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Bumble bees are known to be amongst the most efficient natural pollinators and their increased scarcity in the ecosystem has led us to study their habitat and ethological preferences, so that future efforts can be designed for their restoration under the natural habitat. The present investigation explores the natural nest architecture, structural features of nest habitat, location of the nest, environmental parameters, population dynamics, emergence of drones, gynes, and variation in the sex ratio of Bombus haemorrhodalis. A total of ten natural nests were excavated at different altitudes ranging from 473.05 to 1258.52 m from different sites in two locations Nauni and Gandhal. The species inhabited the underground abandoned rodent's cavities as nests at a depth of 15 cm to 140 cm with 1–2 external hidden entrances or below ground covered with involucrum made of small dried grass, leaves, pine needles, paper infused on/with wax, etc. The shape of the nest varied from circular to oval with an average size of about 3.88 cubic decimeters. The colony strength of all excavated nests ranged between 15 and 113 individuals, with average internal ambient temperature and relative humidity of the nest cavity varying from 20.9–29.7 °C and 24.6–79.3 percent, respectively. The honey storage (length x width; 16.02 × 15.74 mm), queen (15.02 × 14.60 mm), worker (13.25 × 12.58 mm) and drone cells (11.13 mm × 10.45 mm) varied in dimensions and were constructed by the workers with colony development. As a potential natural strategy to ensure survival, the gynes emerged earlier and higher in number than drones in late summer to early autumn and this progeny survived until the end of autumn. The current study exploring the natural environment of B. haemorrhoidalis helps understand and correlate the natural nest characteristics with laboratory-reared colonies for year-round rearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harar (Terminalia chebula) and soybean (Glycine max) are the potential tree and agricultural crops of subtropical region of Himachal Pradesh, India, however the potential of these crops under agroforestry system has not been explored both from ecological and economical point of view. The objective of this paper was to determine the effect of harar–soybean combination on soil chemical properties and to analyse the economics of the agroforestry system as compared to the open system. Soybean was grown under harar trees as per the recommended package of practices. Before sowing and after harvesting, soil samples were collected from four directions (East, West, North and South) at three distances (1, 2 and 3 m) from harar trees and open cropping system (sole soybean) for determining chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon) and nutrient dynamics (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). In addition, the soil at two depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm) under trees at 2 m distance and in open was analyzed by GC–MS before and after cropping for the presence of allelochemicals that may affect crop yield. The economics of tree-crop combination was worked out and compared with the sole cropping system. The soil chemical properties and available nutrients in soil exhibited maximum values in the north direction. Except available phosphorus content, values of all the studied properties of soil increased with an increase in the distance of soybean crop from harar. It was also observed that values of soil chemical properties and nutrient contents increased significantly after intercropping in comparison to those before intercropping soybean. A substantial increase in soil properties was observed under the agroforestry system over the sole cropping system before sowing and after harvesting soybean. It was revealed that allelochemicals viz., octadecanoic acid, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid and phthalic acid which do exist in harar trees were also detected in soil under the canopy of harar trees. The total cost of cultivation (Rs. 45,028.49 ha−1), gross returns (Rs. 101,937.78 ha−1), net returns (Rs. 56,909.29 ha−1) and benefit–cost ratio (2.26) were higher under the agroforestry system (harar + soybean) over sole soybean cropping. Improvement in soil health, soybean yield and higher economic returns indicated that combination of harar and soybean can be a viable option for farmers of subtropical areas of Himachal Pradesh for the upliftment of their socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) survey states that India has 197 endangered languages. Himachal Pradesh, a state in India, has topped the list with seven definitely endangered languages, and Kinnauri-Pahari being the one. Due to the lack of availability of digitized resources, the corpus compilation is a bit difficult. This paper presents and releases the Kinnauri-Pahari (ISO-639-3:kjo) dataset, consisting of the 43,362 Monolingual and 20,307 Parallel sentences in version_0.1. The dataset was tested on the Statistical, and Neural Machine Translation and their results were evaluated using different evaluation metrics. The corpus is freely available for non-commercial usage and research (https://github.com/phildani7/dlnith/tree/master/Kinnauri-Pahari). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the Himalayas have seen increasing extreme precipitation events. Climate change has impacted the occurrence and distribution of extreme precipitation events across the Himalayas. Patterns of both western disturbances and the Indian summer monsoon are undergoing significant changes in nature due to climate change. However, the magnitude and intensity of flood in a stream are not always linearly dependent on the amount of precipitation. Other factors, such as topography, land use, soil characteristics, and antecedent hydrological conditions, play a pivotal role in modulating the response of a watershed to an extreme precipitation event. On July 07–11, 2023, several districts of Himachal Pradesh faced devastating floods resulting in loss of life, infrastructure, and environmental damage with significant economic consequences. Developing a resilient solution for managing such events and reducing damage requires an in-depth understanding of multiple causative factors of such extreme events. In this paper, we analyzed the meteorological and hydrological factors that caused the flooding situation in Himachal Pradesh during July 2023. Hydrometeorological data from several observation stations were analyzed along with reanalysis data from ERA5, SMAP-L4, and FLDAS-NOAH to understand the causative factors that lead to peak floods. The compounding of extremely heavy rainfall with near-saturation antecedent moisture content and snowmelt was found to be the leading factor in inflating and sustaining the flood peak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of the geochemical study of the Jutogh metasedimentary rocks that occur as a tectonic window between the Lesser and the Higher Himalaya. The Jutogh Group of rocks are mostly mica-schists of different metamorphic grade. The weathering intensity parameters, such as chemical index of alteration (CIA), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), and index of compositional variability (ICV), range from 81 to 65 (mean = 72), 97 to 68 (mean = 84), and 1.9 to 0.6 (mean = 1.2), respectively indicating low to moderate degrees of weathering. Transition element ratios [Ni/Co (6.98 to 2.88), and V/Ni (2.32 to 1.27)], and major and trace element geochemistry imply recycled, felsic to intermediate, Archean to post-Archean are the sources for Jutogh rocks. The tectonic discrimination diagram implies an active continental margin setting for the deposition of the Jutogh metasediments. The geochemical data from the Jutogh rocks, when combined with the S-type Paleoproterozoic granite magmatism, imply the existence of an active tectonic setting during the deposition of the Jutogh sediments at the northern margin of the Indian continent during Nuna assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this research paper is to apply a deep neural network model for time series forecasting of environmental variables. Accurate forecasting of snow cover and NDVI are important issues for the reliable and efficient hydrological models and prediction of the spread of forest. Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) model for the time series forecasting of snow cover, temperature, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) are studied in this research work. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are widely used for forecasting time series due to their adaptive computing nature. LSTM and Recurrent neural networks (RNN) are some of the several architectures provided in a class of ANN. LSTM is a kind of RNN that has the capability of learning long-term dependencies. We followed a coarse-to-fine strategy, providing reviews of various related research materials and supporting it with the LSTM analysis on the dataset of Himachal Pradesh, as gathered. Environmental factors of the Himachal Pradesh region are forecasted using the dataset, consisting of temperature, snow cover, and vegetation index as parameters from the year 2001–2017. Currently, available tools and techniques make the presented system more efficient to quickly assess, adjust, and improve the environment-related factors analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper is devoted to measure the activity contents of natural radionuclide, like, radium (226Ra), thorium (232Th) and potassium (40K) in the soil gathered along the Jwalamukhi thrust of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalayas, India. NaI(Tl) Scintillator detector was utilized for the estimation of activity content. The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K for some of the soil samples have been observed to be above the global normal mean values. The outcomes acquired for indoor and outdoor effective dosage are well below the normal international and national proposed results. The determined values of external hazard (Hex) for studied locations are less than unity, therefore; samples assembled from these regions are safe from a health hazard point of view and can be utilized as a construction purposes without producing any radio-logical hazard to human beings. The average estimations of radium equivalent activity were found to be within the limits suggested by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) exhalation rates have also been calculated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the recent devastating landslide of Kotrupi, Himachal Pradesh in India which had claimed many human lives and properties along its course on 13 August 2017. This event was the third reactivation of the slide as per data available. The study for this landslide involves a preliminary investigation of the site and comparison of pre- and post-event slope stability analysis. Other than rainfall, the combined effect of differential weathering rate of the debris and soil layers, low material strength, and the presence of a fault zone was found to be the primary cause of instability. The analysis was carried out with the geotechnical investigation and numerical modeling with the help of finite element model-based Phase 2 simulator. The significant findings of this paper include numerical simulation of pre- and post-event slide as stated under unsaturated and saturated condition. The study finds a low factor of safety of the present slope. The unstable condition of the slope may trigger another event of the same intensity shortly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Kinnaur-a Himalayan tribal district of Himachal Pradesh, India, on the Sutlej River and at the Tibet border-Buddhism has been practiced, along with indigenous local Hinduism, for at least a thousand years. From ancient times too, Kinnauras have loved to sing and dance. In Kinnauri villages, jomos (celibate Buddhist nuns) and lamas (who in Kinnaur are male religious specialists and most often married) tell the story of Buddhism by reciting prayers and texts, performing rituals, teaching basic Buddhism, and also, significantly for this paper, by composing and singing songs for their disciples and others. Since the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan monks and nuns first came as refugees to India in 1959, some Kinnauri nuns and monks have gone to study with them in Dharamsala (where the Dalai Lama lives) and elsewhere. So nowadays, both ancient traditions and modern curricula coexist in Kinnaur, and Buddhist women masters transmit Buddhism in various ways. This paper asks and attempts to answer two questions: (1) Are there Buddhist women masters in Kinnaur, and if so, what are they like? (2) Do nuns sing about nuns, and if not, why not? (An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 11 annual DANAM conference 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland (in conjunction with the American Academy of Religion annual meeting) in Session 2, entitled 'Buddhist Women Masters'. And LaMacchia 2013b ("Basic Buddhism in songs: Contemporary nuns' oral traditions in Kinnaur," ) discusses in greater depth the way in which Kinnauri nun gurus compose and sing songs as a method of teaching basic Buddhism.) Using as methods fieldwork research (from 1995 to the present)-participant observation and recorded songs, life stories, and interviews-I argue that there are valid, authentic Buddhist women masters-nun gurus-in Kinnaur, but their mode of being masters-ordinary and celibate renunciants-is different from the mode of the reincarnate male gurus they typically sing about in their songs-extraordinary and non-celibate. The paper describes several contemporary women masters and applies traditional definitions of a master to them (citing Gampopa, the Third Dalai Lama, and others), as well as subcategories suggested by me, and quotes two songs that shed light on the ways in which Buddhist masters are (or are not) perceived and presented. In response to the second question, Why don't nuns sing about nuns-or rather, why is there only one song about a nun, the song of the exemplary renunciant Nyima Zangmo-the paper concludes by suggesting that this simple and understated song may be quite powerful if (as Thapar claims) renunciation, and especially female renunciation, is seen as a form of resistance to the norm which is household life, and if (as I claim) a celibate jomo represents renunciation better than typically non-celibate Kinnauri male lamas do. I offer another, rather speculative possibility, too: that her name Nyima, meaning 'sun', may link her subliminally to reincarnate lamas, said to emit light rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a pioneer study on the microbial diversity and antibacterial potential of hive bees (Apiscerana and A.mellifera) honey collected from Himachal Pradesh. In total, 26 bacteria (14 from A.cerana and 12 from A.mellifera) but no fungal isolate were recovered. Bee species and locations comparison in terms of bacterial load (log CFU/g) revealed maximum loads of 3.74 and 3.99 in the honey from A.cerana and Mandi location, respectively. The most prevalent strains (HC3, HC5, HC6, HC8 and HM2) were identified (16S rRNA ribotyping) as Staphylococcushaemolyticus (MT742636), "Bacillussubtilis subsp. stecoris" (MT742637), Bacillussafensis subsp. safensis (MT742638), "Bacilluszanthoxyli" (MT742639) and Bacillussafensis subsp. safensis (MT938911). The apiary honey displayed good to excellent inhibitory activity against Escherichiacoli ATCC1041 whereas, fair to good against Bacillussubtilis ATCC6633, Pseudomonasaeruginosa ATCC10662, Salmonellatyphi NCTC786 and Klebsiellapneumoniae ATCC13883, highlighting its use as a therapeutic agent. Furthermore, it can be effective in minimizing numerous side effects associated with the consumption of synthetic drugs for treating bacterial infections thereby signifying the role of honey as a healthier substitute for synthetic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates about the diffusion of sustainability innovation practices in the hotels/resorts of Himachal Pradesh and J&K which are two very crucial states of India, tourists-wise and location-wise. The paper investigates about the percentage of the hotels that have implemented such practices and also the major reasons behind adoption or non-adoption of such practices. To investigate the responses, the research uses Rogers' theory of diffusion of innovation which hypothesizes that adoption of such practices depends upon characteristics of the innovation and that of the innovator. The study has been conducted in two northern states of India, viz. Himachal Pradesh and J&K, in 120 hotels belonging to different districts of the two states as these two states represent more than 50% of the northern Himalayan region of India. A study also tries to develop a new instrument to measure environmental sustainability innovations measures in Indian context. Relationships have been established with the help of ANOVA, correlations and regression analysis. The results of the investigation have come out with the findings that the high level of environmental opinion leadership of hotels/resorts is the strongest predictor of the adoption of sustainability innovations. The perceived relative advantage and the trialability of the hotels/resorts are only partially correlated. These results can be extremely useful for the government, innovators, change agents, as well as suppliers of the hotel industry of India and can also be a guide on how to further diffuse sustainability. This study provides a valuable contribution to the emerging fields of hotel sustainability and diffusion of sustainability innovations. Adopting the suggested innovative practices can dramatically transform the way in which the hotels/resorts offer their services and products and hence play a leading role in building a progressive society that promotes a lifestyle that is sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of stability of artificial slopes created due to road construction in the mountainous terrain is very important but often a neglected aspect. The safe execution of road-cut slopes depends upon the level of understanding achieved in defining the engineering behaviour of rock masses with respect to its deformation and mechanical attributes. Understanding the realistic response of the rock mass to excavation of rock strata requires proper analysis related to influence of structural elements on their continuous characterization for facilitating safe and economical development of cut slopes along the road sections. In this paper structurally and non-structurally controlled rock slope classification systems are implemented to undertake comprehensive evaluation of stability of road-cut slopes. The work carried out involves collection of various inputs in form of rock mass and discontinuity characteristics from ten cut slopes along a road section in Kullu area, Himachal Pradesh, India. Rock samples were collected from site and laboratory testing has been undertaken to determine the intact rocks strength. Beside these, the kinematic analysis was performed to illustrate the geometrical relationship between various joint sets and the slope face so as to determine their failure mechanism. Several rock mass classification systems developed for rock slope stability assessment are evaluated for known slope conditions. The stability assessment for all identified cut slopes is compared using slope mass rating (SMR), Q-slope and slope stability rating (SSR) methods. Design charts proposed for various factor of safety values have been utilized to evaluate the stability of studied road-cut slopes. Finally, a slope wise comparison is made between the stable angles predicted by SSR with those recommended by Q-slope method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the soil slope stability analysis along the road section (National Highway-05) near Luhri area, Himachal Pradesh, India. The area constantly experiences local as well as regional slides which enhances the siltation, reduce carrying capacity of the Sutlej river with time and further increases the water level on the banks of the slope. High traffic congestion puts the area at high risk zone and therefore, stability analysis was done using probabilistic as well as deterministic approach under static conditions through limit equilibrium method (LEM) and finite element method (FEM). FEM was used for stability analysis, mainly to obtain deformational characteristics, under static conditions and compared with LEM results. The results of both the methods help in identifying the zones of vulnerability in the case study. Further, the values of safety factor obtained from both the methods are in close approximation. The study also reveals that the slope is critically stable and a remedial measure has been suggested by modifying the geometry of the slope, which needs proper protection from any external factors like rainfall and earthquakes that may cause unforeseeable circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific information on the spatial variability of soil properties is critical for sustainable production and designing appropriate measures for efficient soil–crop management. The growing urban areas in fertile landscapes are a major concern experiencing a huge anthropogenic onslaught and lack of information on spatial variability of soil properties. Therefore, the present study was carried out to delineate the spatial distribution of some selected soil properties from Balh Valley and its catchment area (Suketi basin) in lower Himachal Himalaya, India. A total of 468 geo-referenced surface soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil pH, EC, OC; primary nutrients (N, P, K); secondary nutrients (Ca and Mg); and DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu)following standard procedures. The results showed a significant variation in soil pH (acidic to alkaline), EC (0.08–0.70 dS/m), OC (3–26 g/kg), major nutrients N (41.96–208.03 mg/kg), P (5.80–18.75 mg/kg), and K (53.57–163.64 mg/kg). Among micronutrients, Zn was found below the critical limit toward the extreme fringes of the basin. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and geostatistical approach. The spatial maps were prepared with ordinary kriging (OK) technique after semivariogram modeling and cross-validation approach. The five principal components (PCs) chosen depicted a moderate correlation between the calculated soil attributes. The two management zones (MZs) were derived by performing the fuzzy c-means clustering analysis based on fuzzy performance index (FPI) and normalized classification entropy (NCE) analysis. The spatial maps represent the distribution of soil properties in the valley and its catchment area. The information generated provides baseline data for site-specific fertilizer recommendations for precision agriculture and minimize downstream adverse environmental impact in the Himalayan ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the ever-increasing demand on water resource, the pressure on its judicious utilization is also increasing. Besides being precious, this resource is also complex to manage on account of its dynamic behaviour. In India emphasis is being placed on making the local-level users participate in the management of natural resources at the watershed level. Therefore, it is imperative that local-level organizations be strengthened by providing the integrated watershed management tools which are user-friendly, but still use all the scientific knowledge to arrive at the appropriate decisions. This paper demonstrates the use of GIS-based overlay method for local-level planning, incorporating the sustainability aspects of watershed development. A case study has been taken in the Lower Bhangal Micro-watershed of the outer Himalayan range to demonstrate the approach of matrix/ranking and overlay methods to delineate priority areas for watershed management plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the hydrocarbon source rock evaluation of the Subathu Formation exposed at Marhighat on Sarahan-Narag road in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Hydrocarbon potential of these sediments is estimated on the basis of palynofacies analysis and thermal alteration index (TAI) values based on the fossil spores/pollen colouration. The analyses are based on the classification and hydrocarbon generation potential of plant derived dispersed organic matter present in the sediments. The palynofacies analysis of Subathu Formation in the area reveal moderate to rich organic matter, with amorphous organic matter constituting the bulk of the total organic matter, followed by charcoal, biodegraded organic matter, fungal remains, spores/pollen and structured terrestrial organic matter. The TAI value for the organic matter in these sediments has been ascertained as 3.00. A dominance of the sapropelic facies (amorphous organic matter) and the measured TAI values for the Subathu sediments in the Marhighat area suggests a good source-rock potential for the hydrocarbon generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods capable of assessing the vulnerability of houses for future earthquakes are of fundamental importance for the safety and development of an area. As the detailed assessment is limited to number of houses and cost, one of the appraising methods currently used for seismic vulnerability assessment is rapid visual screening (RVS). This methodology has led to determination of risk of an area subjected to an earthquake event. Many codes have limited rapid visual screening to housing typologies like reinforced concrete and Brick masonry structures. This paper delivers an approach on how to perform RVS for five varieties of buildings in Himachal Pradesh state. The RVS scores have been calculated for 9099 buildings and normal distribution curves are plotted for each typology of building to understand the distribution of buildings in Himachal Pradesh. Finally, a new modified format for performing rapid visual screening has been proposed at the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research pinpoints the primary socio-economic issues and inherent circumstances of rural development in Himachal Pradesh, India. It provides a critical analysis of 289 households based on the surveys conducted in 5 villages of Sirmaur district, adopted under the UBA ('Unnat Bharat Abhiyan', transl. 'Developed India initiative'). This study highlights and evaluates the significant socio-economic concerns and rural development challenges based on key factors such as population, education, employment, rural development schemes, livestock assets, property distribution, essential services and transport connectivity. The findings from this study are crucial for identifying priority areas for community capacity building and sustainable rural development including literacy rates, healthcare, and agricultural products. The study emphasizes the prudent use of existing resources and the maximisation of benefits from centrally and state-sponsored schemes for the comprehensive development of the adopted villages under UBA. Although the current initiative is based on the UBA-adopted villages, it may be applied to other rural villages of Himalayan states. This article highlights inter-variations in socio-economic issues such as healthcare, sanitation, waste management, unsustainable agriculture methods, drug misuse, unemployment, and sanitation in the UBA adopted villages in the Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper demonstrates the assessment of slope stability analysis between Rampur to Jhakri road section along National Highway (NH-22), Himachal Pradesh, India. The different types of slope failures have affected most part of slopes which causes considerable loss of life and property, inconveniences such as disruption of traffic along highways. The poorly designed rock slopes for road widening or construction purposes may weaken the stability of the slopes. A detail field investigation has been carried out to collect the representative rock samples for determination of physico-mechanical properties of rock and joint data for kinematic analysis. The rocks exposed in the area are highly jointed quartzite and quartz-mica schist of Rampur-Larji Group of Palaeoproterozoic age. The continuous slope mass rating (CSMR) technique has been applied for the assessment of slope stability analysis at five vulnerable locations and the results shows slopes are partially stable to unstable. Kinematic analysis mainly shows wedge type of failure along with few toppling and planar failures. The existing slope required immediate treatment to prevent the failure for its long term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for infrastructural facilities in hill areas needs efficient spatial planning at the local level through land suitability assessment, which is influenced by a number of factors. There has been little systematic empirical work for identification and evaluation of the factors affecting spatial planning decisions in hill areas. The present study focuses on identifying the critical factors for land suitability assessment at the local level in hill areas and determining their percentage influence, which has been done in two stages. In the first stage, the comprehensive list of 21 factors from the reported literature was prepared which was further condensed to the critical factors. In the second stage, the percentage influence of the critical factors was calculated by analyzing the experts opinions collected through a questionnaire survey. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used for the analysis of the questionnaire for weighting the critical factors. The slope was identified with the highest weight followed by aspect, surface runoff, elevation, and vegetation, whereas groundwater table, existing utilities, accessibility, soil type, and land use have comparatively less weights. The results of the study were used for the identification of locations for builtup facilities of an educational campus located in hill areas of Himachal Pradesh, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial strain VB3, an aerobic bacterium, was isolated from the water of Vashisht hot spring, Himachal Pradesh, India. The lysogenic bacterial strain VB3's draft genome sequences comprise approximately 6.06 MB DNA and 5607 predicted genes with a G + C content of 60.56%. The 16S rRNA sequencing assigned the bacterial strain VB3 to the genus Pseudomonas. Pseudomonas sp. VB3 was a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria demonstrating catalase, oxidase, citrate utilization, cellulase, and lipase activities. Genome mining revealed fourteen gene clusters coding for the biosynthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites. PHASTER analysis identified two intact and three incomplete putative prophage-related sequence regions in the draft genome. The reduction in the growth rate of the strain VB3 on mitomycin-C treatment was concurrent with the detection of the clearance zone in the spot assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing the array of effects that invasive alien species have, documenting their status from biodiversity rich regions has been much emphasized. Lack of such studies is a major limitation that hampers proper management of alien species. The present paper, therefore, documents the alien flora of the Indian Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh (HP) based on data obtained from literature and herbarium records. The alien flora of HP comprises of 497 species belonging to 85 families. Majority of them belong to family Asteraceae (59 species), followed by Poaceae (47 species) and Fabaceae (43 species). Amongst the genera, Ipomoea (9 species), Eucalyptus and Euphorbia (7 species each) are the most predominant. Herbs constitute the majority (i.e., 73 %) of alien species and a large percentage of them (i.e., 22.94 %) have South America as their native region. Further, of the total alien species, 248 are intentional introductions and majority (31 % species) have been introduced for ornamental purposes. It was revealed that 34 % species have naturalized while 29 % species have become invasive. Today, in addition to human-disturbed landscapes, alien species have also been reported from dense forests. Himalaya being a biodiversity hotspot and HP being a bio-rich Himalayan state, it is hoped that this inventory and assessment of alien flora will help in designing informed management and monitoring strategies against problematic plant invasions in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper quantifies and reviews the natural resource use in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh (HP). Twenty-five percent of the geographical area of HP is under forests and harbour ca. 3,400 plant species. The available bioresources not only support the livelihood of nearly 6 million people but also fulfill the forage requirement of 5.2 million livestock. Thus, dependence on bioresources is manifold. Based on field surveys to different localities of HP and analyses of published information, two types of resource use patterns have been identified. One, the direct use of forest resources which is represented by extraction of timber, fuelwood and fodder; and the second represents indirect resource use from the forest that is represented by activities related to agriculture, tourism and industry. Amongst the direct resource use, annual timber requirement of the local people works out to be 310,063 m. On the other hand, annual fuelwood and fodder requirement of local people is to the tune of 3,646,348.8 and 10,294,116.5 tons, respectively. Extraction of fodder therefore appears to be one of the main reasons for forest degradation in HP as opposed to timber and fuelwood extraction. However, compared to direct resource use, indirect resource use and pressures have far more pronounced effect on the forests. Of the indirect pressures, shifts in agriculture patterns and increased tourism seem to be the most prominent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of measurement of natural and fallout radioactivity in soil samples of Chamba and Dharamshala areas in Himachal Pradesh, India. Spatial distribution of U, Ra, Th, K, Cs was determined using High resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentration in Chamba region due to U, Th, K and Cs was 32.3, 58.4, 588.3, and 10.9 Bq kg, respectively, whereas in Dharamshala it was 35.7, 61.3, 594.9, 10.0 Bq kg, respectively. Absorbed gamma dose rate (D) in air was calculated using appropriate dose conversion factors, which was varying from 45 to 103 nGy h. To control the radiation exposure due to natural radioactivity in soil, if it is used as building materials, radium equivalent activity (Ra) and activity index were also evaluated. Radium equivalent activity calculated for the soil ranged from 95.5 to 234.2 Bq kg with average of 171.0 Bq kg.The calculated Activity concentration index was ranged from 0.34 to 0.85 with an average value of 0.64. The natural and fallout radioactivity in soil of this region is comparable with Indian average and other parts of the world. The percentage contribution of U, Th and K and Cs to the average external gamma dose rate was 22, 46, 32, 2%, respectively. This shows that the dose contribution due to fallout radioactivity is negligible as compared to the natural radioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development activities in mountainous region though provide comfort to the human being and enhance the socioeconomic status of the people but create pressure on the bio-resources. In this paper, the current status of land use/landcover and the vegetation communities of the Solang valley watershed in Himachal Pradesh of Indian western Himalaya has been mapped and presented using remote sensing. This watershed area was dominated by alpine and sub-alpine pastures (30.34%) followed by scree slopes (22.34%) and forests (21.06%). Many tree, shrub, and herb species identified in the study area are among the prioritized species for conservation in the Indian Himalayan Region. Thus, scientific interventions and preparation of action plans based on ecological survey are required for conservation of the Solang valley watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authors in their earlier study confirmed the high specificity of spherically shaped pectin-g-poly(amidoxime)-Fe composites for the removal of fluoride ions even at trace levels. In view of that, in this study, the above revealed composites were used in real conditions by using water samples from different rivers of Himachal Pradesh, India, and also performed the scaled studies in prototype column filter to conclude the capability of pectin-g-poly(amidoxime)-Fe composites for translation research. The results showed a marginal reduction of ~ 10% in the fluoride adsorption capability of spherically shaped pectin-g-poly(amidoxime)-Fe composites in real conditions from different rivers of Himachal Pradesh, India, in comparison to the simulated water-system. Afterward, the results were confirmed by FTIR, SEM and TEM studies to describe the mechanistic details. A prototype column filter was constructed with spherically shaped iron-impregnated-pectin-poly(amidoxime) composites to analyze the applicability in fluoride adsorption for domestic and industrial scale. The results demonstrated that the column filter established with 1.0 g adsorbent media was capable to treat 3.0 L of 10 ppm fluoride solution much lower to the permitted WHO maximum limit of 1.0 ppm. Also, the adsorption study was extended for transition metal ions of major concern i.e. Zn2+, Fe3+, Pb2+, and Cu2+ to assess the potential of pectin-g-poly(amidoxime) as a comprehensive solution of universal application. The findings concluded that the synthesized composites in spherical shape can be a guide for the media selection or as media/filler along with carbonaceous materials (in already existing technology) in constructing the economical portable filter of high efficiency to protect public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a cauldron of land and resource conflicts, driven by the increasing demand for land and resources by investors and infrastructure projects has surfaced, often at the expense of millions of rural poor. The concept of land acquisition disturbs the land owners as these individuals subsist on these resources for their livelihood. To overcome such situations, the concept of 'Land pooling' can be introduced, consolidating scattered land parcels for a unified public utility and infrastructure provision. Out of which, a share is taken for the intended development and the rest is then redivided among the owners. The present study was conducted through a pilot survey considering opinions and overviews from the owners, planning officials, and private investors on conventional land use management practices. Thereafter, a scientific model based on a literature review and field survey, recommending the concept of land pooling and reconsolidation was developed and discussed with the same stakeholders again. Subsequently, stakeholders' feedback was taken for the understanding and acceptance of land pooling. The study concludes that with alternative land use management, cadastral parcels can be converted to regularized land plots, with more economic value leading to efficient, sustainable and equitable land development. It further showed that proper land reconstitution can lead to an optimized land utilization pattern resulting in the possibility of more accessible, planned, fair, and resilient urban development. It can also be used for the development of Greenfield and brownfield areas along with redevelopment and revitalization of old unplanned towns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination with faecal matter is usually the main cause of microbial waterborne diseases. Such diseases are an alarming situation for small cities in developing countries like India. In this research, to check the microbiological status of drinking water in Solan, Himachal Pradesh (India), water samples were collected from baories/stepwells (n = 14), handpumps (n = 9), and the municipal water distribution system (MWDS) (n = 2) in alternative months of the year (covering three main seasons). In 6 months, 150 samples were collected, and they were all examined for the presence of total coliforms and other bacterial pathogens. The associations between the isolates' ecological and seasonal prevalence were also examined. The coliforms were detected by the Most Probable Number (MPN) method, whose range was noticed from the 2–540/100-ml MPN index. The colony forming unit (CFU) count for different samples at the base log 10 value ranged from 3.03 to 6.19. Different genera isolated and identified were Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteric subsp. enterica, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, 74% of the isolates identified in water samples were from the Enterobacteriaceae family. E. coli was about 42.67% (n = 102), followed by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica 20.92% (n = 50), Staphylococcus aureus 13.38% (n = 32), Pseudomonas spp. 12.55% (n = 30), and Klebsiella spp. 10.46% (n = 25) amongst the total of 239 isolates. The seasonal impact and the dependency of the occurrence of bacteria on one another were determined to be insignificant in the Spearman correlation test. These results showed that external factors (anthropogenic activities) are mainly responsible for the presence of these bacteria in water resources. The occurrence of bacterial isolates has been noticed in all water samples, irrespective of collecting site or season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four yeast strains were isolated from the gut of stingless bee, collected in Churdhar, Himachal Pradesh, India. Physiological characterization, morphological examination, and sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) genes, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene revealed that the four strains isolated from the gut of stingless bee belonged to the Debaryomyces clade. Strain CIG-23HT showed sequence divergence of 7.5% from Debaryomyces nepalensis JCM 2095T, 7.8% from Debaryomyces udenii JCM 7855T, and Debaryomyces coudertii JCM 2387T in the D1/D2 domain. In the ITS region sequences, strain CIG-23HT showed a 15% sequence divergence from Debaryomyces nepalensis JCM 2095T and Debaryomyces coudertii JCM 2387T. In 18S rRNA gene sequence, the strain CIG-23HT showed 1.14% sequence divergence from Debaryomyces nepalensis JCM 2095 and and Debaryomyces coudertii JCM 2387, and 0.83% sequence divergence from Debaryomyces hansenii NRRL Y-7426. Strain CIG-23HT can utilize more carbon sources than closely related species. The findings suggest that strain CIG-23HT is a novel species of the genus Debaryomyces, and we propose to name it as Debaryomyces apis f.a., sp. nov. The holotype is CBS 16297T, and the isotypes are MTCC 12914T and KCTC 37024T. The MycoBank number of Debaryomyces apis f.a., sp. nov. is MB836065. Additionally, a method using cresol red and Bromothymol blue pH indicator dyes was developed to screen for lipase producers, which is more sensitive and efficient than the currently used phenol red and rhodamine B dye-based screening methods, and avoids the problem of less differentiable zone of hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, waste management has emerged as a significant environmental challenge, and sewage is among the major contributors due to the rapidly increasing population. Despite sewage treatment plants (STPs) being the solution for the treatment of sewage, they have been identified as sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aimed to estimate the contribution of STPs to GHG emissions in the state. This was achieved by visiting the sites, filling scientifically designed questionnaires, sample collection as well as computational methods by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The assessment of direct and indirect emissions from the STPs revealed that emissions were caused by the activated sludge process, electricity consumption, transportation, and sludge storage. Electricity consumption by STPs was responsible for the highest emissions, accounting for 43% of the total emissions, equivalent to 20,823 tCO2 eq. The activated sludge process contributed 31% (14,934 tCO2 eq) of the emissions, while storage of sludge in landfills accounted for 24% (11,359 tCO2 eq). Additionally, transportation contributed 2% (1121 tCO2 eq) of the emissions. In total, the STPs in Himachal Pradesh had the potential to contribute 48,237 tCO2 eq GHG emissions annually. Thus, the study suggests process-level modifications in STPs of Himachal Pradesh to mitigate GHG emissions. This research provides insight into the GHG emissions from STPs and highlights the need for their management to reduce environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study attempts to establish a site-specific relationship between geoelectrical and aquifer parameters and then is utilised for estimating aquifer parameters where no pumping test exists. Both electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey and pumping test were carried out in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh, India, where the topography of the district is mostly ornamented by hilly terrain. In this study, 40 geoelectrical soundings using the Schlumberger configuration were performed at selected sites. Thirty out of 40 soundings were carried out at borewell sites where pumping test has been executed. The interpretations of each VES station were made, followed by analysis of the pumping test data. The results obtained for aquifer parameters from ERT survey for 40 VES locations using Dar Zarrouk parameters are in good agreement with the pumping test data estimated through Theis and Cooper–Jacob method. The regression between aquifer parameters (transmissivity and conductivity) and geoelectrical parameters shows a strong positive correlation with R 2 = 0.98 for transmissivity and R 2 = 0.96 for hydraulic conductivity. The aquifer protective capacity rating obtained from longitudinal conductance ( L c ) indicates that the aquifers in the study area are less susceptible to pollution from decomposed matter, with only 35% (approx.) of the area still either unprotected or vulnerable to pollution. Research Highlights: Relationship between geoelectrical parameters and aquifer parameters is developed. Aquifer potential varies between low to very low in the study area (i.e., covering 35.5% under low and remaining under very low category). Protective capacity rating shows majority (65%) of the areas are in good conditions in terms of vulnerability towards leachate pollution. ERT is a reliable method to determine aquifer parameters. However, it is comparatively non-viable at sites with substantial undulating terrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the Sataun landslide was investigated along the National Highway-72 (NH-72) between Sirmauri Tal and Sataun towns of the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Northwestern Himalaya, India. Geologically, the Sataun landslide is composed of Middle Siwalik sandstones, which are highly fractured and faulted due to the interaction of the active Sirmauri Tal Fault zone and the Malgi Fault at the site of the Sataun landslide. Through the geological field investigations, three unstable zones were identified, which are prone to landslides. A major failure along one of the unstable zones (Sataun landslide, Zone 1) occurred on the 9th of October 2019. The investigation of the Sataun landslide was carried out using geological, geomorphological, geotechnical, and kinematic analysis. A pre-landslide topography was used to analyse the slope stability using FEM (finite element modelling) technique. Geomorphological studies and field investigations suggest the presence of an active fault zone (Sirmauri Tal Fault zone) passing through the Sataun landslide zone. Grain size analysis demonstrates that the soil is non-cohesive poorly graded sandy soil and geotechnical parameters indicate low cohesion (0.17 kPa) and low angle of internal friction (33.09°). Pre-landslide slope modelling suggests a low factor of safety (0.76). Toe cutting by the Giri River, the presence of radial, transverse cracks on the landslide body, and tension cracks on the crown propose the active and progressive nature of the landslide. Although the role of active fault is the most crucial factor for the Sataun landslide failure, rainfall played a critical triggering role in the Sataun landslide. This study shows that the unstable condition of the Sataun landslide may trigger another event of similar or greater intensity in the near future; therefore, proper monitoring is required to mitigate this landslide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Himachal Pradesh is a northern state of India and is located to the southern of the mighty Himalaya. The agro-climatic conditions are favourable for the cultivation of off-season vegetables. One alternative is to control Agrotis ipsilon Hufnagel (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with indigenous natural products derived from cow and plant extracts. To reduce the usage of pesticides during crop protection, the current study was conducted with several indigenous natural products with the goal of assessing the toxic, ovicidal behaviour and its influence on pest growth and development. Results showed that mixtures of different extracts from plants and cow by-products, especially Dashparni ark, could be an economic approach for the management of A. ipsilon. In all the products, A. ipsilon mortality ranged from low to moderate levels in the laboratory in first, second and third instar larvae, which decreased with subsequent instars and was observed to be very low in fourth, fifth and sixth instar. The egg hatchability of A. ipsilon was decreased with increase in the concentration of all evaluated products. Compared to other checked natural products, Dashparni Ark demonstrated the highest ovicidal performance at various concentrations. The normal growth of A. ipsilon was hampered by the recommended concentration (10%) of the various natural products used against fourth instar larvae, which increased the lifespan of fourth, fifth, and sixth instar larvae and pupa while decreasing the longevity of males and females, shortening the lifespan of oviposition, and decreasing fertility. The findings showed that it is possible to use indigenous natural products as one of the components for managing A. ipsilon to decrease over-reliance on insecticides under field and greenhouse conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the hilly terrain of the Indian Himalayas, prolonged severe rainfall and subsequent rise of the water table during the Indian monsoon season are the most prevalent prerequisites for the development of deep-seated landslides. The Kotropi landslide in the mountainous region of Himachal Pradesh represents such a suitable site; its location in the North-West (NW) Himalayas and varying depth of groundwater table (GWT) throughout the year along with several other geological factors resulted in the third reactivation of the slide on August 13th of 2017. To properly quantify and demonstrate the effect of GWT fluctuation on slope instability, this research proposes a comprehensive approach. It integrates the 3D model–building process of the entire slide with the simulation process of that model using FLAC 3D software. To determine the geometry of the slide and the depth of the GWT, a total station tacheometric survey and an electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) study were conducted respectively. When the model was simulated at different GWT depths of 15 m, 10 m, 5 m, and surface, the factor of safety (FoS) dropped from 1.21 to 0.86, indicating slope instability as GWT rises. The findings highlight the importance of groundwater fluctuation modeling in slope instability studies of deep-seated landslides. The simulated models show impending failure in the right flank, which was validated during a recent field visit in April 2022. This study provides useful insights for examining the failure mechanism of deep-seated landslides in the Himalayan terrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides in the Himalayan region are primarily controlled by natural parameters, including rainfall, seismic activity, and anthropogenic parameters, such as the construction of large-scale projects like road development, tunneling and hydroelectric power projects and climate change. The parameters which are more crucial among these are a matter of scientific study and analysis. This research, taking Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, India, as the study area, aims to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on landslide susceptibility at a regional scale. Landslide distribution was characterized into two groups, namely Rainfall-Induced Landslide (RIL) and Human-Induced Landslide (HIL) based on triggering factors. Multiple data such as slope angle, aspect, profile curvature, distance to drainage, distance to lineament, lithology, distance to road, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and land use land cover (LULC) have been considered for delineating the landslide susceptibility zonation (LSZ) map. The effect of anthropogenic activities on landslide occurrences has been examined through the distribution of landslides along national highways and land use land cover changes (LULCC). Two sets of LSZ maps with a LULC of time interval covering five years (2017 & 2021) were prepared to compare the temporal progression of LULC and landslide susceptibility during the five years. The results indicated the significant impact of anthropogenic activities on the landslide susceptibility. LSZ map of the year 2021 shows that 23% area falls into high and very high susceptible classes and 48% area falls into very low and low susceptibility classes. Compared to LSZ map of 2017, high and very high susceptible classes have been increased by 15%, whereas very low and low susceptible classes have been reduced by 7%. The present case study will help to understand the potential driving parameters responsible for HIL and also suggest the inclusion of LULC in landslide susceptibility analysis. The study will demonstrate new opportunities for research that could help decision-makers prepare for future disasters, both in the Indian Himalayan region and other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on the hydro-geochemistry of Shaune Garang glacier's meltwater concerning glacial geomorphology. Seventy-nine water samples (53 in 2016 and 26 in 2017) of ablation season were analysed. The cations were dominant in the order Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+, and the anions in the order HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > NO3−. The result demonstrated that HCO3− were the abundant ions, accounting for 41.03 and 34.84% of the total ionic budget (TZ). The high ionic proportions of (Ca2+ + Mg2+) versus TZ+ and (Ca2+ + Mg2+) versus (Na+ + K+) were identified as the primary factors influencing dissolved ion chemistry in meltwater. Piper diagram shows that Ca2+–HCO3– type water is the most common, followed by Mg2+–HCO3–. In addition, a remote sensing approach has been used to find the possible source of the chemical constituents in the meltwater. The catchment geology has been mapped on various scales, including diverse rocks and unconsolidated surface materials containing "quartz and carbonate minerals". Layered silicates (LS) and "hydroxyl-bearing minerals" are not as common as they used to be, but their availability varies greatly in the area where they are found. The distribution of LS minerals within the catchment are majorly found at lower altitudes, which implies the weathering mechanism due to the interaction of meltwater and parental rock. Multivariate analysis revealed that CO3 and SiO2 weathering, sulphate dissolution, and pyrite oxidation dominate dissolved ion concentrations. Chemometric analysis of meltwater hydro-geochemistry through principal component analysis explains 72.1% of the total variance of four PCs. PCs 1, 2, 3, and 4 explain 39.21%, 12.91%, 10.24%, and 9.74% of variance, respectively, in 2016. Similarly, in 2017, four PCs explain 69.91% of the total variance. PC 1, 2, 3, and 4 can explain 26.62%, 20.12%, 12.64%, and 10.52% of variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Earth has witnessed the evolution of thousands of plant species in the kingdom named Plantae. Due to the diversity and subtle differences in each plant, it becomes difficult for a novice to identify a particular plant and to know the properties associated with it. We propose a classification model that can solve this issue by categorizing the input plant image. Our methodology can classify up to 79 different plant species found predominantly in Himachal Pradesh located in India. A Deep Learning-based model is used to carry out the classification. Our model is optimized to work efficiently without a live internet connection on smartphones and other devices with limited computational power. A total of 79 distinct classes were classified using the Convolution neural network DenseNet-161 model architecture with a testing accuracy of 97.3%. The application works on any android platform and can classify the input plant image with an average latency of 1.98 s. Our application built on this model assists farmers and locals to get in-depth knowledge about the species including the local name, scientific name, description, and the care requirements by uploading or taking a picture of the plant leaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl., foliose lichen is widespread in the region and grows luxuriantly on the various substrata. For the elemental concentration and biochemical parameters, P. cocoes were collected from the Mandi district and were analysed to assess their tolerance to heavy metals. Six parameters were estimated, including total chlorophyll concentration, carotenoid, protein, flavonoid, phenolic content, and heavy metals (Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Copper), that are commonly used to determine pollution levels. At a heavily contaminated site, the species accumulated maximum amounts of Pb > Ni > Cu > As > Cd. Most metal concentrations at various sites were significant when compared to the control site. Moreover, total chlorophyll concentration, carotenoid, protein, flavonoid, and total phenolic seem to be the most effective and interesting variables for estimating the level of air pollution in an area. Total chlorophyll, flavonoid, and total phenolic were significantly greater at the moderately polluted site, whilst carotenoid or protein was high at the non-polluted site. The current research concludes that P. cocoes is resistant to inorganic contamination and can be used as a biomonitoring tool for air quality in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cloudburst event occurred at around 04:00hrs (IST), on 18, August 2019, elicited landslides and flash floods, at Tikochi and Makudi village under the Arakot region of Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, India. This heavy rain has caused a massive flash flood in Arakot Nala and induced a major landslide downstream. This flash flood has caused the death of 19 people, 8 were missings, and 15 were injured, affecting 38 villages (70 km2 area) and stranding more than 400 people at various places. These flash floods have caused irreparable damage to the livestock, infrastructures, environment, and properties in the Uttarakhand and Himachal states and estimated economic losses of about Rs ∼175 crores. During the same period, heavy rainfall also made havoc across north India. Meanwhile, the rescue and evacuation process in the region has been carried out by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). However, it will take a lot of time to bring the situation in the region to normalcy. The study has suggested that pragmatic check dam policy and logical shifting of the people should be exercised in a safe and stable area before the onset of the monsoon season in the hazard-prone areas. An early warning system (EWS), installation of Doppler radar, and lightning sensors, which would be helpful for policymakers, planners, practitioners, and technologists will aid to minimize the disaster risk and sustainable development within the region. Although an EWS alone can not stop a similar type of disaster but would be very helpful in minimizing the loss of human lives, livestock, biodiversity, infrastructure (civilian and strategic), and land holding in the hilly region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines India's response to the global soil health crisis. A longstanding centre of agricultural production and innovation, India has recently launched an ambitious soil health programme. The country's Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme intervenes in farm-scale decisions about efficient fertiliser use, envisioning farmers as managers and soil as a substrate for production. India is also home to one of the world's largest alternative agriculture movements: natural farming. This puts farmer expertise at the centre of soil fertility and attends to the wider ecological health of soils. Despite emerging as a mode of resistance to dominant agricultural systems, natural farming is now being delivered in increasingly bureaucratic ways by India's state governments. This article offers Himachal Pradesh as a case study in how the soil is governed, drawing on 38 semi-structured interviews with scientists, agricultural officers, non-governmental organisation leaders, and activists. Rather than assess approaches to soil health according to their ecological bottom line, we examine the differing forms of knowledge, expertise and 'truth' in the SHC and Natural Farming approaches. Our analysis reveals discontinuities in how farmers are imagined, as well as continuities in how quasi-spiritual language combines in a bionationalist project, positing assumptions about the correct arrangement of life in nationalist terms. We point to a shift toward hybrid and pick-and-mix approaches to soil health, as farmers and their organisers are increasingly invested with the capacities to combine multiple options. We see a fracturing of expertise and the opening up of epistemic pluralism in responses to the soil fertility crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatiotemporal variability of rainfall, particularly in the context of climate change, has been imperative for examining the cropping patterns, farming sustainable crop production, and food security in rainfed areas. To that end, trend analysis was done to study the change in rainfall patterns in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. The study investigated the historical rainfall data from 1971 to 2020 on a monthly, annual, seasonal, and decadal basis by using the variability analysis methods, viz., standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variance (CV), and transformed annual precipitation departure (Z). The trend analysis was also done by Mann–Kendall (MK) and Sen's slope estimator (SSE) test and linear regression model. The annual rainfall in the region was 1115.1 mm, which showed a decreasing trend (Z = − 0.79 mm/year). Based on the linear regression model, the decrease in annual rainfall was about − 2.28 mm/year. The monthly and seasonal variability of rainfall exhibited a sensitivity to change. The months of January, April, July, and September showed an increasing trend, whereas the rest of the other months showed a decreasing trend. The seasonal rainfall (summer, monsoon, and post-monsoon) showed a decreasing trend, whereas the winter season depicted an increasing trend. During the entire study period, 1988 recorded as the wettest year, with highest annual rainfall of about 2205.0 mm and monsoon rainfall of about 1653.0 mm. The highest annual (2205.0 mm) and monsoon (1653.0 mm) rainfall was recorded in the year 1988. The decadal analysis of the rainfall on an annual basis revealed a decrease in rainfall during the periods 1971–1980, 2001–2010, and 2011–2020 as compared to 1981–1990 and 1991–2000. The rainfall over the study region confirms the strength of the change in trend. Thus, the erratic rainfall pattern makes the cropping calendar shorter and affects the agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the decades, chemical fertilizers are indiscriminately used in agriculture to increase the crop production, but unfortunately it is considered as a non-sustainable approach due to adverse impact on environment and human health. Bioinoculants provide a better opportunity for ecological farming practices to enhance crop productivity. Different types of bio-inoculants containing single and multiple strains as consortium could be used for crop production soil health. In the present study, efficient microbial consortium consisting mineral solubilizing, and nitrogen fixing microbes were evaluated for growth and physiological parameters of chilli. Rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria were isolated from different cereal crop (foxtail millet, finger millet, maize, oats and, wheat) growing in Himachal Pradesh. All the 145 isolates were primarily screened for minerals solubilization (phosphorus and potassium) and nitrogen fixation attributes. The selected P-solubilizer, K-solubilizer; and N-fixer strains were further screened for solubilization of Zn and Se; production of siderophores, ammonia, indole acetic acid, and hydrogen cyanide. The potential P-solubilizer, K-solubilizer and N-fixer bacterial strains were identified on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Erwinia persicina EU-A3SK3, Halomonas aquamarina EU-B2RNL2, and Pseudomonas extremorientalis EU-B1RTR1, respectively. The inoculation of these bacterial strains on chilli as microbial consortium resulted in the increased growth (shoot/root biomass and length; number of leaves, branches and fruits per plant) and physiological parameters (content of chlorophyll, total soluble sugar, phenolics and flavonoids) of the treated plants over the individual strain inoculated plants and untreated control. These potential strains of mineral solubilizers and nitrogen fixer as biofertilizer could be utilized for the horticulture crops growing in hilly region for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study demonstrates the spatial analysis and mapping of fish and different measures of environmental parameters and fish diversity of Pong reservoir, Himachal Pradesh, using Kriging spatial interpolation methods for geographical information system mapping. Seasonal data on environmental parameters, potential fish habitat and fish diversity was collected from lentic (dam), lentic (reservoir), transitional and lotic zone of the reservoir.. Important environmental parameters like water temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, water depth and transparency showed variations across the different zones of the reservoir. The sediment of the reservoir was sandy clay loam in nature as per texture analysis. Fish species richness, Shannon index and evenness index showed a similarity of the lotic and lentic (reservoir) zones of the reservoir. Six potential fish breeding grounds were identified in the reservoir indicating high conservation significance. The analysis of data showed a declining trend in fish production from 456.9 tonnes during the decade 1976–1987 to 347.91 tonnes during 2009–2020. The factors like anthropogenic climate change, predation of a stocked fish juvenile by water birds, undersized fish stocking and unscientific management are the probable reasons for the decreasing fish production. The spatial variation pattern of the water spread area, environmental parameters, fish catch and potential fish breeding grounds depicted in the GIS platform can be used as an important information base by the policy makers for fisheries management. The stocking of large size fish as a stocking material and adequate protection of the potential fish breeding grounds are the key advisories for the sustainable enhancement of fisheries as well as conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forecast of snow avalanches in the Himalayan region has critical importance due to repetitive hazard scenarios and huge loss of property and lives. In recent years, avalanche forecast models have been developed using meteorological data collected from surface observatories (SO) at Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (erstwhile Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) and now DGRE), India. For operational forecasting, outputs of a Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) model are used in real-time. The objective of this study is to determine a suitable bias correction approach for three key variables: mean temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (WS) which can be implemented in the operational forecast services at four observatory stations in Himachal Pradesh, India. We consider data of seven cold seasons (November–April) from 2011 to 2018 obtained from SO and WRF model output. Three quantile-based bias-correction approaches: Quantile Mapping (QM), Quantile–Quantile Mapping (QQ), and Quantile–Delta Mapping (QD), have been applied. In applying the QD method, two types of delta terms: multiplicative and additive, have been experimented according to the density distribution of the data. For evaluation, a leave-one-season-out-cross-validation approach is used. The results indicate that the QM and QD methods significantly reduced the bias associated with the mean temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, whereas the performance of QQ method has limitations for all the variables. Furthermore, to meet the objective of generating bias-corrected data for operational forecasting services, uniform parameter set is generated for each variable associated with all the observatory stations. This approach is effective only for temperature, and for other variables, the improvements were not significant, mainly because of the high topographical variability in the Himalayan terrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We here report a new assemblage of microvertebrate and arthropod faunas from the Nurpur region of Himachal Pradesh, which erstwhile was known for mega mammalian fauna. The present assemblage consists of rodents such as Karnimata cf. K. darwini and Murinae indet; reptiles such as Crocodylia indet, 'Colubrinae' indet. or 'Natricinae' indet.; fishes such as Cyprinidae indet. and Perciformes indet.; and crab Sartoriana indet. Microvertebrate fauna are well known from the Indian Siwalik deposits but the report here from the Nurpur is the first occurrence. Further, the presence of Karnimata cf. K. darwini from Nurpur has the potential to extend the Last Appearance Datum (LAD) of Karnimata darwini up to 8.2 Ma or younger in the Indian Siwalik. The microfaunal assemblages of this locality indicate freshwater and an open terrestrial environmental condition with tropical to subtropical open grassland separated by woodland forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research has been performed to analyze the chemical behavior of rainwater of the Shaune Garang catchment (32.19° N, 78.20° E) in the Baspa basin, located at a high elevation (4221 m above mean sea level) in the Himachal Himalaya, India. During the study period, sixteen rainwater samples were collected from the Shaune Garang catchment at five different sites. The volume-weighted mean (VWM) pH value of rainwater ranged between 4.59 and 6.73, with an average value of 5.47 ± 0.69, indicating the alkaline nature of rainfall. The total ionic strength in the rainwater ranged from 113.4 to 263.3 µeq/l with an average value of 169.1 ± 40.4 µeq/l. The major dominant cations were Ca2+ (43.10%) and Na+ (31.97%) and anions were Cl− (37.68%), SO42− (28.71%) and NO3− (23.85%) in rainwater. The ionic ratios were calculated among all the ions. The fraction of (NO3− +Cl−) with SO42− was measured as 2.3, which specifies sour faces of rainwater due to HNO3, H2SO4, and HCl. A multivariate statistical assessment of rainwater chemistry through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows the significance of four factors controlling 78.37% of the total variance, including four-component (PC1 explained 27.89%, PC2 explained 24.98%, PC3 explained 14.64%, PC4 explained 10.85%). However, the individual contribution of Factor 1(PC1) explains 27.89% of the total variance (78.37%) and displays a strong optimistic loading for Ca2+ and Cl−. Further, high loading of Ca2+ and NO3− and moderate loading of SO42− signify the contribution of burning fossil fuel and soil dust. Anthropogenic and natural pollutants influence the composition of rainwater in the pristine Himalayas due to local and long-distance transportation. The study area receives precipitation from the West and North-West, transporting dust and fossil fuel emissions from the Thar Desert and Northwestern countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-wildlife conflicts are typically treated as emergent dilemmas related to wildlife management and anthropogenic encroachment into forest land. However, conflict events are rarely discrete, localized phenomena with direct cause-effect relationships, and a better understanding of how historic changes in social and cultural practices and politico-economic decisions impact human-nature relationships would lend greater insights into the development and unfolding of conflict events. We employ a political ecology framework to investigate the case of human-Rhesus macaque conflict in Himachal Pradesh, northern India, to show that human-rhesus macaque interactions originate in structural changes in the region's socio-economic systems because of global and national economic policies that have shaped the ecological stability of the region. Our analysis highlights that human-wildlife conflict needs to be examined as a complex interplay of multiple competing factors ranging in scale from the global to the local. It is therefore imperative that any strategy to mitigate human-wildlife conflict must account for the socio-ecological-economic stability of the region wherein the interaction occurs rather than merely addressing the visible cause of the conflict event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate prediction of the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is vital for estimating the crop water requirements precisely. In this study, we developed multi-layer perceptron artificial neural network (MLP-ANN) models considering different combinations of the meteorological data for predicting the ET0 in the Beas-Sutlej basin of Himachal Pradesh (India). Four climatic locations in the basin namely, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Chaba were selected. The meteorological dataset comprised air temperature (maximum, minimum and mean), relative humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed, recorded daily for a period of 35 years (1984–2019). The datasets from 1984 to 2012 and 2013 to 2019 were utilized for training and testing the models, respectively. The performance of the developed models was evaluated using several statistical indices. For each location, the best performed MLP-ANN model was the one with the complete combination of the meteorological data. The architecture of the best performing model for Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Chaba was (6–2-4–1), (6–5-4–1), (6–5-4–1), and (6–4-6–1), respectively. It was observed, however, that the performance of other models was also relatively good, given the limited meteorological data utilized in those models. Further, to appreciate the relative predictive ability of the developed models, a comparison was performed with four existing established empirical models. The approach adopted in this study can be effectively utilized by water users and field researchers for modelling and predicting ET0 in data-scarce locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White grub species, Melolontha cuprescens, Melolontha furcicauda, Melolontha indica and Polyphylla fullo are serious pests of different crops in north-western Himalaya. None of these species are, however, characterized at molecular level including DNA barcodes. Here we provide DNA barcodes for these species. The adults of these species were collected from different locations of Himachal Pradesh and described by molecular characterization. The mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COX1) and 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) genes of these species were amplified and sequenced for molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis. The sequences of these genes from other species of these genera and other related genera were also retrieved from DNA databases and included in the analysis. The COX1 sequences of M. cuprescens were 99.88% similar to P. fullo, whereas those of M. furcicauda were 84.91% similar to M. indica. Among retrieved COX1 sequences, Melolontha hippocastani (HM120757 & KX087316) were closer to M. furcicauda (86.14–86.50%) and M. indica (85.74–86.04%) as compared to M. cuprescens (81.44–81.47%) and P. fullo (81.32–81.47%). Based on 28S rRNA gene sequences, M. indica showed 99.42% similarity to Melolontha melolontha (EU084231) as compared to M. cuprescens and M. furcicauda which were distantly related. The COX1 was a better DNA barcode for the identification of Melolontha and Polyphylla species. The 28S rRNA has a limited utility in DNA barcoding of Melolontha species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims at evaluating the morphometric parameters of Baner, Neogal and Awa river basins in Himachal Pradesh, India for making important assessments about the morphometric characteristics and geo-hydrological conditions of these watersheds. Georeferenced Survey of India toposheets, Cartosat-DEM are the datasets used in ArcGIS software for the delineation of watersheds and calculating important morphometric parameters along with the preparation of relief, slope, aspect and drainage basin asymmetry maps. The results show that the Neogal and Awa rivers are of 6th order whereas Baner river is of 7th order. The basins are of elongated shape and the drainage is mainly of sub-dendritic to dendritic type. In the northern regions of these river basins, the slopes are very steep and the relief is very high that results in rapid runoff and increases the intensity of erosion. High drainage density (>2.8) and fine drainage texture (>9) indicate moderately permeable subsurface material that causes groundwater deficit. These watersheds have developed asymmetrical drainage and their high ruggedness values (>12) refers to the rejuvenated stage of their geomorphic development. The study concludes that erosion-prone areas with rapid runoff are present in the area and adequate measures will assist in the sustainable management of land and water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]