in intervention clusters (adjOR 2·01; 95%CI 1·11, 3·64, p = 0·020). Qualitative data showed that the community youth team had helped adolescents and their parents navigate school bureaucracy, facilitated re-enrolments, and supported access to entitlements. Overall intervention delivery was feasible, but positive impacts were likely undermined by household poverty. ConclusionsParticipatory adolescent groups, leadership training and livelihood promotion delivered by a community youth team did not improve adolescent girls’ mental health, dietary diversity, or school attendance in rural India, but may have increased uptake of education-related entitlements. Trial registrationISRCTN17206016

Cognizance of Tribal People Through MGNREGA with Reference to West Singhbhum District of Jharkhand

The Government of India has launched a new scheme for wage employment which is named as National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). The law was passed on August 25, 2005, and it came to effect on 2nd of February 2006. It is not merely a scheme but as an Act passed by the parliament for the eradication of poverty in rural areas through generating employment opportunities. Mahatma Gandhi Nation Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA) Act is the flagship programme in which every fiscal year, unskilled manual workers are provided 100 days of guaranteed wage employment. This programme was implemented by the Government of India with the prime objective of providing livelihood security in rural areas and creating of durable assets. The present study aims at focussing in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. The study focused on the awareness of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the work activities provided to the beneficiaries. The data has been analysed and it has been found that, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the fundamental principles of the scheme. Keywords: Employment, Tribal, Programme, Government of India, MGNREGA

Making Nutritious Diets More Affordable: Findings from a Cost of Diet Assessment in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, India

Background: India bears a disproportionate burden of undernutrition. Access to an affordable, nutritious diet is one of the critical challenges. There is a need to assess the cost of a nutritious diet and find ways to understand and minimise the affordability gap through a comprehensive approach.
 Objective: The present study was conducted in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, India. Its objective was to find out the cost of various diets, and their affordability, based on households’ accounting for their total food expenditure, and assessing the coverage of essential governments’ nutrition-specific interventions to use a model for suggesting ways to minimise the affordability gap. We also estimate the potential impact of nutrition-sensitive programmes on household food affordability.
 Methodology: The study employed the Cost of the Diet (CotD) methodology, a mixed-method, cross-sectional assessment, where the research team conducted surveys in 16 markets, 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 96 individual interviews (IDIs). Additionally, 434 household-level surveys were conducted to understand income, expenditure patterns in the localities and uptake of key nutrition-sensitive interventions. Secondary information from the 68th round of the National Sample Survey 2012 were used to assess rural Jharkhand’s non-food expenditure (NFE). Data were analysed primarily using the Save the Children’s Cost of the Diet software version 2.5.2.
 Results: The cost of the diet increased with an increase in the diet quality – from a basic energy-only diet costing INR 33,892 ($505.85)[1] per year for a standard household with 6 members to a food-habit nutritious diet (FHAB) costing INR 70,627 ($1054.13) per year. More than half of the sampled households could not afford a nutritious diet. The poorest quartile was spending 56.8% of income on food, compared to 33.7% for the richest quintile.
 Conclusion: The cost of a FHAB diet should be used as a benchmark to track the progress of beneficiary groups in upcoming socio-economic assessments. Changes in the affordability gap should be observed to assess whether new initiatives have worked. Optimal coverage of existing nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programmes has the potential to reduce the cost of a FHAB nutritious diet by up to 30%.
 [1] $1=INR 67 (The exchange rate at the time of data collection, December 2019)

GIS-based assessment of land-agroforestry potentiality of Jharkhand State, India

Scaling-up agroforestry areas in various forms is a scientific path towards achieving various sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially improving livelihood, reducing poverty, conserving environment and biodiversity, and transforming climate change. In this study, the effort was made to investigate the land potentiality for agroforestry at the district level in Jharkhand State, India by applying geographic information system (GIS) modeling technology using climate (temperature and precipitation), topography (slope and elevation), ecology (percent tree cover and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)), and social economics (poverty rate and tribal dominance) factors. The results revealed that six districts of Jharkhand State had agroforestry potential greater than 60.00%. The highest agroforestry suitability was found in Simdega District (78.20%), followed by Pakur (76.25%), West Singhbhum (72.70%), Dumka (68.84%), Sahibganj (64.63%), and Godda (63.43%) districts. Additionally, we identified 513 out of 32,620 villages of Jharkhand State potentially suitable (agroforestry suitability ≥80.00%) for agroforestry with the objective of life improvement among marginalized society. Under the outside forest area, 8.58% of the total geographical land of Jharkhand State was wasteland, much of which was found suitable for agroforestry practices. The agroforestry setups in those wastelands can absorb 637 ​t carbon annually in long run and can provide direct economic benefits to the locals besides additional income for carbon emission reduction. This study concluded that Jharkhand State has plenty of high potential land for agroforestry, and adoption of agroforestry at the village level must be given high priority. This study could guide the nodal authorities to prepare appropriate strategies for scaling the tree cover in agroforestry systems in village-level landscape planning which needs policy attention and investment for achieving 9 out of the 17 SDGs.

Habitat suitability of wildlife for mitigation and conservation of Noamundi block in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand using WSH model and GIS

Habitat suitability of wildlife for mitigation and conservation of Noamundi block in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand using WSH model and GIS

A note on the insecticide susceptibility status of secondary malaria vector An. annularis in Jharkhand state of India.

An. annularis van der Wulp (1884) is the secondary malaria vector of importance in India. In Jharkhand state it is present in almost all the districts abundantly and transmits malaria. The development of resistance to Dichlorodipheny ltrichloroethane (DDT) in An. annularis was reported from various parts of India. The main objective of this study was to generate information on insecticide susceptibility status of An. annularis to DDT, malathion, deltamethrin and permethrin in different districts of Jharkhand state. Methods; Adult An. annularis female mosquitoes were collected form villages of six tribal districts Simdega (Kurdeg and Simdega CHC), Khunti (Murhu and Khunti CHCs), Gumla (Bharno and Gumla CHCs), West Singhbhum (Chaibasa and Bada Jamda CHCs), Godda (Poraiyahat and Sunderpahari (CHCs) and Sahibganj (Borio and Rajmahal CHCs). Insecticide susceptibility status was determined by using WHO tube test method against prescribed discriminatory dosages of insecticides, DDT - 4.0%, malathion - 5.0%, deltamethrin - 0.05% and permethrin - 0.75%. An. annularis was reported resistant to DDT in six districts, possible resistant to malathion in districts Gumla, Khuntiand Sahibganj and susceptible to deltamehrin (98% to100% mortality) and permethrin (100% mortality). An. annularis, the secondary vector species is associated with the transmission of malaria reported resistant to DDT and susceptible to pyrerthroids deltamethrin and permethrin. In view of large-scale distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in all the districts, the response to synthetic pyrethroid needs to be periodically monitored to assess the effectiveness.

Integrated approaches to identify the major controlling factors of groundwater chemistry and quality assessment for suitability of different uses in West Singhbhum, India

Integrated approaches to identify the major controlling factors of groundwater chemistry and quality assessment for suitability of different uses in West Singhbhum, India

Integrated approach for survival and development during first 1000 day of life

Introduction: With increased evidence of the association between early child-rearing practices and children's health, growth, and development, the government of India has introduced several policies and strategies, of which the home-based care for young child (HBYC) is the most recent. An assessment was conducted in three aspirational districts in Jharkhand to see system preparedness for implementation of the program. Material & Methods: Eight district key health personnel from 3 districts were interviewed on health systems readiness components. A total of 100 Sahiyas (Accredited Social Health Activists) and 100 mothers were selected across 8 villages in 2 blocks in each of the 3 districts of Lohardaga, Simdega, and West Singhbhum, and interviewed with a structured questionnaire on knowledge and practices. In addition, 24 auxiliary nurse midwifes, Sahiya Sathis, and Anganwadi workers were interviewed. Data collection teams underwent an orientation. Results: Most nodal persons were recruited; however, orientation to HBYC and awareness of key components such as incentives, supervision mechanism, and monitoring indicators was lacking. Supply of prophylactics and equipment was inadequate. Knowledge of community health workers was inadequate for many child care indicators except Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) preparation (96%) and initiation of complementary feeding (97%). Knowledge of danger signs requiring referrals was particularly low (30%). Mothers' knowledge and practices were low on all the indicators. Conclusion: The HBYC program can build its success on the present health system functioning by tailoring trainings to focus on gaps in knowledge, addressing specific gaps in supplies, improving supervision, and integration efforts

Crop Acreage Estimation in Jharkhand using Multi-temporal Satellite Data

Information on crop acreage statistics and distribution of crops in different districts is required for planning and implementation of various government schemes. Further, information is also required on kharif fallow areas to enhance the cropping intensity. Therefore, in this context acreage assessment in different agriculture seasons i.e., kharif, rabi and zaid has been carried out in Jharkhand State using Landsat-8 OLI remote sensing data. Estimation was carried out for the year 2015–16, 2016–17 and 2017–18. Gross cropped area in the State varied from 19526 Sq.km. in the year 2015–16 to 24089 sq.km. in the year 2017–18. The Gross cropped area and Net Sown Area was highest in Ranchi and West Singhbhum districts in different years. District-wise analysis of kharif fallow showed highest area in West Singhbhum district. Further, suitability analysis for pulses and other appropriate crops needs to be carried out to convert the post fallow kharif areas to double crop areas and more than two crop areas to increase the cropping intensity.

Insecticide susceptibility status of malaria vectors, Anopheles culicifacies, Anopheles fluviatilis and Anopheles minimus in the tribal districts of Jharkhand state of India.

Insecticide resistance in malaria vectors has been a major challenge to vector control programs and updated information to the commonly used insecticides is essential for planning appropriate vector control measures. Anopheles culicifacies and An. fluviatilis are the two main vectors prevalent in Jharkhand state of India and role of An. minimus is contemplated in the transmission of malaria in this state. All the districts in the state are predominantly inhabited by the tribal population and are endemic for malaria. A study was undertaken in 12 districts of Jharkhand state to determine the insecticide susceptibility status of the 3 prevalent primary vector species, An. culicifacies, An. fluviatilis, and An. minimus. Wild-caught adult female An. culicifacies, An. fluviatilis, and An. minimus, mosquitoes were collected from stratified ecotypes from different localities of 12 tribal districts of Jharkhand state during 2018 and 2019. Susceptibility tube tests were conducted following the WHO method using test kits. Mosquitoes were exposed to WHO impregnated papers with the prescribed discriminatory dosages of DDT - 4%, malathion - 5%, deltamethrin - 0.05%, permethrin - 0.75%, cyfluthrin - 0.15% and lambda cyhalothrin - 0.05%. Results indicated that An. culicifacies has developed multiple insecticide resistance in all the 12 districts of Jharkhand state. An. fluviatilis was reported resistant for the first time to DDT in all the districts but was susceptible to malathion, deltamethrin, and permethrin whereas in one district it showed possible resistance to malathion. An. minimus was studied in Noamundi CHC of West Singhbhum district, showed possible resistance against DDT but was susceptible to malathion, deltamethrin, and permethrin. The development of multiple insecticide resistance in An. culicifacies including to pyrethroids, has been a concern for malaria control programmes for effective vector management but a report of resistance to DDT for the first time in An. fluviatlis in all the districts in the state is alarming, An. minimus was found in possible resistance category to DDT in one district and both the species were reported susceptible to malathion, deltamethrin, and permethrin. The result of the present study indicates a need for regular monitoring to assess the insecticide susceptibility to formulate effective vector control measures and resistance management.

Reappearance and disappearance of Anopheles minimus Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae) in West Singhbhum hills of Eastern India.

Reappearance and disappearance of Anopheles minimus Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae) in West Singhbhum hills of Eastern India.

Health Risk Assessment, Composition, and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Drinking Water of Southern Jharkhand, East India.

The studies on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) occurrence, distribution, health risk, and composition in drinking water are limited in India and worldwide. The main objective of this study was to find the contaminant sources, composition, health risk, and distribution of USEPA's 16 priority pollutant PAHs in the drinking water samples collected between July 2019 to September 2019 from six districts of Southern Jharkhand. The Σ16PAHs mean ± standard deviation [SD] concentration values were ordered as East Singhbhum (ES) (21.5 ± 14.8ng L-1) > West Singhbhum (WS) (16.57 ± 13.21ng L-1) > Saraikela Kharsawan (SK) (11.48 ± 9.92ng L-1) > Khunti (KH) (10.32 ± 9.09ng L-1) > Simdega (SM) (9.96 ± 7.85ng L-1) > Gumla (GU) (9.41 ± 8.63ng L-1). The results show that ES and WS districts' groundwater samples were more contaminated by the PAHs, which may be attributed to the presence of many small-, medium-, and large-scale industries and high vehicular density in these districts. The concentrations of lower molecular weight ring (3-rings) and middle molecular weight ring (4-rings) PAHs were dominant throughout all drinking samples. The concentration of the 3-ring PAH Anthracene and 4-ring PAH Fluoranthene were dominant in all districts. The molecular ratios suggested that the potential sources of PAHs are fuel combustion and coal, grass, and wood burning. Risk assessment shows that the incremental lifetime cancer risk and risk index (RI) were ranged from 0.02 × 10-10 to 4.93 × 10-10 for children and 0.01 × 10-10 to 2.98 × 10-10 for adults. The RI values for seven carcinogenic PAHs were 8.83 × 10-10 for children and 7.38 × 10-10 for adults. Although the carcinogenic risks were within the permissible values, chronic exposure to PAHs through the ingestion of drinking water could still be a human health concern.