National Geographical Journal of India

Socio-economic status of elderly population in rural areas of Haveri district in Karnataka: A geographical perspective

R.H. Nirmala — 2025-06-30

Rural areas, located outside urban centres, typically have a higher proportion of elderly residents, as younger populations tend to migrate to cities in search of better opportunities, leaving behind an aging demographic. This growing elderly population in rural regions often contributes to labour shortages and places additional strain on local economies. According to the India Ageing Report 2023, released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), approximately 70 percent of the elderly population in India resides in rural areas. The country's elderly population is projected to reach 158.7 million by 2025, with rural regions bearing the brunt of this demographic transition. In the Haveri district of Karnataka, the total projected elderly population is 1.6 lakh in 2024, with the rural elderly accounting for 115,019 individuals. The socio-economic status of elderly individuals in rural areas is defined by the interplay of social and economic factors that impact their quality of life, well-being, and access to opportunities. Rural elderly populations face several challenges, including inadequate healthcare services, poor housing and infrastructure, reliance on agriculture, weak transportation networks, limited access to nutritious food, and low literacy levels. This study aims to assess the well-being of the rural elderly in Haveri district by analysing their socio-economic conditions. Methodologically, the study adopts a spatio-temporal analysis of the rural elderly population, constructs a composite index to assess

Impact of brick-kiln industry on the surrounding natural environment in the Asansol city of West Bengal

Suvra Maji — 2025-06-30

The rising demand for bricks in India's urban construction sector has led to the widespread proliferation of brick kilns in the peripheral zones of cities. In Asansol, this phenomenon is particularly evident, with fifteen brick kilns concentrated across eight outer municipal wards, occupying over 70 hectares of land. This study investigates the environmental implications of brick kiln operations in the peripheral areas of Asansol city, emphasizing local residents’ perceptions of the resultant land-use changes and ecological degradation. Drawing on data collected from 100 respondents residing in proximity to four selected brick kilns, the research captures diverse perspectives, including those of kiln owners, land lessors, local inhabitants, and shopkeepers. The findings reveal that brick kiln activities have significantly altered the physical landscape and contributed to the degradation of various components of the biophysical environment, including water bodies, groundwater levels, vegetation cover, soil quality, agricultural land, and cropping patterns. The study underscores the urgent need for regulatory mechanism and sustainable land-use planning to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts associated with unregulated brick kiln expansion in urban fringe areas.

Pattern and hotspots analysis of forest fires in district Tehri of Garhwal Himalayan Region, Uttarakhand

Sana Rafi — 2025-06-30

The Uttarakhand State is rich in forest resources, and according to the India State of Forest Report 2023, the State has a total 71.05% forest cover area out of the total geographical area. But, at present, various anthropogenic and natural factors are affecting and degrading the wealth and health of forest resources. One of the important factors responsible for forest resource degradation is forest fire. Therefore, the present study aims to understand the forest fire pattern and trends and their hotspots in the study area. For this purpose, primary and secondary data have been used and processed in the SPSS software for statistical analysis and in GIS environment to prepare the spatial distribution maps. The study reveals that during the study period, total 135 forest fire incidents have been reported in the study area with a total 530 hours of forest fire duration which has affected 123 hectares of forest cover area. During the study period, in the study area, the average monthly forest fire incident is 45 (SD ± 21.6), which varies from 27 as the minimum in April and 69 as the maximum in May; the average monthly forest fire duration is 176 hours (SD ± 64.7) which varies from 103 hours as the minimum in the month of April and 223 hours as the maximum in the month of May; and the mean monthly forest fire affected area in district Tehri is 41 hectares (SD ± 23.1) which varies from 17 hectares as the minimum in the month of April and 63 hectares as the maximum in the month of May. The study found a strong relation between the number of fires, how long they lasted, and the area affected. The study area is divided into five forest ranges out of which the Tehri is the most forest fire affected ranges and the Balganga is the least forest fire affected range. Three major fire hotspots were identified, especially in the central part of the study area, with high confidence. The study also shows that besides anthropogenic factors, the biological factors, e.g., the accumulation of pine (Chir) needles on the surface work as a fuel to forest fires and the physical factors, e.g., topography, climatic conditions, moisture etc. are spread the fire. Thus, this study recommends pre-forest fire control measures such as removing of pine needles from human activity areas, plantation of fire adaptive plant species and making of fire lines.

Understanding the socio-economic dynamics of the marginalized Meo community in Ujina village of Nuh district, Haryana

Avadhesh Kumar Meena — 2025-06-30

The social and economic conditions, along with their status within the religious community, deeply shape the societal position of Meo community. The Meo community, known for its distinct ethnic and cultural identity, faces significant socio-economic challenges, including limited access to education and constrained occupational opportunities. The research aimed to understand these dynamics by analyzing data collected from 120 participants, selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The study utilized a quantitative approach, incorporating key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews with individuals from various age groups. Findings indicate that traditional societal roles, limited educational access, and economic constraints are closely intertwined, adversely impacting critical variables such as education, monthly income, and occupational structure. Statistical analysis reveals a non-significant relationship (P > 0.05) between these variables, underscoring the complex interplay of socio-economic factors within the Meo community. The study highlights systemic barriers that perpetuate socio-economic marginalization, emphasizing the need for context-specific developmental interventions. By shedding light on the intricate socio-economic challenges faced by the Meo community, this research contributes valuable insights into the broader understanding of ethnic socio-economic dynamics. The findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies to effectively address the multifaceted challenges and promote sustainable development within marginalized communities.

Analysing crop combination patterns in the district of south Bihar, India

Sonam Kumari — 2025-06-30

The study of crop combinations holds immense significance in agricultural geography. Crop combination refers to the aggregate of different crops cultivated within a specific region at a given time. This technique helps identify areas sharing a significant proportion of higher-ranked crops and is a necessary measure for analyzing cropping intensity. This research paper focuses on examining crop combination regions in the districts of South Bihar, aiming to highlight the significant variations in crop patterns across the study area. The study is based on secondary data for the agricultural year 2022-23. Weaver’s method of crop combination has been employed to compute and analyze the data. The findings reveal that most districts in South Bihar experienced a two-crop combination pattern. Among these, paddy and wheat emerged as the dominant crops, cultivated across different seasons throughout the region. This research provides valuable insights into the agricultural dynamics of South Bihar, helping policymakers and stakeholders understand regional cropping patterns and develop strategies for sustainable agricultural practices.

Examining the role of physical activity in managing hypertension among India's older population

Anshika Singh — 2025-06-30

Hypertension, a chronic condition and major global health burden, is a leading cause of strokes, heart disease, vascular disorders, and kidney disease. Its prevalence is rising due to aging populations and increased exposure to lifestyle risks such as poor diets and inactivity. Regular exercise helps avoid and control chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. This study examines the demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing the association among physical activity and hypertension among adults aged 60 and above in India. Drawing cross-sectional data from wave 1 of Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) ,2017-18. The analysis includes sample of 27,176 individuals. The association between physical activity and hypertension was evaluated using logistic regression analysis, and the Population Attributable Factor was computed to examine the percentage of instances of hypertension that might be avoided by adhering to prescribed levels of physical activity. The results indicated that individuals with inadequate physical activity had 23% higher odds of hypertension (AOR: 1.14, p < 0.001). The analysis suggested that sex, currently working status, self-rated health, household consumption expenditure, education, place of residence, need supportive aid for activities of daily living, and bodyweight were significant factors associated with hypertension. The PAF estimate of 0.0833 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.6665, 0.0998) suggests that 8.3% of hypertension cases could be reduced by improving from inadequate to adequate levels of physical activity. Hypertension is an increasing public health concern, especially among older adults with inadequate physical activity. Targeted interventions, including lifestyle awareness programs and screening for high-risk groups, may effectively reduce hypertension risks.

Spatial analysis of disparities in basic household amenities in Haryana

Ritu Rani — 2025-06-30

Assessing the levels of socio-economic development has long been a significant focus for geographers. One of the key indicators of a region’s development status is the availability and quality of basic household amenities. These amenities serve as vital proxies for understanding the overall living standards and development conditions within a society or region. This study aims to examine rural–urban disparities in the availability of basic household amenities in Haryana, using selected indicators. Household-level data from the Census of India has been normalized, standardized, and spatially analyzed to reveal patterns of disparity across the state. The analysis, supported by appropriate statistical tools and mapping techniques, highlights a substantial gap between rural and urban areas in terms of access to essential household services. Based on the findings, the study proposes targeted measures to reduce this rural–urban divide. It advocates for immediate policy interventions aimed at ensuring equitable access to basic amenities through inclusive, group-specific approaches, complemented by awareness campaigns. To improve the overall quality of life and well-being of the rural population, the study emphasizes the need for development schemes

Mapping agrarian livelihood asset accessibility in the state of West Bengal, India

Priyanka Das — 2025-06-30

Farmers' welfare is critical for achieving food security, rural resilience, and equitable development, especially in agriculturally dominant states such as West Bengal, where a large share of the population relies on farming and allied sectors. Anchored in the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (DFID, 1999; Chambers & Conway, 1992), this study focuses on understanding district-wide disparities in farmers’ access to livelihood resources—interpreted through five foundational capitals: natural, physical, human, financial, and social. However, to better contextualize livelihood assessment within the agrarian domain, the study draws upon the approach of Satyasai (2021), who proposed a redistribution of livelihood assets into six policy-relevant and sector-specific dimensions: Production, Post-Production, Infrastructure, Social Development, Ecological Aspects, and Policy and Fiscal Environment. This restructured lens enables a more nuanced evaluation of the accessibility and adequacy of livelihood provisioning in agriculture. Accordingly, the study employs 29 indicators spanning these six dimensions to construct the Agrarian Livelihood Asset Accessibility Index (ALAAI), using government reports and agricultural surveys. The data of six dimension was normalized and aggregated to produce sub-indices which are further integrated to from a composite index called Agrarian Livelihood Asset Accessibility Index (ALAAI) using equal weighted approach. The findings indicate that Bardhaman has the highest ALAAI score (0.58), while Darjeeling scores the lowest (0.17), signifying urgent needs for targeted interventions in lower-scoring districts. A coefficient of variation analysis was conducted to understand the extent of variation among districts, revealing significant disparities in agricultural development. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive policies and focused investments to enhance farmers' welfare, address regional disparities, and promote sustainable agricultural development in West Bengal.

Status, contribution and participation of women in rural tourism in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh

Sneh Gangwar — 2025-06-30

Women’s participation in the tourism sector of Himachal Pradesh, which began modestly in the 1920s and 1930s with roles such as portering, has gradually expanded. Today, although their representation remains limited in number, women have made notable strides by working as solo trek leaders, leading all-women trekking groups, serving as team leaders in mountain expeditions, and managing hotels, lodges, restaurants, trekking agencies, and travel companies at senior levels. Despite these advancements, the majority of women in tourism continue to occupy lower-tier positions within the organized sub-sectors of the industry. In a context where women constitute more than half of the population, a critical question arises: Can the balanced and inclusive development of the tourism sector be achieved without ensuring women’s equitable access to, and control over, the benefits of rural tourism? This brief paper seeks to explore this issue. It argues for the urgent need for pro-women tourism policies, action plans, and targeted programs that prioritize protection, support, and empowerment of women. Such initiatives are essential to elevate mountain women from marginal participation to equal status with their male counterparts in employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Ensuring fair and just access to the benefits of rural tourism will not only contribute to their socio-economic empowerment but also foster broader structural transformation within mountain societies.

Assessing spatio-temporal land use and land cover changes in Sonbhadra District, Uttar Pradesh

Sunil Kumar Singh — 2025-06-30

Land, as a fundamental natural resource, plays a crucial role in supporting both ecological balance and human development. Over the centuries, humans have altered land use patterns to meet growing demands for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. This study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) changes in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, over a 24-year period from 1995 to 2019. The study area has been classified into nine distinct land use categories, each reflecting varied human-environment interactions. The present study is based primarily on secondary data obtained from satellite imagery, including Landsat data and Google Earth visualizations, supplemented by official records from relevant government departments and field-level surveys. Additionally, primary insights were gathered through interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders such as farmers, landowners, and local administrative officials. The research provides critical insights into the drivers and consequences of land transformation and emphasizes the importance of sustainable land-use planning for regional development.

Disparities and dynamics in evaluating inter-district agricultural development in Uttar Pradesh

Tariq Mahmood Usmani — 2025-06-30

This study conducts a spatial analysis of inter-district agricultural development in Uttar Pradesh, India, using key indicators such as net sown area, cropping intensity, irrigation intensity, canal length per 1,000 hectares of net sown area, fertilizer consumption, and net sown area per cultivator. The findings reveal significant spatial disparities, with Western Uttar Pradesh demonstrating higher levels of irrigation coverage and fertilizer consumption, largely attributed to historical agricultural advancements, particularly those initiated during the post-Green Revolution. In contrast, regions like Bundelkhand demonstrate lower agricultural performance, primarily due to limited irrigation infrastructure and challenging agro-climatic conditions. The study highlights that agricultural development in Uttar Pradesh is not uniform and is influenced by a complex interplay of physical, infrastructural, and institutional factors. The use of comparative indicators facilitates a deeper understanding of the developmental imbalances at the regional level. These disparities emphasize the need for targeted, region-specific policy interventions to enhance resource utilization and productivity in lagging areas. The study underscores the importance of integrating spatial analysis into agricultural planning to support equitable and sustainable rural development. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, planners, and researchers aiming to design inclusive strategies that bridge development gaps and promote agricultural resilience across diverse districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Evaluation of morphometric parameters to determine hydrological behaviours of the lower Tel sub-basin, India

Mamina Behera — 2025-06-30

Geospatial technology serves as a critical modern tool for morphometric analysis of river basins. By integrating satellite imagery from remote sensing with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), it is now possible to accurately assess the morphometry of river basins. The present objective is to determine the morphometry of the lower Tel sub-basin to understand the physical terrain and water flow dynamics. SRTM DEM data were utilized in the ArcGIS platform to delineate the drainage boundary and the stream network of the sub-basin. Various parameters of morphometric assessment including linear, areal, and relief aspects were evaluated for the sub-basin. The results show that the Lower Tel sub-basin spans an area of approximately 9,048 square kilometers and includes stream orders up to the sixth order, with a total of 796 stream segments. The bifurcation ratio suggests minimal structural interference in the sub-basin. Based on the shape factor, the sub-basin possesses an elongated shape. The existence of hard-resistant bedrock in the sub-basin was suggested by lower drainage density value, which led to lower permeability and high surface runoff. The drainage texture is coarse implying less terrain dissection. The length of overland flow, i.e., 1.27 km, suggests low relief, low infiltration, and a longer flow path. The relief aspect suggests the sub-basins that the sub-basin has low relief and a gentle slope. Hence, it concludes that the geospatial technique is very useful to get a detailed understanding of drain basin hydrology. These findings are extremely useful for basin water management, conservation policies, and sustainable development planning for the basin.

Spatial variations in in-migration and out-migration patterns in Bihar, India

Suman Lata — 2025-06-30

The present study aims to analyze the spatial patterns of in-migration and out-migration in Bihar between 2001 and 2011, using place-of-birth data from the Census of India. To explore district-level in-migration dynamics, the five leading origin states for each district were identified and ranked based on their share of the total in-migrant population in 2011. The findings indicate that, in 2011, intra-district migration constituted the largest share of total migration in Bihar, accounting for nearly 68 percent, followed by inter-district migration at approximately 27 percent. Notably, interstate migration declined from 7.9 percent in 2001 to just 4 percent in 2011. Whereas the number of total out-migrants of Bihar observed an increase from 5.5 million in 2001 to 7.9 million in 2011 with a positive growth (~44 percent). The primary destination states for these migrants were Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, which together absorbed around 69 percent of Bihar’s total out-migrants. The primary destination states for these migrants were Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, which together absorbed around 69 percent of Bihar’s total out-migrants. Conversely, in-migration to Bihar declined over the decade, with the total number of immigrants falling from 1.5 million in 2001 to 1.0 million in 2011, representing a negative growth of 23.5 percent. The states like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, and NCT of Delhi were major origin states sending migrants to Bihar comprising about 95 percent share in total in-migrants. The study revealed that in terms of ranking, the highest in-migration in Bihar occurred from three neighbouring states namely, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.