| 1 |
Author(s):
Bipul Saikia, Deepam Talukdar, Dr. Bharati Gogoi, Dr. Jyotishmoy Bora.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Environment
Page No:
1-13 |
Assessment of Flood Affected Areas using GEE and SAR Imagery: A Spatio Temporal Analysis of Morigaon District
Abstract
Flooding is a recurrent and severe environmental hazard in Morigaon district, Assam, driven by the hydrodynamics of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. The study assesses the spatial extent of flood-affected areas and examines their interaction with land use and land cover (LULC) patterns using multi-temporal geospatial techniques. Sentinel 1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery for 2015 and 2025 was processed on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to delineate flood inundation, employing VV and VH polarization in Interferometric Wide Swath (IW) mode. A refined Lee filter and image mosaicking were applied in SNAP to enhance data quality. Additionally, a LULC map for the years 2015 and 2025 were generated using Sentinel 2 imagery and visual interpretation techniques, classifying the district into six major land use categories. Results reveal that Morigaon district is predominantly agricultural, with cropland covering over 55% of its total geographical area in both years. Temporal flood analysis indicates a substantial decline in inundation from 25,748.67 ha in 2015 to 13,706.35 ha in 2025, although cropland consistently remained the most affected category. The reduction in flood extent over time may be linked to improved flood mitigation infrastructure, hydrological variations, rainfall intensity and pattern, and changes in sediment dynamics. Despite this decline, the district continues to exhibit considerable ecological and socio-economic vulnerability due to its agrarian dependence and exposure to riverine processes. The study highlights the value of integrating SAR and optical data for reliable flood assessment and underscores the need for sustainable floodplain management and adaptation strategies to enhance resilience in Morigaon district.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Sreeparna Das, Tanmay Sardar.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Cultural Geography
Page No:
14-26 |
Negotiating Tradition and Change: A Cultural–Geographical Study of Sohrai and Khovar Paintings in Hazaribagh region, Jharkhand, India
Abstract
Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India is known for its two important cultural styles of painting, Sohrai and Khovar; these paintings have historical and emotional meaning to the artisans in that area. This study has investigated the perspectives of the villagers of Isko and Jorakath and their addition to the evolution of these two types of paintings. Artisans in Isko continue to utilize natural dyes in their paint to make ritualistic paintings, with their purpose largely associated with ceremonial events. On the other hand, Jorakath artisans have moved toward using synthetic pigments in their non-ritualistic works, partially due to the influence of tourism and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This new trend changes the cultural integrity of the paintings because artisans create the paintings and then they are reproduced commercially, negatively affecting the individual artists’ heritage. This paper illustrates an immediate need to protect these artistic forms of expression and provide adequate compensation for artists. The notion of using these forms of artistic expression within an evolving society is emphasized through environmental stewardship, equitable market access, and educational outreach activities to ensure the next generations have access to the legacy of Sohrai and Khovar paintings.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Anjali Umarvaishya, Prof. Azizur Rahman Siddiqui.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Population Geography
Page No:
27-40 |
Population Ageing and Dependency Trends in India, Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj (1991-2031).
Abstract
Demographic change in India is unfolding a structural shift that is characterized by falling fertility, declining child dependency, and a gradually rising share of the elderly population, which indicates the onset of aging in India. This study analyses the trend in the elderly population and age structure in India, Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj from 1991 to 2031. The data is collected from secondary sources such as the Census of India and the Elderly in India 2021 report to measure and analyze key indices such as the percentage of the elderly population, old age dependency ratio (OADR), and the aging index. The analysis of data shows that there is a continuous decline in the share of the child population (0-14 years), a gradual rise in the elderly population (60+ years), and a relatively expanding working-age population (15-59 years). This trend is observed across all the geographies, though at a different pace. The findings highlight that the ageing and dependency pressure are increasing at a faster rate in India in comparison to Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj. This structural change in the demography has several implications for traditional family-based care, health care demand and social protection policy formulations. The study suggests a proactive age-sensitive planning for the present as well as for the future in order to harness the demographic dividend while managing the challenges of aging in India, Uttar Pradesh, and districts like Prayagraj at the same time.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Rajbhan Singh, Prof. Ram Bhajan Agrahari.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Agricultural Geography
Page No:
41-57 |
Climatic Variability and Rice Yield Instability in a Semi-Arid Region of India: Evidence from Banda District, Bundelkhand
Abstract
Climate variability has emerged as a major challenge for agricultural sustainability in semi-arid regions where crop production is highly dependent on monsoon rainfall. The present study examines the impact of climatic variability on rice productivity and yield instability in Banda district, located in the drought-prone region of Bundelkhand, during 1990–2019. The study utilized district-level time-series data on rice yield, monsoon rainfall, monsoon temperature, water deficit, irrigation, and fertilizer consumption obtained from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics database. Descriptive statistics, trend analysis, Mann–Kendall test, Sen’s slope estimator, correlation analysis, multiple regression modelling, yield anomaly analysis, and the Cuddy–Della Valle instability index were employed to assess climate–agriculture relationships and productivity instability. The results revealed a significant increasing trend in rice yield despite substantial interannual variability in climatic conditions. Monsoon temperature exhibited a significant increasing trend, while rainfall and water deficit did not show significant long-term changes. Regression and anomaly models identified monsoon rainfall as the most important determinant of interannual rice yield variability. The instability analysis indicated moderate-to-high rice yield instability; however, the decline in trend-adjusted instability during the post-2005 period suggests partial stabilization of productivity through agricultural adaptation measures such as irrigation expansion and input intensification. The findings highlight that although technological improvements have enhanced agricultural resilience, rice cultivation in Banda district remains highly vulnerable to monsoon variability and hydro-climatic stress. The study emphasizes the need for climate-resilient agricultural strategies to strengthen food security and sustainable agricultural development in semi-arid regions of India.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Rajendra Thakur, Dr. Gyanendra Kumar Singh.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Development Geography
Page No:
58-67 |
India’s Journey Toward Viksit Bharat: A Vision for Inclusive and Sustainable Development
Abstract
India’s journey from a colony to a global power is a truly remarkable story. The nation has moved past a difficult history of exploitation, partition, and poverty. Through grit and innovation, India has shown great resilience. Now, the country is entering "Amrit Kaal." This is the 25-year period leading up to the 100th year of independence in 2047. The goal is to build a "Vikshit Bharat," or a Developed India. This vision is not just about money. It is also about social fairness, protecting the environment, and leading the world with strong values.
This paper examines how India’s national plans align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals are a global roadmap for fair progress by 2030. By looking at government reports and academic research, the study tracks India’s success in key areas. These include reducing poverty, improving healthcare, and reforming education. It also looks at progress in gender equality and climate action. However, the study points out several serious hurdles. The gap between the rich and the poor, social bias, and a lack of modern skills are major concerns. Inefficient systems can also slow things down. These problems could delay the dream of a fully developed India.
To help India grow, this paper suggests new strategies for agriculture, education, and healthcare. It also explores how the government and private companies can work together better. Environmental rules and global relationships are also part of this plan. The study makes it clear that the government cannot do this alone. Young people, businesses, and local communities must drive this change. India has a unique edge because of its large youth population and modern technology. These strengths, combined with India's cultural values, can create a new model for growth. This model aims to be fair for everyone and safe for the planet.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Jyoti A. Pathare.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Geomorphology
Page No:
68-88 |
Annual and seasonal spatio-temporal analysis of rainfall gridded data (1950-2023) over Darna River Basin, India
Abstract
The present paper attempts to analyse the rainfall distribution, variability, and trends in annual and seasonal scales over the DRB, India. The high-resolution (0.25° x 0.25°) daily gridded datasets for 74 years (1950-2023) have been procured from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). To assess the basic trends of the rainfall data, statistical techniques such as standard deviation (SD), non-parametric method Mann–Kendall (MK) trend test, and Sen’s Slope Estimator (SSE) have been performed for annual and seasonal scales. In addition to understanding the station-wise temporal rainfall change (%), and departure from the mean of the annual and seasonal rainfall data has been computed for further analysis. Lastly, all thematic maps have been prepared by using the inverse distance weighted (IDW) technique in the GIS environment. The study revealed that the CV in the case of the winter season was computed the highest, 521% at Wasali, followed by 400 % in pre-monsoon at Asvali, indicating high variability of rainfall. The annual trend shows that a significant increasing trend was observed towards the east part at Asvali (Z=3.35) and Wasali (Z=2.74) rain gauge stations than the west. Likewise, a significant increasing trend was noted (at a 99% significance level) in the monsoon season (June-September) at Asvali (Z=3.30) and Wasali (Z=3.02) as compared to the Igatpuri station. During the pre-monsoon season remarkably significant decreasing trend was noted at Wasali (Z= -2.39), whereas no trend was noted in the post-monsoon season at Wasali. It also figured out that the Asvali station recorded rainfall departure from the mean at the annual scale was highest, +221.5% (2005), followed by +150.3% (2008). The approach adopted in this paper will be greatly advantageous for flood and drought risk management and could be helpful for policymakers associated with sustainable water resource and agriculture management.
Keywords: gridded data; trend and magnitude; flood; drought; darna river basin
| 7 |
Author(s):
Amit Kumar Jana.
Country:
India
Research Area:
Geomorphology
Page No:
89-106 |
DEM & Morphometric Based Watershed Prioritization & Analysis in Foothill Catchments Area of the Eastern Himalaya: Mountainous Landscapes Promoting for Sustainability
Abstract
The present study utilized a Digital Elevation Model (DEM)-based approach to explore a Geomorphometric technique for prioritizing watersheds in the hilly areas of the Lish & Gish catchment. This study evaluated Microwatersheds to assess their susceptibility to erosion and hydrological response by employing topographic parameters, as well as drainage density, stream frequency, bifurcation ratio, relief ratio, and ruggedness number. To delineate micro-watersheds and extract linear, areal, and relief morphometric features, 30-meter resolution SRTM DEM data and Survey of India (SOI) topographic maps were utilized. These components were integrated to develop a Composite Priority Index (CPI), which was used to classify the watersheds into high, medium, and low priority categories. Owing to their steep slopes, extensive drainage systems, and rocky landscapes, watersheds 1 and 3 were identified as high priorities in the analysis, highlighting the urgent need for soil and water conservation measures. This study offers a scalable framework for managing watersheds in other mountainous regions and underscores the significance of terrain analysis for resource planning.
