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Uttarakhand state is producing large numbers of primary and secondary teachers every year. Teacher training programmers face inadequate facilities for teacher educators and teacher trainees. Professional preparation of teacher educators and trainee teachers needs to be made more relevant and effective. The government and university should develop some procedure of regular monitoring of the faculty positions in the self-financed and other regular institutions offering B.Ed. courses. An institutional vision strategy and action plan for the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and for the District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET) is needed. This strategy should begin with a focus on professional development of teacher educators and further research on teacher education.

During the pre- and post-monsoon season, the eastern and western coasts are highly vulnerable to cyclones. The tropical cyclone "Tauktae" formed in the Arabian Sea on 14 May 2021 and moved along the west coast of India, and landfall occurred on 17 May 2021. During the cyclone, the maximum wind speed was 220 km/h with a pressure of 935 mb affecting meteorological, atmospheric parameters, and weather conditions of the northern and central parts of India causing devastating damage. Analysis of satellite, Argo, and ground data show pronounced changes in the oceanic, atmospheric, and meteorological parameters associated during the formation and landfall of the cyclone. During cyclone generation (before landfall), the air temperature (AT) was maximum (30.51 °C), and winds (220 km/h) were strong with negative omega values (0.3). The relative humidity (RH) and rainfall (RF) were observed to be higher at the location of the cyclone formation in the ocean and over the landfall location, with an average value of 81.28% and 21.45 mm/day, respectively. The concentration of total column ozone (TCO), CO volume mixing ratio (COVMR), H2O mass mixing ratio (H2O MMR), aerosol parameters (AOD, AE) and air quality parameter (PM) was increased over land and along the cyclone track, leading to a deterioration in the air quality. The strong wind mixes the air mass from the surroundings to the local anthropogenic emissions, and causing strong mixing of the aerosols. The detailed results show a pronounced change in the ocean, land, meteorological, and atmospheric parameters showing a strong land–ocean-atmosphere coupling associated with the cyclone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water harvesting is a critical component of any approach to alleviating India's water crisis. Traditional rainwater harvesting systems are found in every region of the country. Haveli is one such system found in almost every village in the Bundelkhand region, Uttar Pradesh, India. A defunct Haveli in the Parasai-Sindh watershed of Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh, was rejuvenated by providing a cement concrete core wall to the earthen embankment to address the problem of breaching, and the existing outlet was also expanded. This study was conducted from 2013 to 2019 to analyse the hydrology of the rejuvenated Haveli and to understand its impact on surface-water availability and recharging groundwater. The study period was divided based on long-term southwest monsoon (SWM) as wet (SWM > 20%), normal (SWM ± 20%) and dry (SWM < 20%) years. It was found that the Haveli could harvest about 1.91-2.0 times, 1.13-1.72 times and 0.2 times its capacity during a wet, normal and dry year, respectively. There was a 1.41 m difference in hydraulic head between pre- and post-Haveli rejuvenation in a wet year, whereas, a normal year, the difference was 2.71 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated forage-legume cropping system has immense potential to address the issue of land degradability. It provides a critical understanding of the capacity of diversified species mixes vs. monocultures to boost forage production and the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and phosphorus (P). In this study, we assessed the performance of Napier Bajra Hybrid (NBH) (Pennisetum glaucum × P. purpureum) + cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and tri-specific hybrid (TSH) (P. glaucum × P. purpureum × P. squamulatum) + cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) as compared to monocultures of NBH and TSH. The legume equivalent yield of NBH + cowpea and TSH + cluster bean intercropping systems were found −31% and −23% higher than monoculture systems. The SOC increased by −5% in the NBH + cowpea system as compared to NBH monoculture. The carbon mineralization rates under NBH + cowpea and TSH + cluster bean were −32% and −38% lower than the NBH and TSH monoculture cropping systems, respectively. It was found that the legume intensification with the forage significantly improved the soil's P status. The research suggested that coalescing diverse crops (e.g., grass and legume) poses enormous potential for sustaining soil health and productivity in semi-arid regions of India. This study advances the research on characterizing the crucial factors of grass-legume-based cropping systems and helps in assessing the impact of these factors on long-term sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken at NSP Unit 6 Agricultural Research Farm and Main Experimental Station of Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttar Pradesh, India, from July to November 2020, in which genetic variability and heritability of 250 recombinant inbred lines (F7) and their parents PUSA 44 and CSR 43 were evaluated and correlation studies were performed for grain yield and yield contributing traits. The experiment was conducted in two replications at two different and naturally occurring sodic conditions following a-lattice design. Analysis of variance revealed significant variations among the lines depicting inherent variability between lines. For attributes, viz., plant height, effective tillers plant-1, spikelet fertility percentage, test weight and grain yield plant-1, high phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation estimates were observed for both the locations indicating good scope for selection based on these traits. However, the attributes viz., test weight and effective tillers plant-1 values depicted the pertinent role of the environment and thus, require careful assessment in selection programs concerning these traits. For days to 50% flowering, filled grains panicle-1, spikelet fertility percentage, and grain yield plant-1, moderate heritability was discovered with a high genetic advance as a percentage of mean, indicating that there is less influence of environment over these traits. Correlation studies revealed a significant and positive association with these yield attributing traits. Mutual association between component traits exhibit variable responses at both locations, validating genotype and environment interactions among traits with respect to yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Lentil is one of the major Rabi pulse crop grown in India. Seven soil amendments such as Pyrite and Gypsum @ 2.0 gm/kg soil and Neem cake, Mustard cake, Paddy straw and Wheat straw @ 20 gm/kg soil were incorporated in the soil eight days before sowing of healthy lentil seed of “Rath local” variety. Among the Neem cake @ 20 gm/kg soil was found significantly superior over all the treatments resulting minimum wilt disease incidence (34.80 and 35.90%) maximum disease reduction over control (57.24 and 56.25%) maximum yield (6.30 and 6.50 q/ha.) and maximum yield increase over control (186.36 and 242.10%) in the years 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively. Wheat straw was the least effective showing maximum disease incidence of (61 and 61.53%) minimum disease reduction over control of (25.06 and 25%), minimum yield of (3.10 and 3.05 q/ha.) and minimum yield increased over control of 40.90 and 60.52% in the years 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively. The date of sowing of the lentil seed was significantly affect the disease incidence and yield of the crops. The minimum wilt disease incidence of 10.26 and 15.30% with maximum yield of 10.95 and 10.06 q/ha was recorded when the seed was sown on 5th November, date of sowing in the years of 2019-20 and 2018-19, respectively, followed by 29th October, 22nd October, 15th October and 8th October. The maximum disease incidence (32.73 and 30%) with minimum yield (2.50 and 3.0 q/ha) was observed on the 1st October date of sowing in the years 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively. The average wilt disease incidence was decreased with increasing crop yield at 1st October to 5th November date of sowing significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainwater Management (RWM) interventions were implemented to address the scarcity of water and to restrict the degradation of land resources in the Parasai-Sindh watershed covering an areal extent of 1246 ha located in Jhansi district of Bundelkhand region, Central India. The region is constrained by several factors, the most significant of which is its high vulnerability to natural disasters and poor infrastructure development, resulting in low agricultural production and precarious livelihoods. This study's goal was to evaluate the impact of RWM intervention on groundwater dynamics and the changes in LULC that it has brought about. A total of 380 dug wells were monitored to investigate the ground water dynamics. Integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to prepare LULC maps using Landsat images. The changes in LULC were studied before and after the implementation of RWM interventions. The study revealed enhanced groundwater availability for agricultural and domestic applications. Due to increased water availability, a significant portion of fallow land was converted into cropland. Built-up land coverings have also increased in the watershed. A decrease in the areal extent of barren rocky and scrubland was witnessed over the study period. The area under plantation was also increased.The study underlines the relevance of RWM interventions in restoring watershed land cover, assisting in poverty alleviation, and providing long-term livelihood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study of morphometric parameters decides the suitable location and adjustable natural resource management (NRM) practices along with durability and sustainability. Morphometric study of a region provides the various geological, topographical and others parameters which supports during the design and implantations of various water conservation approaches. Garhkundar -Dabar (GKD) watershed having two parts as first treated watershed and second control watershed, located in Tikamgarh District of Madhya Pradesh, Central India was selected for this analysis. ArcGIS ver. 10.3 was used for analysis and found IVth order stream in treated watershed area of 850 ha (8.50 km2) and IInd order stream in control watershed area of 268 ha (2.68 km2). In treated watershed, 19 streams were found in first order while 12, 5 and 1 streams were obtained in second, third and fourth order respectively. Similarly, 6 and 4 streams were found in first and second order respectively in control watershed. This study conclude all aspects of morphometric parameters viz. linear, areal and relief which elaborate the geometric as well as topographic features to support and identified the best location for various conservation interventions and their implementation with a long sustainability. RS and GIS based morphometric analysis provides the way of replication of conservation practices and suggested for sustainable conservation treatment and watershed development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural water management (AWM) interventions play an important role in ensuring sustainable food production and mitigating climate risks. This study was carried out in a watershed located in a low rainfall (400-600 mm) region of western India. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool model was calibrated using surface runoff, soil loss, and reservoir storage levels, between the year 2000 and 2006. The investigation indicated that the various AWM interventions increased groundwater recharge from 30mm/year to 80 mm/year and reduced surface runoff from 250 mm/year to 100 mm/year. The intervention structures were refilled two to three times during the monsoon season depending on rainfall intensity and duration. The interventions have the advantage of building a resilient system by enhancing groundwater availability even in dry years, stimulating crop intensification and protecting the landscape from severe erosion. The results indicate that soil erosion has been reduced by more than 75% compared to the nonintervention situation. Moreover, the AWM interventions led to the cultivation of 100-150 ha of fallow land with high-value crops (horticulture, vegetables, and fodder). Household income increased by several folds compared to the nonintervention situation. The study showed about 50% reduction in downstream water availability, which could be a major concern. However, there are a number of ecosystem trade-offs such as improved base flow to the stream and reduction in soil loss that should be considered. The study is of great importance to stakeholders to decide on the optimal design for AWM interventions to achieve sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bundelkhand region of central India is characterized by erratic rainfall with high frequency of drought. The region has undulating topography, poor groundwater resources and shallow soils with low soil fertility, resulting in frequent crop failures. A study was undertaken to assess the potential of bamboo-based agroforestry system to enhance productivity and economic returns at the research farm of ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), India, which lies in the Bundelkhand region of central India. The 7-year study (2007–2015) recorded 2906 number of bamboo culms ha−1 at 10 m × 10 m spacing compared to 2409 culms under 12 m × 10 m spacing. Averaged over 3 years (5th, 6th and 7th year), bamboo culm yield from agroforestry (Dendrocalamus strictus + Sesamum indicum–Cicer arietinum)/(bamboo + sesame–chickpea) was higher by 3.20 and 4.96% over sole bamboo in 12 m × 10 m and 10 m × 10 m, respectively. The intercrop productivity started declining from 3rd year onwards, and the extent of reduction in productivity was to the tune of 26.1, 23.7, 24.2, 17.4 and 17.4% during the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th year, respectively. From 5th year onwards, the harvested bamboo culms contributed to the improvement in the system productivity and it was 29 and 236% higher than the sole crops and sole bamboo, respectively, during the 7th year. Financial analysis showed that bamboo-based agroforestry system (bamboo + sesame–chickpea) planted at 12 m × 10m spacing was having high land equivalent ratio (1.95–2.14) and was more profitable than arable cropping and sole bamboo. Therefore, the Dendrocalamus strictus-based agroforestry system can be a potential alternative to arable cropping in semi-arid tropics of central India to enhance productivity and economic returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) causes a disease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) worldwide and jeopardizes sustainable production, with yield losses up to 100%. The Tomato leaf curl disease in the Varanasi region of India is caused by Tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus (TLCGV). The ToLC disease occurrence is shifting from the rainy to the winter season that may be due to changing climate. A number of resistant genes have been identified in the wild background and a limited number of genotypes resistant to ToLCV are available in tomato. The wild species have been determined to be ToLCV resistant using morphological, biochemical and molecular markers. Tomato populations (F2, F3, Recombinant Inbred Lines) developed using wild species have been investigated using Mendelian genetics through breeding. Molecular approaches have provided opportunities in the form of linked molecular markers and loci on chromosomes to speed up, and simplify, selection of host resistance genes. However, transformation of resistant genes by genetic engineering is preferred for developing ToLCV resistant varieties. Modern techniques combined with conventional techniques offer opportunities for improving ToLCV resistance in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Axshya SAMVAD is an active tuberculosis (TB) case finding (ACF) strategy under project Axshya (Axshya meaning ‘free of TB’ and SAMVAD meaning ‘conversation’) among marginalized and vulnerable populations in 285 districts of India. Objectives To compare patient characteristics, health seeking, delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation among new sputum smear positive TB patients detected through ACF and passive case finding (PCF) under the national TB programme in marginalized and vulnerable populations between March 2016 and February 2017. Methods This observational analytic study was conducted in 18 randomly sampled Axshya districts. We enrolled all TB patients detected through ACF and an equal number of randomly selected patients detected through PCF in the same settings. Data on patient characteristics, health seeking and delays were collected through record review and patient interviews (at their residence). Delays included patient level delay (from eligibility for sputum examination to first contact with any health care provider (HCP)), health system level diagnosis delay (from contact with first HCP to TB diagnosis) and treatment initiation delays (from diagnosis to treatment initiation). Total delay was the sum of patient level, health system level diagnosis delay and treatment initiation delays. Results We included 234 ACF-diagnosed and 231 PCF-diagnosed patients. When compared to PCF, ACF patients were relatively older (≥65 years, 14% versus 8%, p = 0.041), had no formal education (57% versus 36%, p<0.001), had lower monthly income per capita (median 13.1 versus 15.7 USD, p = 0.014), were more likely from rural areas (92% versus 81%, p<0.002) and residing far away from the sputum microscopy centres (more than 15 km, 24% versus 18%, p = 0.126). Fewer patients had history of significant loss of weight (68% versus 78%, p = 0.011) and sputum grade of 3+ (15% versus 21%, p = 0.060). Compared to PCF, HCP visits among ACF patients was significantly lower (median one versus two HCPs, p<0.001). ACF patients had significantly lower health system level diagnosis delay (median five versus 19 days, p = 0.008) and the association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Patient level and total delays were not significantly different. Conclusion Axshya SAMVAD linked the most impoverished communities to TB care and resulted in reduction of health system level diagnosis delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is one of the important sources of potable water. The water table fluctuation method was used to evaluate the annual variations in water level rise and to estimate the groundwater recharge during pre interventions and post interventions phase of Domagor-Pahuj watershed development. The area experiences an average annual rainfall is 880 mm. The estimates of average annual water table fluctuation and change in groundwater storage volume of randomly selected thirty wells of pre-interventions and post-interventions phases of watershed were 3.03 to 4.34 million m3, and 1.52 to 2.18 million m3, respectively. The total annual groundwater recharge potential estimated for the areas was 1.47 million m3 before intervention and 2.06 million m3 after intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global experiences reveal the positive impact of watershed-based interventions in improving livelihoods and environmental security. In the drylands, increasing forage resources and improving livestock productivity is a critical challenge. The overarching aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of watershed-based interventions on livestock population, productivity, fodder resources, and biomass availability. The paper describes the interrelationship between land, water, crop, and livestock and how the gap in forage deficit can be bridged through a range of watershed interventions. The study was undertaken in the Parasai-Sindh watershed of Central India between 2011 and 2016. A 300-year-old defunct haveli (a traditional rainwater harvesting structure) was renovated and nine check dams along the drainage line were constructed. Nearly 25,000 running-meters of field bunds were constructed. Large fields (2-3 ha) were divided into relatively smaller plots (0.3–0.5 ha) to reduce runoff velocity. The impact of watershed interventions on water availability, livestock productivity, forage yield, and income was studied through hydrological monitoring, primary household survey and principal component analysis (PCA) biplot and hierarchical clustering. The watershed interventions enhanced groundwater availability leading to greater fodder availability, 22% increase in livestock population (ACU) and a 120% increase in milk production over a period of five years. The bovine population recorded a surge of 193% (cattle) and 32% (buffalo) over this period. Mean dry matter (DM, fodder) availability also increased from 10 t/household/year to 16.7 t/household/year owing to improved water availability. Groundnut (rainy season) and wheat (post rainy season) contributed significantly as forage resources. There was an annual forage demand of 5560 t DM for a livestock population of 2175 ACU in 2011 and of 6770 t DM for a livestock population of 2650 ACU in 2016. Annual forage biomass availability was estimated at 4219 t DM in 2011 and 6977 t DM in 2016. There was a deficit of 1341 t DM (24%) in 2011 which turned into a 3% surplus of 210 t DM in 2016 through watershed-based interventions. With increased cropping intensity and milk production, average annual household income increased from US$ 1325 to US$ 2430 over the five-year period. This case study clearly illustrates the impact of watershed-based interventions on livestock population, productivity, forage resources, and biomass availability to bridge the gap in forage deficit. Its findings serve as a guide to widely scale up watershed-based interventions for improved water and biomass availability, and livestock productivity in semi-arid and dryland regions. [Display omitted] • Poor crop and livestock productivity is a critical challenge in drylands and watershed interventions could help build resilience to this • Interlinkages among land-water-crop-livestock sectors and their sustainability have been studied • Watershed based interventions enhanced groundwater availability, which reduced risk of crop failure, increased crop intensification and productivity • Forage availability has improved from deficit to surplus status due to watershed interventions despite significant increase in livestock population • Integrating land-water-crop-livestock interventions in watersheds can provide opportunities to improve rural livelihoods in drylands [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palghar region (north Maharashtra, India), located in the northwestern part of the stable continental region of India, experienced a low magnitude earthquake swarm, which was initiated in September 2018 and is continuing to date (as of October 2021). From December 2018 to December 2020, ~5000 earthquakes with magnitudes from M1.2 to M3.8 occurred in a small region of 20 × 10 km2. These earthquakes were probably triggered by fluid migration during seasonal rainfall. In this study, we have used multi-temporal Landsat satellite data of the year 2000, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020, extracted lineaments, and studied the changes in frequency and pattern of lineaments before and after the initiation of the swarm in the Palghar region. An increase in the lineament density and amount of rainfall are found to be associated with the increasing frequency of earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on analyzing the precipitation trends over six Indian cities during the summer monsoon (June- September) covering the period 1951-2007 and also attempting to investigate possible urban forcing and dynamics by examining the variation in precipitation in the upwind and downwind directions. The analysis shows negative trends in the total number of rainy days over Hyderabad (-10.4%), Kanpur (-7.1%), Jaipur (-10.5%), and Nagpur (-4.8%) and positive trends over Delhi (7.4%) and Bangalore (22.9%). On the other hand, decreases of -21.3%, -5.9%, -14.2%, and -14.6% in seasonal rainfall are found over Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Kanpur, respectively, whereas Bangalore and Nagpur show 65.8% and 13.5% increase. The lesser rainfall and rainy days, along with the mostly declining trend, in the downwind directions of the cities may imply an urban influence in precipitation associated with the increased anthropogenic emissions due to expansion of the urban areas and the increase of population. However, the large spatiotemporal variability of precipitation and the lack of statistical significance in the vastmajority of the trends do not allow the extraction of safe conclusion concerning the aerosol-precipitation interactions around Indian cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxides of nitrogen-NO (NO and NO)-are an important constituent of the troposphere. The availability of relatively higher spatial (0.25° grid) and temporal (daily) resolution data from ozone monitoring instrument (OMI) onboard Aura helps us to better differentiate between the point sources such as thermal power plants from large cities and rural areas compared to previous sensors. The annual and seasonal (summer and winter) distributions shows very high mean tropospheric NO in specific pockets over India especially over the Indo-Gangetic plains (up to 14.2 × 10 molecules/cm). These pockets correspond with the known locations of major thermal power plants. The tropospheric NO over India show a large seasonal variability that is also observed in the ground NO data. The multiple regression analysis show that the influence of a unit of power plant (in gigawatts) over tropospheric NO (×10 molecules/cm) is around ten times compared to a unit of population (in millions) over India. The OMI data show that the NO increases by 0.794 ± 0.12 (×10 molecules/cm; annual) per GW compared to a previous estimate of 0.014 (×10 molecules/cm) over India. The increase of tropospheric NO per gigawatt is found to be 1.088 ± 0.18, 0.898 ± 0.14, and 0.395 ± 0.13 (×10 molecules/cm) during winter, summer, and monsoon seasons, respectively. The strong seasonal variation is attributed to the enhancement or suppression of NO due to various controlling factors which is discussed here. The recent increasing trend (2005-2007) over rural thermal power plants pockets like Agori and Korba is due to recent large capacity additions in these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: NOAA AVHRR images have clearly shown anomalous changes in land surface temperature associated with earthquakes in the past two decades. Soon after the Gujarat earthquake of January 26, 2001, an anomalous increase in land surface temperature was inferred from MODIS satellite data a few days prior to the main earthquake event. The cause of such an anomalous change in surface temperature prior to the earthquake is attributed to many probable phenomena, but no definite cause has been identified. In the present study, changes of a complementary nature were found of land surface temperature associated with the emission of CO from the epicentral region. The observed changes on land and atmosphere associated with the Gujarat earthquake of 26 January, 2001, show the existence of strong coupling between land, atmosphere and ionosphere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chlorophyll and suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) and sea surface temperature (SST) are important parameters in assessing the productivity of coastal regions. Numerous rivers flow into the eastern (Ganga, Subernarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Penner, and Kaveri) and western (Narmada, Tapti, and Indus) coasts of the Indian sub-continent. Using IRS P4 (Oceansat-1) Ocean Color Monitor (OCM) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, we have retrieved chlorophyll, calcite, and SSC near the mouth of these rivers for the period during 2000–2004. The maxima of chlorophyll-a concentrations at the river mouth is much higher for the Himalayan and north India rivers (Ganga, Subernarekha, Mahanadi, and Indus) (10–14mg/m3) compared to rivers in the southern parts of India (Kaveri and Penner) (∼4mg/m3). The maxima of calcite concentration (∼45moles/m3), chlorophyll (∼14mg/m3), and sediment concentrations (∼9g/m3) near river mouth are found to be influenced by river discharges (Ganga and Brahmaputra) during the monsoon season. The calcite concentration (∼45moles/m3) at the mouth of Ganga river shows a major peak with the onset of monsoon season (June–July) followed by a maxima in chlorophyll-a with a time lag of 1–2months. The Krishna, Kaveri, and Penner rivers show low chlorophyll concentrations (3–8mg/m3), high calcite (0–40 moles/m3), and low SSC (<3g/m3) compared to Narmada and Tapti rivers (chlorophyll-a 12–14mg/m3, calcite 0–2moles/m3, and SSC 13–19g/m3). The Indus river shows similar behavior (maxima of chlorophyll ∼13mg/m3 and SSC ∼8g/m3) with respect to Ganga river except for high calcite concentration during winter months (∼25moles/m3). The characteristics of the chlorophyll, calcite, and SSC at the mouth of these rivers show spatial and temporal variability along the eastern and westerns coasts of India which are found to differ widely. A comparison of the chlorophyll concentrations using OCM and MODIS data shows low chlorophyll concentrations in the Bay of Bengal as compared to the Arabian Sea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study deals with the effect of fireworks on ambient air quality during Diwali Festival in Lucknow City. In this study, PM10, SO2, NO x and 10 trace metals associated with PM10 were estimated at four representative locations, during day and night times for Pre Diwali (day before Diwali) and Diwali day. On Diwali day 24 h average concentration of PM10, SO2, and NO x was found to be 753.3, 139.1, and 107.3 μg m−3, respectively, and these concentrations were found to be higher at 2.49 and 5.67 times for PM10, 1.95 and 6.59 times for SO2 and 1.79 and 2.69 for NO x , when compared with the respective concentration of Pre Diwali and normal day, respectively. On Diwali day, 24 h values for PM10, SO2, and NO x were found to be higher than prescribed limit of National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), and exceptionally high (7.53 times) for PM10. On Diwali night (12 h) mean level of PM10, SO2 and NO x was 1,206.2, 205.4 and 149.0 μg m−3, respectively, which was 4.02, 2.82 and 2.27 times higher than their respective daytime concentrations and showed strong correlations ( p < 0.01) with each other. The 24 h mean concentration of metals associated with PM10 was found to be in the order of Ca (3,169.44) > Fe (747.23) > Zn (542.62) > Cu (454.03), > Pb (307.54) > Mn (83.90) > Co (78.69) > Cr (42.10) > Ni (41.47) > Cd (34.69) in ng m−3 and all these values were found to be higher than the Pre Diwali (except Fe) and normal day. The metal concentrations on Diwali day were found to be significantly different than normal day (except Fe & Cu). The concentrations of Co, Ni, Cr and Cd on Diwali night were found to be significantly higher than daytime concentrations for Pre Diwali (control). The inter correlation of metals between Ca with Pb, Zn with Ni and Cr, Cu with Co, Co with Mn, Ni with Cd, Mn with Cd, Ni with Cd and Cr, and Cr with Cd showed significant relation either at p < 0.05 or P < 0.01 levels, which indicated that their sources were the same. The metals Cu, Co, Ni, Cr and Cd showed significant ( p < 0.01) association with PM10. These results indicate that fireworks during Diwali festival affected the ambient air quality adversely due to emission and accumulation of PM10, SO2, NO x and trace metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the study of the variation of fine particles and the influence of temperature and relative humidity in the residential areas of Lucknow city in India namely Vikas Nagar and Alambagh. The study shows that the concentration level of fine particles in Alambagh is 13.74 percent higher than the Vikas Nagar level. It also states that vehicular pollution is one of the important sources of fine particles. The study also mentions that the concentration level of fine particles in Lucknow city will be best predicted through its relative humidity.

The article discusses a project in the National Capital Region of New Delhi, India that tracks the availability of, and need for, donated blood through the use of smartphones. Donors and prospective recipients provide relevant information to a server via phones equipped with an application adhering to the Java ME standard. Early testing suggests the system could be very useful in the event of an emergency, as it is faster than having to communicate with blood banks. The lagging speed of the network needs to be improved, however. INSET: THE JAVA ME FRAMEWORK.

Satellite aerosol data provide good temporal sampling and superior spatial coverage relative to ground-based stations, especially over the Indian subcontinent. We have used ground-based Kanpur Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) station aerosol optical depth (AOD), located in the central part of the Indo-Gangetic (IG) basin, to validate Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra level 3 AOD products for the 2001–2005 summer and winter seasons. MISR has been found to perform better than MODIS during both seasons, which we attribute to its unique design (viewing and spectral capability), despite its lower revisit frequency compared to MODIS. In both seasons, the MISR level 3 product distinctly shows a large gradient of AOD along north–south (N–S) and west–east (W–E) transects over the IG basin, compared to the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. An increase in satellite-derived aerosol loading over the 2000–2005 time period has been found over major cities located in the IG basin; this increase is also reflected in ground-based air quality data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). High MISR AOD during the winter season can be attributed primarily to anthropogenic activities, as major dust storms take place during summer (April–June). We have computed the spatial correlation between MISR and MODIS AOD during the 2000–2005 winter (November–January) seasons, when the effect of desert dust is smallest and the anthropogenic component over the IG basin is largest. The average pixel count with MISR-MODIS correlation coefficient >0. 6 during the winter season has been found to be higher over the IG basin and India (35. 6% and 32. 2% of pixels, respectively) compared to the world (20. 4% of pixels). Since the MODIS AOD retrieval algorithm works best for dense and dark vegetative regions, whereas the MISR retrieval is generally less sensitive to surface type, we attribute this result to the relatively high vegetation cover (using MISR Normalized Difference Vegetation Index as a proxy) found in the IG basin and over India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) onboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) series of satellites has been used for mapping vegetation cover and classification employing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Recently, this technique has been improved by converting NDVI with radiation measured in one of the thermal channels and converting brightness temperature into the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) and Temperature Condition Index (TCI). These indices are being used for estimation of vegetation health and monitoring drought. The present study shows the application of vegetation and temperature condition indices for drought monitoring in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, during the pre-monsoon season, tropical storms form in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and hit the eastern coast of India, affecting the lives of people living in the coastal region. On 3 May 2019, deadly cyclone Fani impacted coastal areas of Odisha (eastern province) causing large scale damage and the impact was observed up to the Eastern Himalayan region. Detailed analyses of satellite, ground, and Argo data have provided information about the changes on land due to floods caused by heavy precipitation, weather conditions, atmospheric, and ocean parameters. Pronounced changes in ocean and atmospheric parameters were observed at the time of the formation of the cyclone and its movements towards the land, especially along its track. Changes in ocean parameters such as chlorophyll concentration, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and sea surface and sub-surface temperature are found to be associated with the cyclone Fani. Our analysis shows a strong coupling between the land-ocean-atmosphere associated with the cyclone Fani. Unlabelled Image • Changes in the ocean chlorophyll concentrations associated with the cyclone Fani • Pronounced changes in the atmospheric parameters associated with the cyclone Fani • Pronounced changes in air quality as cyclone moved on the land after the landfall. • Pronounced changes in vertical profile of salinity associated with the cyclone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Shallow aquifer recharge during a wet year served two successive dry years. • Increased water availability converted degraded areas into productive landscape. • Crop productivity increased by 10–70 % and income of rural households by 170%. • Downstream water availability fell by 40% in a normal year but was negligible in a wet year. Rainfall variability and water scarcity continue to hamper the food and income security of smallholder farming systems in poverty-affected regions. Innovations in soil and water management, especially in the drylands, are critical for meeting food security and water productivity targets of Agenda 2030. This study analyzes how rainfed agriculture can be intensified with marginal impact on the landscape water balance. The impact of rainwater harvesting structures on landscape hydrology and associated agricultural services was analyzed in the semi-arid Jhansi district of Bundelkhand region in central India. The Parasai-Sindh pilot watershed was subjected to a 5-year (2012–2016) monitoring of rainfed system improvements in water availability and crop intensification due to surface water storage (haveli system), check dams, and field infiltration structures. Hydrological processes were monitored intensively to analyze the landscape's water balance components. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures altered the landscape's hydrology, limiting average surface runoff from 250 mm/year to 150 mm/year over the study period. Groundwater levels increased by 2–5 m (m), alleviating water scarcity issues of the communities in recurring dry years. Nearly 20% of fallow lands were brought under cultivation. Crop yields increased by 10–70% and average household income increased from US$ 960/year to US$ 2700/year compared to that in the non-intervention landscape. The combined soil–water–vegetation efforts strengthened water resilience and environmental systems in agricultural landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the monitoring of brightness temperature over the Indian and adjoining regions using the special sensor microwave imager. Comparison of brightness temperature differences between the Arabian Sea region and the Bay of Bengal; Bright temperature contrast between ocean and land regions.

In this article the author discusses Garhkundar-Dabar watershed in Bundelkhand, India where there is shortage of water. It highlights that eight check dams and streams were constructed. It states that adoption of water and soil conservation measures on the watershed reduced run-off and also increased water availability in the region. It mentions that well planned measures have reduced nutrients and soil loss and water in wells also increased due to it.

The article presents information on the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). It is one of the pioneer academies in the country and has 1000 fellows. INSA has formed many committees for a period of three years consisting of 5-6 members. But the committees meet infrequently and without much agenda. It is suggested that these committees must be broadened for the growth of science in India.

Summary: Soil and water are crucial resources for agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid rain-fed areas, yet farm-level economic impacts and the factors influencing the adoption of measures for their conservation are little studied. The present study used data from 400 farm households to assess factors influencing the adoption of soil and water conservation measures (SWCMs) and their impacts on farm productivity and income in a semi-arid region of central India. We employed a probit model to determine the factors influencing the on-farm adoption of SWCMs and a propensity score matching technique for assessing their impacts. The findings indicate that farmer age and education, off-farm income, farm size and land ownership and access to training are key drivers of the adoption of SWCMs. SWCMs accentuated the input costs by INR 1689–2847 per ha during the rabi cropping season (October–February), but also increased crop productivity and net revenue from farming. The impact in the rabi season was less sensitive to the unobserved confounders than in the kharif season (June–September). Therefore, SWCMs could represent an important strategy for unlocking the cultivation potential of large rain-fed areas and for sustaining the livelihoods of farm households in the ecologically fragile arid and semi-arid tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a measure of vegetation cover and biomass. NDVI is being used as an indicator for primary productivity and crop yield, and is considered as an important biophysical input for global climate modeling. Seasonal dynamics of NDVI and rainfall is found to be apparent from percent deviation from long term average NDVI and rainfall. Efforts have been made to assess co-variability of NDVI and rainfall for dry and wet seasons. Average NDVI and rainfall for 10 years 1990–1999 have been used as base for percent variation in individual years separately for monsoon and non-monsoon periods. Rainfall and NDVI percent deviation from their respective average show positive correlation especially for monsoon season. Magnitude of co-variation differs from region to region. EOF and wavelet decomposition have been used to study the variability of NDVI with respect to rainfall over Indian region and also for different agro-climatic regions. Five principal modes, which explain about 70% of the total variance, have been identified. The first mode explains the major distribution of vegetation that is very much controlled by the monsoon rainfall and also dependent on the increasing pollution in recent years. The first and fourth modes are seen to be significantly correlated with the first mode of regional aerosol cover. ENSO and other tele-connection events fail to explain large variance of vegetation over the Indian sub-continent and local dynamics is found to be of more importance. The percent deviation and average greenness information and their temporal variations can be used in the assessment of drought prone regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Poplar (Populus deltoides) has gained considerable importance in agroforestry plantations of western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir due to its deciduous nature, fast growth, short rotation and high industrial requirement. Poplarbased agroforestry systems are prevalent among farmers of Saharanpur (UP) and Yamunanagar (Haryana) districts of northwestern India. These systems are not only remunerative to the farmers, but also play an important role in the assimilation of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the form of biomass carbon stocks. An assessment of carbon storage vis-à-vis CO2 assimilation by poplar plantations in agroforestry has been made for these two districts. Contribution of poplar plantations to carbon storage was found to be 27- 32 t ha-1 in boundary system, whereas it was 66- 83 t ha-1 in agrisilviculture system at a rotation period of 7 years in the two districts. Thus, poplar plantations make important contributions towards atmospheric CO2 assimilation and hence play a significant role in the mitigation of atmospheric accumulation of greenhouse gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Indo-Gangetic (IG) alluvial plains, one of the largest river basins in the world, suffers from the long range transport of mineral dust from the western arid and desert regions of Africa, Arabia and Rajasthan during the summer (pre-monsoon season, April–June). These dust storms influence the aerosol optical depth (AOD) across the IG plains. The Kanpur AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) station and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) data show pronounced effect on the aerosol optical properties and aerosol size distribution during major dust storm events over the IG plains that have significant effect on the aerosol radiative forcing (ARF). The multi-band AOD, from AERONET and MODIS, show contrasting changes in wavelength dependency over dust affected regions. A time collocated (±30min) validation of AERONET AOD with MODIS Terra (level 2 swath product) over Kanpur, at a common wavelength of 550nm for the period 2001–2005 show moderate correlation (R 2∼0.6) during the summer season. The average surface forcing is found to change by −23Wm−2 during dust events and the top of the atmosphere (TOA) forcing change by −11Wm−2 as compared to the non-dusty clear-sky days. A strong correlation is found between AOD at 500nm and the ARF. At surface, the correlation coefficient between AOD and ARF is found to be high (R 2=0.925) and is found to be moderate (R 2=0.628) at the TOA. The slope of the regression line gives the aerosol forcing efficiency at 500nm of about −46±2.6Wm−2 and −17±2.5Wm−2 at the surface and the TOA, respectively. The ARF is found to increase with the advance of the dry season in conjunction with the gradual rise in AOD (at 500nm) from April (0.4–0.5) to June (0.6–0.7) over the IG plains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The state known as the bread basket of India has now been defamed as the cancer capital of the country. The toxicity of groundwater associated with the declining water level is reported in recent years. However, an extensive temporal and spatial analysis is required to identify hotspots. In this study, spatial tools are utilized to understand the evolution of groundwater in Punjab (> 315 sites) for the last two decades (2000-2020) for drinking purposes using the water quality index (WQI). The data for pH, electric conductivity (EC), bicarbonate (HCO 3 ¯), chloride (Cl¯), sulfate (SO 4 2 ¯), nitrate (NO 3 ¯), fluoride (F¯), calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), sodium (Na + ), and potassium (K + ) collected from the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) were analyzed. The results show that the average cation abundance is in declining order of Na > Mg > Ca > K, and anion abundance is in order of HCO 3 ¯ > SO 4 2 ¯ > Cl¯ > NO 3  > F. The ions are compared with water quality standards defined by BIS and WHO. The study shows that in the year 2000, 69.52% of locations are above the acceptable limit for EC, 68.89% for Mg 2 , 84.76% for Na + , 51.75% for HCO 3 ¯, 38.41% for NO 3 ¯, and 17.20% for F¯. While in the year 2020, 48.89% exceed the acceptable limit for EC, 57.78% for Mg 2+ , 68.25% for Na + , 34.92% for HCO 3 ¯, 27.30% for NO 3 ¯, and 8.88% for F¯. WQI shows that in the year 2000, 13.01% of sampling locations are categorized as very poor and 20% as unsuitable for drinking. Meanwhile, in 2020, 6.35% of locations are categorized as very poor and 12.38% as unsuitable for drinking in the study area. In addition to the effect on plant growth, consumption of contaminated water can adversely affect human health. The health hazards for F¯ (HQF) and NO 3 ¯ (HQN) and their total health index (THI) are also evaluated that depicts 244 groundwater sampling sites in the year 2000, and 152 sampling sites in the year 2020 show high non-carcinogenic effects on adults, children, and infants. Southwestern Punjab is found to be the worst affected, while north-eastern regions drained by the Himalayan rivers show better quality water. Shifting in agricultural practices in the last two decades and declining water levels due to excess pumping of water from deeper water tables deteriorated the quality of water in the Southern region as observed from the geospatial analysis., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Singrauli region is known as the energy capital of India, as it generates nearly 21 GW of electricity, supplied to various parts of the northern India. Many coal-based Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) using coal from several nearby coal mines, and numerous industries are set up in this region which has made it as one of the highly polluted regions of India. In the present study, detailed temporal analysis and forecast of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), and methane (CH 4 ) concentrations retrieved from satellite data have been carried out for the periods 2005-2020. Based on the classical multiplicative model and using linear regression, the maximum concentration of CO 2 , NO 2 , SO 2 , and CH 4 in the year 2025 is found to be 422.59 ppm, 29.28 ppm, 0.23 DU, and 1901.35 ppbv, respectively. Detailed analysis shows that carbon dioxide has a 95% correlation with all other trace gases. We have also carried out the geo-accumulation index for the presence of various contaminants in the soil of this region. The geo-accumulation index shows that soil in and around thermal power plants and coal mines is contaminated by heavy metals. The cumulative index shows that soil around Hindalco industries, Bina coal mines, Khadia coal mines, and coal-based TPPs (Anpara and Vindhayachal) are highly polluted and a threat to human population living in the region.

India is vulnerable to all kinds of natural hazards associated with land, ocean, biosphere, atmosphere, and snow/glaciers. These natural hazards impact large areas and the population living in the affected regions. India is surrounded by ocean on three sides and is vulnerable to cyclonic activities. Every year cyclones hit the east and west coasts of India, affecting the population living along the coasts and infrastructure and inland areas. The extent of the affected inland areas depends on the intensity of the cyclone. On 12 October 2014, a strong cyclone "Hudhud" hit the east coast of India that caused a high degree of devastation along the coast. The impact of this cyclone was seen up to the Himalayan region. Detailed analysis of satellite and ground data show a strong coupling between land-ocean-atmosphere associated with the Hudhud cyclone. The contrast between land and ocean temperature was found to be closely related with the formation of the cyclone in the ocean and its movements towards land. Pronounced changes in the ocean, land, atmospheric, and meteorological parameters with the development of the cyclone and its landfall have been observed. Changes in total column ozone (TCO), relative humidity (RH), and volume mixing ratio of CO (CO VMR), water mixing ratio (H₂O MMR), surface latent heat flux (SLHF), and aerosol optical properties derived from satellite data show characteristic behavior of the Hudhud cyclone.

The tropospheric NO₂ concentration from OMI AURA always shows high concentrations of NO₂ at a few locations in India, one of the high concentrations of NO₂ hotspots is associated with the locations of seven coal-fired Thermal Power plants (TPPs) in Singrauli. Emissions from TPPs are among the major sources of black carbon (BC) soot in the atmosphere. Knowledge of BC emissions from TPPs is important in characterizing regional carbonaceous particulate emissions, understanding the fog/haze/smog formation, evaluating regional climate forcing, modeling aerosol optical parameters and concentrations of black carbon, and evaluating human health. Furthermore, elevated BC concentrations, over the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) and the Himalayan foothills, have emerged as an important subject to estimate the effects of deposition and atmospheric warming of BC on the accelerated melting of snow and glaciers in the Himalaya. For the first time, this study reports BC concentrations and aerosol optical parameters near dense coal-fired power plants and open cast coal mining adjacent to the east IGP. In-situ measurements were carried out in Singrauli (located in south-east IGP) at a fixed site about 10 km from power plants and in transit measurements in close proximity to the plants, for few days in the month of January and March 2013. At the fixed site, BC concentration up to the 95 μgm -3 is observed with strong diurnal variations. BC concentration shows two maxima peaks during early morning and evening hours. High BC concentrations are observed in close proximity to the coal-fired TPPs (>200 μgm -3 ), compared to the outside domain of our study region. Co-located ground-based sunphotometer measurements of aerosol optical depth (AOD) show strong spatial variability at the fixed site, with AOD in the range 0.38⁻0.58, and the highest AOD in the range 0.7⁻0.95 near the TPPs in transit measurements (similar to the peak of BC concentrations). Additionally, the Angstrom exponent was found to be in the range 0.4⁻1.0 (maximum in the morning time) and highest in the proximity of TPPs (~1.0), suggesting abundance of fine particulates, whereas there was low Angstrom exponent over the surrounding coal mining areas. Low Angstrom exponent is characterized by dust from the unpaved roads and nearby coal mining areas. MODIS derived daily AOD shows a good match with the MICROTOPS AOD. The CALIPSO derived subtypes of the aerosol plot shows that the aerosols over Singrauli region are mainly dust, polluted dust, and elevated smoke. The preliminary study for few days provides information about the BC concentrations and aerosol optical properties from Singrauli (one of the NO₂ hotspot locations in India). This preliminary study suggests that long-term continuous monitoring of BC is needed to understand the BC concentrations and aerosol optical properties for better quantification and the estimation of the emission to evaluate radiative forcing in the region.

Background: There is limited evidence on whether active case finding (ACF) among marginalised and vulnerable populations mitigates the financial burden during tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis., Objectives: To determine the effect of ACF among marginalised and vulnerable populations on prevalence and inequity of catastrophic costs due to TB diagnosis among TB-affected households when compared with passive case finding (PCF)., Methods: In 18 randomly sampled ACF districts in India, during March 2016 to February 2017, we enrolled all new sputum-smear-positive TB patients detected through ACF and an equal number of randomly selected patients detected through PCF. Direct (medical and non-medical) and indirect costs due to TB diagnosis were collected through patient interviews at their residence. We defined costs due to TB diagnosis as 'catastrophic' if the total costs (direct and indirect) due to TB diagnosis exceeded 20% of annual pre-TB household income. We used concentration curves and indices to assess the extent of inequity., Results: When compared with patients detected through PCF (n = 231), ACF patients (n = 234) incurred lower median total costs (US$ 4.6 and 20.4, p < 0.001). The prevalence of catastrophic costs in ACF and PCF was 10.3 and 11.5% respectively. Adjusted analysis showed that patients detected through ACF had a 32% lower prevalence of catastrophic costs relative to PCF [adjusted prevalence ratio (95% CI): 0.68 (0.69, 0.97)]. The concentration indices (95% CI) for total costs in both ACF [-0.15 (-0.32, 0.11)] and PCF [-0.06 (-0.20, 0.08)] were not significantly different from the line of equality and each other. The concentration indices (95% CI) for catastrophic costs in both ACF [-0.60 (-0.81, -0.39)] and PCF [-0.58 (-0.78, -0.38)] were not significantly different from each other: however, both the curves had a significant distribution among the poorest quintiles., Conclusion: ACF among marginalised and vulnerable populations reduced total costs and prevalence of catastrophic costs due to TB diagnosis, but could not address inequity.

The present study deals with the assessment of ambient air quality with respect to respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM or PM10 < or = 10 microm) and trace metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr Ni, Cd, Mn and Pb) concentrations in RSPM at five locations of Renukoot, an industrial area of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The 24 hr mean concentrations of PM10 ranged between 69.3 to 118.9 microg m(-3), which is well within the permissible limit (150 microg m(-3)) of national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) but found higher than the prescribed annual daily limit of US EPA (50 microg m(-3)). The ambient air was mostly dominated by the Fe and least by the Cd among the metal analysed. Murdhawa, a commercial place influenced by vehicular population, is found to be the most polluted area of Renukoot and Dongia nalla (forest area) the least. The ambient air of Murdhawa is rich in Cu and Ni, indicating contribution of mobile sources. The Rammandir a residential place near the industry, is rich in Cd and Cr suggesting contribution of point sources. The Ni concentration is found to be alarmingly high in the air at all the locations except Dongia nallah, when compared with the EC (European Commission) limit (20 ng m(-3)). The Cd concentration is found to be higher only at Rammandir as compared with the EC limit (5 ng m(-3)). Mean concentrations of Zn, Pb and Mn are found to be almost equal in the ambient air of all the locations, suggesting the significance of sources contributing to presence of these metals. Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni having a significant correlation with PM10 indicate the same source contributing these metals as well as PM10. The present study has focused on the quantitative variation in different metals in the PM10, which is extremely harmful due to their toxic and carcinogenic nature.

Automobiles, construction, festivals, factories, stations, diesel shades, garages and workshops are sources of noise. Vehicles are increasing enormously beyond the carrying capacity of the road. Study was carried out at 12 locations with sound level meter to assess day time and night time noise levels of Lucknow city. In residential areas, noise ranged between 67.7 to 78.9 and 52.9 to 56.4; in commercial cum traffic areas 74.8 to 84.2 and 68.2 to 74.9 and in industrial areas 76.9-77.2 and 72.2-73.1 dB(A) during day and night time respectively. Values were higher than their prescribed standards which may pose a significant impact on quality of life.

Many brick industries and industrial boilers in South Asia use high sulfur containing coal as the major fuel. The combustion of these coals leads to serious environmental pollution and health problems. The SO2 emissions from the combustion of coal can be captured by adding lime-based desulfurizing agents (DSA) to the coal briquettes. The physical and combustion characteristics of some Indian (Bihar, Assam) and Nepali (Dang, Abidhara, Lignite) coal have been studied. The process of desulfurization of these coals was investigated using calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate as DSA. Calcium carbonate is more efficient in char combustion than volatile combustion, whereas calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxides are efficient as DSA in both char and volatile combustion. For most of the coals the desulfurization efficiencies are over 80% in case of Ca(OH)2 and NaOH for molar ratios of DSA to sulfur (Ca/S) of 2 and 3. For the same Ca/S ratios the desulfurization efficiency is about 75% when calcium carbonate is used. Use of calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide as DSA in coal briquettes could be an efficient and economical way to control the pollution from the use of high sulfur containing coals used in brick industries in Nepal and South Asia.