000216   Roy R (Geography & Applied Geography Dep, North Bengal Univ, West Bengal) : Measurement of agricultural efficiency: a case study of Kooch Bihar district, West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 175-80.

An attempt has been made to study the spatial patterns and spatio-temporal changes of agricultural efficiency in Koch Bihar district. This analysis is of great significance in agricultural geography as it is helpful for understanding the overall the improvement of the agricultural economy under the existing socio-economic and physical condition. The Koch Bihar district is characterized by agrarian economy. The population of the district is increasing rapidly but the yield rate of crops mainly food crops show very little change. The need of the time is to develop appropriate planning and strategy for its active implementation for sustainable development of agriculture and agro-based economy to the downstream.

2 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

000215   Rawat A;Soni P;Vasistha H B (Ecology and Environment Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun) : Biostabilization of an active landslide using early colonizing species in the western Himalaya. Indian J Soil Conserv 2009, 37(2), 112-17.

Landslides manifest important soil degradation processes in the Western Himalayas. It has been recognized that slopes under vegetation are much more resistant to landslide processes compared to bare soils. Revegetation of such bare and exposed sites by using early successional native colonizing species is, therefore, considered to be a very effective landslide control measure. Three primary successional native plant species were selected for bio-stabilization of landslide damaged sites in Uttarkashi and their growth performance was evaluated for one year. Seedlings of Alnus nepalensis (tree), Mimosa himalayana (shrub) and Woodfordia fruiticosa (shrub) were transplanted on landslide damaged sites from a nearby nursery, where the species were grown and their growth performance was evaluated for one year. The results reveal that Alnus nepalensis with greater height (36.44 cm), collar diameter (0.69 cm), leaf area (964.80 cm₂) and soil volume (0.13 m₃) etc. and Woodfordia fruiticosa with higher root volume (72.80 cm₃), binding capacity (80.06) and root: shoot ratio (1.03) performed significant better growth than Mimosa himalayana in landslide sites. The successful establishment of these species and their significant above and below ground growth performance on landslide damaged sites indicates that these species can be recommended alone or in suitable combination for the stabilization of such landslides in the region.

2 tables, 24 ref

000214   Paramanik S (Irrigation & Waterways Dep, Govt. of West Bengal, West Bengal) : "Monitoring the shift in the river course and changing landuse/landcover patterns through remote sensing and GIS" a case study of lower part of Jaldhaka river, Jalpaiguri-Coochbehar, West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 252-61.

River course shifting and erosion are the most common problems at river which are flow on alluvial plain although the plain usually at lowland area. This causes a lot of damage to the society. That can see from the existence of meandering symptom at the river. The shifting and erosion will result the loss of land or property and endanger people who are live near the river. The existing bank erosion control structures are usually expensive, massive and not compatible with environment and aesthetic. Behavior of a river is extremely complex due to the influence of numerous parameters, which again goes of changing with time both in short term as well as long term. Loss as well as gain of land is common at the river side, and this also lead to landuse/ landcover change of the river basin like Jaldhaka.

4 ref

000213   Pallavi Kumari (Geography Dep, Vinoba Bhave Univ, Hazaribag, Jharkahand) : Characteristics of geomorphic features of the Barsoti basin, Jharkhand. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 279-83.

This is a geomorphological studies of the Barsoti basin area comprising the typical fluvial morpholical features being evolved by the enteraction of both physical and anthropogenic variables of this part of Jharkhand states. This author considered spcificaly the related problems of land from evaluation - the importent of underling structures, geomorphic (fluvial) process including some hints on the tectonics in an around the Barsoti basin set in the highly dissected undulating Chotanagpur Plateau. The Barsoti basin froms a parts of the Pre-Cambrian metamorphic terrain of the Chottanagpur Plateau. The necessary classification of landforms of the multicyclic Barsoti basin maintaining the proper methods of investigation - Prefield, Field and Post field methods has been made too.

2 tables, 8 ref

000212   Palit P N;Palit D (NO, Sadhanpur Vivekananda High School, Burdwarn, Email: debnath-palit@yahoo.com) : Ecological investigation on wetlands in Birbhum district, West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 67-74.

Present paper concerns an ecological investigation on wetlands of Birbhum District, West Bengal.Periodic visits to these wetlands were paid in different seasons since 2005 for multiparametric observations covering hydrology, stress factors, use pattern, existing mode of management etc. As many as 25 wetlands, each with an area exceeding 5 acres, could be enumerated and marked in the district map. The wetlands thus enumerated are characterized on the basis of as many as 11 parameters scored during field survey. Considering the important contributions of wetlands to the ecology and economic values of this district this work is undertaken.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

000211   Palit G (Geography Dep, Faculty of Envirnmental Science, Rajiv Gandhi Univ, (Formerly Arunachal Univ), Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh) : Forest fire hazards in Arunachal Pradesh: a case study of yachuli range lower Subansiri distrct. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 31-8.

Forest fire is also known as wild fire. In general forest fire is the uncontrolled fire burning with the support of blowing breezes of wind, low humidity and availability of dry biomass fuels. Prior to the sequences of different time, period and scale, it is evident that forest fire occur maximum in tropical and sub tropical belt throughout the world. Forest fire is desirable as well as deterimental to the forest ecosystem and bio-diversity of certain extend based on its magnitude of burning. It is either natural or anthropogenic that creates adverse degradation as a whole to the Geo-environment ecosystem directly or indirectly is a component of Environmental hazard and in long run that leads to Ecological disaster due to vast deforestation, which can not be traced in term of quantity and value. The study was conducted tentatively in yachuli Forest Range, located under the Hapoli Forest Division in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, where lush green of Pine forest vegetation admixture with bamboo and grasses of thatch vegetation is widely predominant throughout the region. During the peak seasons (November to March) of jhum cultivation (slash-burn shifting cultivation) occurrence of forest fire is of periodic phenomenon in this region. Except few pockets of other tribes, Nyishi tribes dominantly inhabits under Yachuli Forest Range of the study area.

1 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

000210   Pal S;Bhattacharya A (Geography Dep, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal) : Rain fall recharge relationship with special reference to moribundh deltaic plain Murshidabad distict-a hydro economic perspective. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 303-10.

Recharge of ground water table is a complex function of large number of pedogenic, topographic, climatic, anthropogenic factors. But rain fall is one of best regulator of recharge. So in the moribundh deltaic zone of Murshidabad district how recharge is related with rainfall or rainfall intensity is vital important from hydro economic point of view. It will in the one hand help to introspect the existing pattern of economic activities based on water and also will help to redirect future direction of economic activies. Moribundh deltaic zone generally potential highly by ground water resource but today this area is also under the threats of non monsoon water scarcity. So such type work has vital importance.

3 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

000209   Mukhopadhyay S C (Geography Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 019) : Hydro-morphological problems and river basin management of West Bengal with special reference to the Mahananda-Sankosh interfluvial areas. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 284-96.

This is an applied hyilromorphological study of West Bengal an "epitome of India" with special reference to the Mahananda - Sankosh inlerfluvial concerning some aspects of river basin management under humid environment.

6 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

000208   Mokashi D D;Desai S S;Yadav S T;Jadhav J D; Bavadekar V R (NO, Zonal Agricultural Station, Solapur, Maharashtra) : Probabilities and variability of rainfall in peninsular India. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 163-9.

5 tables, 5 ref

000207   Mazumdar B C (NO, , 22-A, Sardar Sankar Road, Kolkata-700 029) : Econo-environmental progression in western West Bengal by mass planting of palmyra-Palm (Borassus flabbelifer L.). Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 13-4.

In the western tableland of West Bengal which is characterized by low rainfall, undulated physiography, latcrite soil of low depth and poor fertility, mass planting of palmyra palm in extensive scale is suggested for economic upliftment of the local people, development of rural industries and eco-environmental upsurge. A survey study made in the said zone examining quality and productivity of fruit of the palm supports adequate potential of such planning.

3 ref

000206   Jana M M (Geography & Applied Geography Dep, North Bengal Univ, West Bengal) : Rural-urban differentials of fertility and mortality in India. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 167-74.

The physiographic conditions, climates and soils in different parts of India vary from state to state and region to region. More than three-fourth of its total area of India are rural and about 68 per cent of her total population live in this sector. The growth of population in rural and urban areas in India is not uniform due to various factors. There is sharp rural-urban differential in growth rates and density of population in India. Difference growth rates of population are mainly due to differential in fertility of women between rural and urban areas. There is a great impact of fertility on birth rates in both the sectors. There is high differential in death rates among the rural and urban dwellers due to various socioeconomic factors. The birth and death rates in rural areas of India are very high compared to urban areas due to socioeconomic, cultural and human factors. There is a sharp difference in infant mortality rate and it is very high in rural areas than urban areas. The states of India have been classified on the basis of rural -urban differential of fertility, mortality and infant mortality rates to identify the nature of growth of population in the state and their impact on the pressure of population on resources and development.

4 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

000205   Gupta A D (Irrigation & Wateways Dep, Govt. of West Bengal, West Bengal) : Flood protective embankment, a lifeline of human settlement in West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 1-4.

It was the dream of the first chief minister of West Bengal,Dr.Bidhan Chandra Roy to build up Kalyani as a unique Township with the perfect blending of industry and ecology. In this paper an attempt has been made to highlight the industrial development in Kalyani area with particular emphasis on its ecological conditions. The study area Kalyani lying on the bank of the river Hooghly, south-western part of the Nadia District.

1 table, ref

000204   Gangopadhyay I S (NO, Barrackpur Rastraguru Surendranath College, West Bengal) : Problems of wetland ecology of Krishananagar, block 1 of Nadia, West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 39-42.

Wetlands arc regarded as one of the important resources the proper utilizing of which would certainly lead to the advance stage of socio-economic development. Kishnanagar Block in Nadia district is typified by the presence of several wetlands - Anjana, Bhaluka, Shyamnagar, Palda etc. most of which are found to be associated with the abandoned course of river Bhagirathi. Recently various attempts are made to formulate the strategies for optimal utilization of all those wetlands in a systematic ways. This author has discussed the related problems of wetland ecology, its conservation with some hints on its proper use with reference to the increasing demands of the local people.

000203   Das G K (NO, , Anwesa, 2P/24, Jheel Road, Bank Plot, Kolkata-700 075) : Beach erosion for crab-burrowing. Indian Sci Cruiser 2009, 23(1), 58-9.

Sometimes biogenic activities may be helpful in determining the rate and nature of beach erosion. The study was carried out on a portion of a thin veneer of loose sands over the sandy upper berm in the near shore area of Fraserganj (Lat. 21°34'N and Long. 88°15'E), India. The area of the said elevated zone characterized with loose sands was 178m x 41m with sandy bed of 9cm height in comparison to the surrounding in-tertidal beach. This area was slightly elevated probably due to the accretion of dune washed sands from coastal dunes simultaneously with the wave borne sands from the sea. This zone of loose sands enriches with the organic matters is the habitat of the red crab, Ocypode macrocera. The study was carried out during the period between January 2002 and June 2007.

2 illus, ref

000202   Chowdhury S R (Geography Dep, Surendranath College, M.G. Road, Kolkata, West Bengal) : Watershed mapping and management approaches in the light of remote sensing and GIS application: a case study of upper Jaldhaka river, Jalpaiguri and Bhutan. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 133-46.

The advent of a new range of earth-observing remote platforms and sensor technologies (RS), combined with the enhanced functionality of Geographical Information systems (G1S), of large resource databases and satellite imagery in the public-domain, as well as the advances in watershed process digital modelling provide for seemingly limitless opportunities for applications to the assessment, evaluation and management of natural resources and in particular of the multiple aspects and indicators of watershed management. Issues of Remote Sensing-GIS integration have ceased to be an important technical issue allowing for a range of powerful tools for representation, assessment and evaluation of watershed health and the development of potential scenarios of resource management and their effects in ecosystem health. Due to the ever-increasing demand on watr resources, the pressure on its judicious utilization is also increasing. Besides being precious, this resource is also complex to manage on the ever-increasing demand on water resources, 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. It implies that the response to a unit of precipitation input is dependent on the state of wetness of the land mass and and environment prevalent at that time. Therefore, the changing weather conditions as well as the spatial variability of land mass result in nonlinear behaviour of the response of the watersheds. In a place like India, where emphasis is being placed on making the local-level users participate-in the management of natural resources at the watershed level, it is imperative that these local-level organization be strengthened by providing the integrated watershed management tools which are user-firendly, but still use all the scientific knowledge to arrive at the appropriate decisions. This paper describes the use of remote sensing and Gls-based techniques for analysis as well as incorporating the sustainability aspects of watershed management. A case study has been taken in upper part of Jaldhaka River to demonstrate the implementation of these new technologies for watershed analysis and management.

5 ref

000201   Chattoraj K K (NO, Bajua High School, Bajua, Hooghly, West Bengal) : Migration from Bangladesh to India and its impact on the population growth of West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 57-62.

After the partition of Bengal in 1947 huge migration takes place in West Bengal from Bangladesh. Up to 1971 different political movements pushed a large number of Hindu population from Bangladesh to India, mainly in West Bengal. But migration do not stopped even after the independence of Bangladesh. The political reason for migration is now converted into economic reason and a large number of poor Bangladeshi Muslim come in West Bengal without any valid document. Growth of population of the West Bengal is largely affected by this migration because, great differences have been observed between the growth rate and the rate of natural increase. The abnormal growth of Muslim population has been observed in the ten boarder districts of West Bengal due to illegal migration of Muslims from Bangladesh. Bangladeshi migration not only changes the demographic scenario but also creates different social problems. The present paper aims to analyse the situation of Bangladeshi migration in West Bengal and its impact on the population growth of West Bengal. The inflow of Bangladeshi to India after 25 march 1971 was declared as illegal by the Government of India. So the study about illegal migrants is based on the publication of different journals, newspapers, publications of international organizations. Government of India, Bangladesh and West Bengal publications. The paper has been organized in three parts. The first part provides an introduction covering the geographical situation of boarder area and historical account of migration. The second part attempts to locate the push and pull factors of migration. The third part tries to identify the impact of Bangladeshi migration on the growth of population in West Bengal since 1941. The study ends by way of conclusion.

5 tables, 9 ref

000200   Chatterji A (Centre for Urban Economic Studies, Calcuta Univ, 1 Reformatory Street, Kolkata-27) : Impact of population on the landscapes of the Indian hill stations. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 5-12.

Geographers are increasingly interested in landscape studies in contemporary times. Taken in its broadest sense, landscape in this paper refers to the evolution of the natural environment as well as the built environment and socio-cultural landscapes. The paper studies the impact of population increase on the natural and built environment as well as the cultural landscape of the Indian hill stations, with particular reference to deforestation, the effect of a mass ingress of population on the built environment, the impact of ethnic groups on the landscape and social structures, in response to changes in power controlling these areas.

4 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

000199   Biswas M (Geography Dep, Baruipur College, Baruipur, Kolkata, West Bengal) : Changing land use pattern of Tista-Jaldhaka inter fluve, Jalpaiguri district, a micro level study. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 181-90.

Deals in the applied geomorphological study of the Tista-Jaldhaka inter basin, Jalpaiguri Distrist, W.B. Actually it is a detailed discussion about the land use change regarding the geomorphic features both at meso and micro level. Two villages have been selected for sample study from two different geomorphic units. The Pathorjhora Tea Garden being a village at the foot hills shows totally different land utilizations from Domohani village situated on the left bank of Tista. For the comprehensive and comparative study, land use maps of both 1980 and 2006 have been considered. Concerning the geomorphic hazards, therefore need for a proper use of land through scientific methods, which lead to minimum land degradation.

4 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

000198   Bera B (Geography Dep, Rabindra Bharati Univ, Kolkata, West Bengal) : Application of GPS and ERS techniques for the mapping of out-crops vs soil cover and its thickness, in some mountainous part of the Sikkim Himalayas. Indian Sci Cruiser 2009, 23(1), 30-8.

Sikkim is primarily mountainous topography which is the main part of the Eastern Himalayas. Maximum portion of the northern district is rock exposure covered with snow and ice. Lithologically, a major part of this area is covered by highly crushed and fractured meta-sedimentary rock of Daling series with a patch of high-grade gneissic exposure. Due to deep weathering accompanied by high rainfall, the rock has been transformed into thick soil of sandy and silty in nature. This is highly capable of storing, sub-soil water. This paper is attempted to find out with the help of modern techniques like GPS and ERS, the depth of the soil, surface soil covered area and rock exposure in and around the mountainous part of the Sikkim Himalayas.

6 tables, 10 ref

000197   Alam N;Fakhruddin (Karim City College, , Ranchi Univ) : Techniques involved in image processing land use and land cover classification of Hyderabad city. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2008, 31(2), 23-30.

Classification of land use and land cover has been a serious concern for planers and development agencies. This task was not very easy so far as the changing nature of the attributes found on the surface of earth is diverse. The supervised classification and unsupervised classification have been the exercises to save time and to make the classification a rational practice. The coming of the remote sensing techniques made it easier though it still need too much care. However some of the areas always remained out of the classification categories. But these problems have been solved to a great extent in supervised classification scheme. The scheme is very much in use to deal with the ever changing nature of land use land cover. Changing nature of urban land use and land cover is very frequent which make it essential to have an accurate and quick method of land use and land cover calculation to frame appropriate and timely efforts of development. Hyderabad has been the fastest growing metropolitan city of India during last decade. Therefore the satellite imageries of the same city are used to study the nature of land use and land cover during last three decades. Land uses are continuously changing phenomena of city regions. They are also transformed from one class to another and some of them get rejuvenated. It is due to these complexities land use classification became paramount which is still a tedious task. This paper is about the urban land use classification domain in which authors have tried to sketch some methodologies of supervised classification using LANDSAT imageries of Hyderabad city in ERIDAS environment. Using this method optimum result could be detected to compare the temporal change in land use and land cover. And development measures could be chalked out on the basis of classification results.

3 tables, 6 ref

020088   Verma U;Dabas D S;Yadav M;Hooda R S;Kalubarme M H (Mathematics & Statistics Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: Vermas21@hotmail.com) : Impact of climate change on wheat yield in Haryana. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(4A), 1818-20.

This study attempts to answer the question whether observed climate changes have had an impact on wheat yield in Haryana. Trend-agromet wheat yield models in various districts of Haryana state were developed using trend predicted yield, agrometeorological indices like Growing Degree Days (GDD), Temperature Difference (TD) and weekly Accumulated Rainfall (ARF) over critical growth phases of wheat. Weather indices obtained were integrated over seven growth and developmental stages of wheat viz., crown root initiation stage, tillering stage, jointing stage, flowering stage, milking stage, dough stage, and maturity stage. Stepwise regression analysis was carried out for getting the suitable yield relationships. Agromet parameters turned out to be significant predictor variables contributing towards crop yield.

6 ref

020087   Singh S (Geography Dep, M.D. Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: sachindersingh@rediffmail.com) : Geography in India: some reflections. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2009, 31(2), 109-20.

Geography in India has come a long way since the establishment of first under-graduate department in 1924 and post-graduate department in 1926. It has expanded both spatially and vertically. All along with increase in the number of departments offering courses in geography, the number of available options for teaching and studying various sub-disciplines of geography has also increased. Placing this expansion at the centre-stage, progress of Geography in India has been analysed here. The discussion covers four crises: understanding the field; publications and geographical societies; use of new technology, andmarginalization of geography and geographers. Although some solutions are offered but a joint venture is called for making geography "a people's geography".

34 ref

020086   Sharma V N;Manvi M (Geography Dep, B.H.U., Varanasi-221 005) : Environmental impact of agro-based industries a case study of Gorakhpur division (U.P.). Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2009, 31(2), 181-9.

Mushrooming of plenty of small agro-based industries generally neglects the environmental concerns. In the absence of proper waste disposal functioning, these industries practice unsafe dumping of hazardous waste in open areas, which are degrading the environment. But, the impacts of agro-based industries on the environment have been under the recycling capacity of the ecosystem, because pollutants caused by them are decentralized due to their decentralized as well as diversified nature. The trend of such impacts is also prevailing in Gorakhpur division except sugar industry (the only big industry), which is causing environmental problems in their localities. This paper assesses the impact of agro-based industries on local ecology through empirical survey.

1 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

020085   Rai P K;Nathawat M S;Pandey A C;Prudhvi Raju K N (Geography Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: vns82@gmail.com) : Morphometric characteristics of glaciers in Doda valley, zanskar basin, J & K. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2009, 31(2), 137-41.

Inventory of the glaciers is of prime interest to evaluate the nature of changes in glacier dimensions and also to establish relationship between climatic change and dynamics of glaciers. As glaciological studies in high altitude terrains are very difficult by conventional methods remote sensing data is used to map and monitor of permanent snowfields and glaciers. The study area covers Doda sub-basin, with about 13 individual glaciers with one of them ranked as the second largest glacier in India, of larger Zanskar basin in Ladakh of Jammu & Kashmir. It is about 2088.46 sq km in area. Its elevation ranges from 3071- 6401 m above msl. An attempt is made here to study morphometric parameters like, length, width, area, perimeter, orientation, thickness, area accumulation ratio (AAR) and specific mass balance, of the glaciers using multi-temporal satellite data (FCCs as well as digital data of bands 234 of IRS LISS III) of July to September period (when snow cover is at its minimum and permanent snow cover and glaciers are fully exposed) of 1975, 1992, and 2001 in conjunction with topographical map of 1962. Altitude information is generated from Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generated with Shuttle Range Topographic Mission (SRTM) data and some inputs from SOI toposheets. The analysis reveals a decreasing trend of AAR indicating possibility of faster retreat of glaciers. The study also reveals negative mass balance compared to the recorded positive mass balance in 1975 and 1992.

1 table, 8 ref

020084   Nair L V;Jose S (Sociology Dep, Loyola College of Social Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) : Marginalization of elderly : after math of tsunami in Kerala. Indian J Gerontol 2009, 23(2), 250-61.

Paper draws attention towards the vulnerable section in the society viz. the elderly, who were severely hit by the Tsunami in Kerala on 26th December 2004. This group was totally neglected by Government and voluntary agencies from the reconstruction dimension. No data bank on Tsunami gives the data on elderly even after 3 years of intense studies and intervention in these regions. One can not suspect any malice except the mere reason being the fact that elderly are no longer productive, incapable of demanding or influencing considering their age. It is suggested that Government and NGOs should also consider the needs of elderly in the relief, rehabilitation, reconstrucion and reconcialation.

6 ref

020083   Hema Malini B;Dixon R W;Aylasomayajula B (Geography Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Mumbai monsoon floods-2005 impacts and possible mitigations. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2009, 31(2), 155-65.

Mumbai, the largest megalopolis with 18 million plus population on the west coast of India was subjected to a devastating flash flood on 26 July 2005 due to monsoon rainfall. Although various reasons such as development of an off-shore vortex along the coast, northward movement of Tropical Convergence Zone and offshore convection are attributed for this unprecedented rainfall, the actual weather condition that led to this highly localised rainfall still remains an enigma. The city received an average of 944 mm of rainfall on a single day leading to choking of the poorly maintained drainage system in the city. Spatial patterns indicated that a maximum rainfall of about 1045 mm occurred around the Vihar Lake region whereas the Colaba region received a minimum of about 734 mm. As a consequence, about 452 people died due to various causes such as drowning, landslide, stampede, trapping in the vehicles, electrocution, wall collapse and disease, etc. In addition, the economic loss of $ 690 million was estimated. In the present paper the nature of this natural disaster and its implications were discussed along with the remedial measures to be taken to minimize the damage in case of such hazards in future.

4 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

020082   Bhattacharjee N;Braman R (Geography Dep, Pandu College, Pandu) : Floods and their hazard impact on flood plain dwellers in Mangaldai sub-division, Assam: in geographical geomorphology. Trans Inst Indian Geogr 2009, 31(2), 143-54.

Floods in recent years have posed as serious problems in the geomorphic, environmental, ecologic and economic spheres all over the river plains of the world, specially over the riverine areas of the third world countries where population pressure on land, water and resources has tremendously increased. In the Mangaldai sub-division, the floods after the great earthquake of 1950 have turned to be quite devastating. The flood plain dwellers have, therefore, responded variously to adjust themselves with the floods and flood problems in the area.

1 illus, 6 tables, 11 ref

014867   Verma M B;Maithani P B;Chaki A;Nageshwar Rao P;Prakher Kumar (Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Southern Region, Nagarabhavi, Bangalore-560 072, Email: mohanbverma@hotmail.com) : Srisailam sub-basin, an uranium province of non-conformity-related deposits in Andhra Pradesh - case study of chitrial uranium exploration, Nalgonda district. Curr Sci 2009, 96(4), 588-91.

Significant surface radioactive anomalies, with values up to 0.177% eU₃O₈ (n = 9), located during 1992 along the non-conformity contact of basement granitoid with the Srisailam Formation, around Chitrial village, Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh, led to the establishment of a sizeable uranium deposit by recent exploration. Thus, intensive subsurface exploration resulted in delineating the persistency of the mineralization over a stretch of 4.4 km (E-W) and 2.7 km (N-S). Along micro-fractures of the granitoid, uranium mineralization occurs as veins of pitchblende and uraninite. Preliminary exploration along the fringes of Srisailam outliers indicated the possibility of establishing substantial uranium reserves within the Srisailam sub-basin, due to similar geological set-up. With increasing thickness of cover sediments towards the centre of the sub-basin, possibility of richer concentration exists in the deeper part of the sub-basin. An attempt has been made to synthesize the exploratory history commencing from locating uranium occurrences up to developing them into a workable economic deposit in Chitrial.

3 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

014866   Varikoden H;Harikumar R;Sasi Kumar V;Murali Das S;Sampath S;Mohan Kumar G (Atmospheric Sciences Div, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram-695 031, Email: hamzavarikoden@gmail.com) : Properties of cloud base height during southwest monsoon period over a tropical station, Thiruvananthapuram. Curr Sci 2009, 96(4), 562-8.

The study of the clouds and their properties has remained unexplored, especially during the southwest (SW) monsoon season due to the unavailability of reliable data sets. Here made an attempt to study the cloud base height (CBH) and its characteristics during the SW monsoon period of 2007 using CBH data obtained by a Vaisala Laser Ceilometer (VLC). The VLC was made operational at Thiruvananthapuram since July 2006 to monitor the CBH every 15 s. The relation of CBH with meteorological parameters is studied using the radiosonde observations. We found that clouds during the SW monsoon season have mainly concentrated below 2500 m. A layer with relatively void clouds was present between 2500 and 4000 m. We call this region as cloud-free zone. The amplitude of variability of CBH was less compared to the variability of the cloud frequency. Active monsoon is when the cloud frequency exceeds 70% and break phase is when it is less than 40%. The cloud frequency increases when the wind shear increases in the lower levels. Similarly, temperature is more during break phase of monsoon however, the relative humidity shows an increase during active phase of monsoon. Multiple clouds were also noticed during active phase, but it was negligible during break phases of monsoon.

10 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

014865   Valsangkar A B;Borole D V;Shejwalkar A S; Kalangutkar N G;Fernandes N O;Dias C C (NO, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: vals@nio.org) : Potential diagenetic and detrital sources for calcareous sediments from the carlsberg ridge, Indian ocean. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1090-9.

Six sediment cores from the Carlsberg Ridge (CR) were studied for elemental concentration, magnetic susceptibility (X), grain size and clay mineral distribution, and sedimentation rate to decipher possible detrital and diagenetic contributions. The sediments were characterized by very low X, moderate total organic carbon, high CaCO₃ content and high accumulation rate (3 cm/kyr). Clay mineralogical and geochemical data suggest major continental source from the Arabian Sea, and very low Mn distribution, absence of tephra and characteristic magnetic signatures rule out volcanic or hydrothermal input. Consistent peaks around 10, 25, 45, 60 and SO cm depth and high uranium are due to sedimentary diagenesis.

12 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

014864   Valsangkar A B (NO, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: vals@nio.org) : Special core liner for sub-sampling of aqueous sediments. Curr Sci 2009, 96(10), 1382-6.

A portable and reusable special core liner (spcl) has been developed to accomplish real-time sub-sampling of aqueous sediments. Besides being revolutionary, inexpensive and user-friendly, the spcl is capable of collecting undisturbed sediment sub-sections. The spcl also facilitates rapid sub-sampling of sediments onboard with remote possibility of core shortening, sample outflow, contamination or mixing. The proposed method of sub-sampling by spcl saves time, money and manpower, without inducing changes in the physical and biogeochemical properties of the sediments.

4 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

014863   Upadhyay R (Geo-Engineering Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: nrkakani@yahoo.com) : Present state of the three tidal inlets of the pulicat lake: fact from remote sensing and field surveys. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 648-50.

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014862   Upadhyay R (Geology Dep, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002, Email: Rajeev_up@yahoo.com) : Melting of the siachen glacier. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 646-8.

^ssc6 illus, 15 ref

014861   Uma Devi E;Rao N P;Ravi Kumar M (NO, Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad-500 055, Email: raonpc@ngri.res.in) : Modelling of sPn phases for reliable estimation of focal depths in northeastern India. Curr Sci 2009, 96(9), 1251-5.

In North East India, reliable estimation of earthquake focal depths has always been a problem, owing to paucity of permanent regional seismic stations, constraints on good quality data and lack of crustal models in a complex tectonic terrane. The depth estimations by international agencies, mostly based on teleseismic data, vary from very shallow to even 60 km, suggestive of earthquake occurrence in the upper mantle region. However, modelling of sPn phases in earthquake waveforms that are highly sensitive to focal depths indicates that the earthquake locations are probably well within the crustal layer. The current method has the advantage that dt, the travel time difference between sPn and Pn, remains constant for a wide range of source-station distances, and hence enables easy identification of the sPn phase, while providing direct and accurate estimate of the focal depth. The approach is also insensitive to location errors and variations in crustal models, a useful feature especially while dealing with sparse data with high location errors. In the present study, earthquakes in the magnitude range 3.0-4.0 recorded by a network of nine broadband stations in NE India have been analysed. Consistent dt values at different stations were observed for each event, enabling precise depth estimation mostly within ±1 or 2 km. In general, depths of 15-20 km in the Shil-long plateau region,> 20 km in the Sylhet basin region and shallow < 10 km in the eastern Himalayan foothills are confirmed, that correlate well with the local tectonics. Further, we propose that the flat characteristics of the dt curve that begin to change for earthquakes below the Moho, can be a potential tool for discriminating between crustal and sub-crustal earthquakes, as well as for delineation of the Moho using dense regional seismic networks in future.

4 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

014860   Sujatha C H;Benny N;Raveendran R;Fanimol C L; Samantha N K (Chemical Oceanography Dep, CUSAT, Kochi-16, Email: drchsujatha@yahoo.co.in) : Nutrient dynamics in the two lakes of Kerala, India. Indian J Mar Sci 2009, 38(4), 451-6.

Distribution and chemistry of major inorganic forms of nutrients along with physico-chemical parameters were investigated. Surface sediments and overlying waters of the Ashtamudi and Vembanad Lakes were taken for the study, which is situated in the southwest coast of India. High concentrations of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus compounds carried by the river leads to oxygen depletion in the water column. A concurrent increase in the bottom waters along with decrease in dissolved oxygen was noticed. This support to nitrification process operating in the sediment-water interface of the Ashtamudi and Vembanad Lake. Estuarine sediments are clayey sand to silty sand both in Ashtamudi and Vembanad in January and May. Present study indicates that the sediment texture is the major controlling factor in the distribution of these nutrient forms. For water samples nitrite, inorganic phosphate was high in Vembanad in January and May compared to Ashtamudi. For sediments, enhanced level of inorganic phosphate and nitrite was found in Vembanad during January and May. It had been observed that the level of N and P is more in sediments. A comparative assessment of the Ashtamudi and Vembanad Lake reveals that the Vembanad wetland is more deteriorated compared to the Ashtamudi wetland system.

4 illus, 4 tables, 38 ref

014859   Sridhar A (Geology Dep, Faculty of Science, The M.S. Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 008, Email: alpasridhar@rediffmail.com) : Evidence of a late-medieval mega flood event in the upper reaches of the Mahi river basin, Gujarat. Curr Sci 2009, 96(11), 1517-20.

Palaeoflood records are of great significance in revealing the magnitude and frequency of large floods and thus the past monsoon conditions. The Mahi River, one of the major west-flowing rivers of India controlled by the southwest monsoon has preserved deposits of past floods dating back to 5 ka. A flood deposit emplaced by a mega flood event with discharge ~ 7300 m^{3 s-1 has been found at Diapattan in the upper reaches of the Mahi River basin. Based on the pottery available at the site, the event can be said to belong to late-medieval time. The timing of this mega flood event recorded at Diapattan in the Mahi River basin and records of the adjacent river basins suggest that this event represents the strengthened monsoon during the Medieval Warm Period (900-1400 AD). There exists a correlation between the extreme hydrological events in the Mahi, Narmada and Tapi river basins and this can be attributed to a regional monsoon domain.}

3 illus, 13 ref

014858   Sreekanth P D;Geethanjali N;Sreedevi P D; Ahmed S;Ravi Kumar N;Kamala Jayanthi P D (NO, National Research Centre for Cashew, Puttur-574 202, Email: pd_sreekanth@yahoo.com) : Forecasting groundwater level using artificial neural networks. Curr Sci 2009, 96(7), 933-9.

Performance of the artificial neural network (ANN) model, i.e. standard feed-forward neural network trained with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, was examined for forecasting groundwater level at Maheshwaram watershed, Hyderabad, India. The model efficiency and accuracy were measured based on the root mean square error (RMSE) and regression coefficient (R^{2). The model provided the best fit and the predicted trend followed the observed data closely (RMSE = 4.50 and R2 = 0.93). Thus, for precise and accurate groundwater level forecasting, ANN appears to be a promising tool.}

4 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

014857   Soni V;Gosain A K;Datta P S;Singh D (National Physical Laboratory, , New Delhi-110 012, Email: v.soni@airtelmail.in) : New scheme for large-scale natural water storage in the floodplains: the Delhi yamuna floodplains. Curr Sci 2009, 96(10), 1338-42.

The top layer of accumulated sand washed down by floods over millions of years, makes river floodplains into giant aquifers. We propose a scheme for the natural storage of excess monsoon river-water discharge in the extensive and deep sand top layer of the floodplain of the river. The excess monsoon discharge can be used for a regulated inundation of an embanked area of the floodplain - to soak in and store the water. This storage can then be used for the withdrawal of water during the dry months. We illustrate this by an evaluation of the potential of the Yamuna floodplains in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and show that there can be an annual yield of 600-900 MCM of water, which is three-fourths the total water supply to Delhi. This makes it an invaluable natural resource potentially worth about Rs 6000-9000 crores a year of non-invasive use.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

014856   Soni A S;Soni V S (NO, , Kothi no. 444/1 Urban Estate, Patiala-147 002) : Flake-rich assemblage in buried state and in primary context in the NW sub-Himalayas. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1130-3.

A flake-dominated lithic assemblage fabricated on coarse-grained quartzite raw material and found in combination with some potsherds has been recovered from an excavation in north-western Indian sub-Himalayas. The excavated artefacts consist of thousands of fresh, unrolled, and mostly utilized flakes and flake-tools, which were found buried right from about 15 cm below the top to about 1.4 m depth, until the appearance of a clayey bed and the bedrock. This small site exists on an isolated bank of a tributary of Satluj river in Himachal Pradesh, where the raw material had been transported from elsewhere. Different large and small sized flakes and the debitage constitute the bulk of the material, while the cores and core-tools are quite few in the assemblage. Apart from some new tool-types, many artefacts also show signs of edge-grinding. Weathered potsherds mixed with the artefacts, including the edge-ground ones have been found deposited into the bottom of the trench, which points to the existence of a hitherto unknown flake-dominated Holocene lithic industry in the sub-Himalayas.

4 illus, 17 ref

014855   Sinha S;Sen K;Sangode S J;Rohtash Kumar;Ghosh S K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun-248 001, Email: sangode@unipune.ernet.in) : Sedimentology and magnetic fabric studies of mio-pliocene fluvial succession in the NW Himalayan foreland basin. Curr Sci 2009, 96(2), 260-7.

Magnetic fabric studies based on anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) over mudstone facies from a 1700 m thick Mio-Pliocene Siwalik fluvial sequence infer a dominant control of tectonic fabrics as against the depositional fabrics of the associated channel sandstones. This study integrated with lithofacies variations indicates the prevalence of overall prolate-ness with high 'T, q and L/F' values after 1100 m. Superimposition of the tectonic fabrics vis-a-vis up-section increase in frequency and thickness of the conglomerates infers greater magnitude of the tectonic signatures. The low prolateness of the fabrics between 1000 and 1100 m is inferred as the syn-tectonic lag deposits and reflects some important basin dynamic changes. The AMS approach over mudstone facies thus shows a greater scope of recording and quantifying the basin tectonic impulses in the Himalayan Foreland Basin.

7 illus, 1 table, 48 ref

014854   Singh A K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, NE Unit, Itanagar-791 113, Email: kk_luwang@rediffmail.com) : High-Al chromian spinel in peridotites of Manipur ophiolite complex, Indo-Myanmar orogenic belt: implication for petrogenesis and geotectomic setting. Curr Sci 2009, 96(7), 973-9.

Chromian spinels (Cr-spinels) in peridotites of the Manipur Ophiolite Complex occur as euhedral to sub-hedral inclusions in olivine, opx, cpx and sepentine. Rarely they are highly corroded and exhibit irregular shape; altered to ferritchromite or magnesioferrite along the cracks and boundaries. Cr-spinels are characterized by low values of CrNo. (10.75-26.37), and high AlNo. (72.71-88.36) and MgNo. (70.00-73.43) are identified as Al-rich Cr-spinels. Chemical discontinuity between the Cr-spinel core and rim (ferrochromites/magnesioferrite) was observed in the analysed grains. Mineral chemistry of these Al-rich Cr-spinels suggests that host peridotites have an affinity to abyssal and alpine-type peridotites. It also suggests that these peridotites might have been derived from tholeiitic melt, i.e. MORE at low degree of partial melt.

4 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

014853   Shetye S S;Sudhakar M;Mohan R;Tyagi A (National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa-403 804, Email: suhas@ncaor.org) : Implications of organic carbon, trace elemental and CaCO₃ variations in a sediment core from the Arabian sea. Indian J Mar Sci 2009, 38(4), 432-8.

Arabian Sea differs from other oceanic areas by strong seasonal variations in sea surface circulation controlled by the monsoonal wind system, very high primary productivity (PP) and the presence of an intense Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ). Sediment core, collected from a depth of 803 M in OMZ of eastern Arabian Sea, was analyzed for organic carbon, CaCO₃, grain size and trace metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Mn and Fe). Organic carbon and CaCO₃ varied from 0.5-4.7% and 34-55.9% respectively and exhibit an inverse relation, whereas a positive correlation is observed between organic carbon and clay fraction in the upper 150 cm. Cu, Zn and Cr show positive correlation with organic carbon and is negatively related to CaCO₃. Mn and Cr show inverse correlation due to the influence of redox conditions of the sedimentary column. Low productivity, oxic conditions and less intense southwest monsoon prevailed during the deglacial period. Productivity has increased from 16 kyr to the modern age.

3 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

014852   Sharma S;Chauhan S (G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora-263 643, Email: subrats@rediffmail.com) : Measurement errors in participatory GIS: role of individual workers. Curr Sci 2009, 96(9), 1242-6.

The internet, with high resolution images from 'Google Earth', has facilitated detailed earth observations by common man/indigenous societies. This study analyses human errors in elementary steps of map preparation and compares different workers doing similar work. The objectives of the study are to determine variation in observations (point and length) made by an individual at different scales of working, and to determine user-dependent variations in mapping and measurement of the same task (multiple users). A common set of methodology was adopted by different students to accomplish a similar procedure. The role of scale (size of object) on observations was minimal to affect an individual's ability in determining the precise location of a point. Individual workers may contribute significant errors in the Geographical Information System (GIS) work, where multi-user task is assigned to complete a project. In participatory GIS, additional support by the leader/supervisor to the workers may produce better results with higher accuracy.

2 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

014851   Sharma D;Bharat A (Architecture and Planning Dep, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (Deemed Univ), Bhopal-462 003, Email: divyas@teri.res.in) : Conceptualizing risk assessment framework for impacts of climate change on water resources. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1044-52.

This article offers an inventory of the risk of potential hazards to water resources and its implications to human and ecological receptors that may result from the climate change with special reference to India, a developing country. It is a study-based approach analysing various studies undertaken earlier in the field of risk assessment and works out afresh a framework on the basis of these studies to assess risk to water resources as an outcome of climate change. A schematic framework has been prepared for characterization of risk components and for attempting risk assessment. This article has applied value for preliminary assessment of risk factors contributing to any harm to water resources. This framework can also be applied to an assessment of risk vulnerability to smaller water bodies and to catchment-level studies. The study helps in conceptualizing an issue and leaves an open end from where this issue can be taken up for further research and applications.

5 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

014850   Shah S K;Bhattacharyya A;Chaudhary V (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, Univ Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: amalava@yahoo.com) : Climatic influence on radial growth of Pinus wallichiana in Ziro valley, Northeast Himalaya. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 697-702.

An attempt has been made here to study the climatic influence on variation of tree-ring width (radial growth) of Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jackson) growing in five different sites in and around Ziro Valley, Arun-achal Pradesh, Northeast Himalaya. The site chronologies have been evaluated to assess inter-site differences through several statistical analyses, viz. correlation matrices, principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis. Analysis of tree growth-climate relationship suggests that the pre-monsoon precipitation (December-April) is a significant factor influencing the growth of Blue Pine in all these sites.

5 illus, 4 tables, 28 ref

014849   Sen K;Mukherjee B K;Sachan H K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33, GMS Road, Dehradun-248 001, Email: koushik.geol@gmail.com) : Field and microstructural analysis of the pangong granodiorite, Ladakh (NW India): implications for tectonics along the Karakoram fault zone. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1124-30.

The Pangong Migmatite-Granodiorite (PMG) constitutes an important component of the Karakoram Fault Zone (KFZ). Field investigations reveal that the granodiorites were emplaced as the leucosome part of the migmatite escaped from the system due to non-coaxial deformation. Later on they were intruded by felsic veins, which subsequently suffered brittle deformation. Microstructures show the presence of micro-fracturing of plagioclase phenocrysts and bulging recrystallization of quartz. Backscattered electron images reveal that the area reduction of plagioclase had taken place by fracturing and replacement of Na by K in its rim and fractures. These indicate a solid state deformation under Greenschist facies. Based on these findings, it has been inferred that the PMG was emplaced during simple shear regime and later, along with the felsic veins that intruded it, was subjected to low-temperature near-surface deformation during re-activation of the KFZ. Subsequently, it got partially overprinted by the last-stage entrapment of low-saline fluid inclusion trails. This study combined with earlier published geochronological data suggests that non-coaxial deformation prevailed in this region even before the believed maximum age of initiation of the KFZ.

4 illus, 24 ref

014848   Sarkar P K;Manjare B N;Duraiswami R A (Geology Dep, Fergusson College, Pune-411 004, Email: pksarkar123@yahoo.com) : Breccia filled inflation clefts on the banks of the Kukadi river near Hanewadi, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. Curr Sci 2009, 96(4), 461-4.

5 illus, 14 ref

014847   Samra J S;Sharma K D (NO, National Rain-fed Area Authority, NASC Complex, New Delhi-110 012, Email: drkdsharma@gmail.com) : Watershed development: how to make 'invisible' impacts 'visible'?. Curr Sci 2009, 96(2), 203-5.

The innovative and imaginative economic reforms, polices, programmes and investment portfolio have been internalized through various mechanisms of convergence. In this way the development process is evolving and dynamic in chasing efficiency, equity, social justice, reducing poverty, realizing sustainable livelihood and environmental services.

9 ref

014846   Saikia G C;Sinha T K;Kharshiing F (NO, Geological Survey of India, North Eastern Region, Chemical Div, Nongrim Hills, Shillong-793 003, Email: gobin@sancharnet.in) : Tungsten-cobalt contamination from pulverizing cup. Curr Sci 2009, 96(1), 29-30.

^ssc2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

014845   Rashmi B N;Prabhakar B C;Gireesh R V; Nijagunaiah R;Ranganath R M (Geology Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: bcprabhakar@rediffmail.com) : Nickel anomalies in ultramafic profiles of Jayachamarajapura schist belt, western Dharwar craton. Curr Sci 2009, 96(11), 1512-17.

Jayachamarajapura schist belt consists predominantly of ultramafic rocks (mainly komatiite) with minor meta-sediments of the Sargur group in the Western Dhar-war Craton. Sampling of plant species and soil over high magnesia komatiite-bearing areas of this belt has been carried out. Out of the seven plant species analysed, one species, i.e. Vicoa indica has indicated higher Ni values (540-896 ppm), and its potential as a local indicator for Ni has been recognized. The soil samples have yielded distinct signatures of Ni (3126-12,406 ppm) and Co (382-1071 ppm). The high Mg content of the soil samples indicates that the soil profile is mostly derived from undifferentiated komatiitic bed rocks, and the observed anomalies of Ni and Co warrant a detailed study of this belt for possible Ni-Co mineralization.

5 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref