Integrating geospatial techniques and field survey to assess the changing nature of meander movements and meander geometry of Raidak-I River in the Himalayan foothills, West Bengal

Channel migration and resultant meander movements are the two important fluvial processes found in the riparian environment of a river basin. The present research explores the changing nature of the meander movements and meander geometry of the Raidak-I River in the Himalayan foothill region using geospatial tools. The study incorporated Landsat data (satellite imageries) for the years 1972, 1980, 1988, 2004, 2012 and 2021 and the whole study has been segmented into five periods i.e., 1972–1980, 1980–1988, 1988–2004, 2004–2012 and 2012–2021 to examine which type of meander movement dominates in the Raidak-I River within a particular time frame and how the nature of the meander movements is being changed over time. Bank lines of different periods have been superimposed with the help of the overlay analysis method in ArcGIS software (Version 10.8) to obtain the results. Furthermore, Arc-Extension tools have also been used to measure the meander geometry. Twelve active river bends have been identified to study meander geometry of sinuosity indices, meander length, meander width, meander-ratio, channel width and radius of curvature from 1972 to 2021. Initially, lateral movements predominated but, in the late-stage, rotational movement became much more prominent, which indicates dynamicity of the river channel in recent time. The cross-sectional study revealed that a convex bank has frequently been replaced with a concave bank and vice versa. The study finds human intervention – especially the construction of embankments – is the main reason behind such meander dynamics. The method we have used here is very simple, and thus can be considered for any part of the world and is very beneficial for identifying suitable sites for embankment construction, river restoration and channel management.Channel migration and resultant meander movements are the two important fluvial processes found in the riparian environment of a river basin. The present research explores the changing nature of the meander movements and meander geometry of the Raidak-I River in the Himalayan foothill region using geospatial tools. The study incorporated Landsat data (satellite imageries) for the years 1972, 1980, 1988, 2004, 2012 and 2021 and the whole study has been segmented into five periods i.e., 1972–1980, 1980–1988, 1988–2004, 2004–2012 and 2012–2021 to examine which type of meander movement dominates in the Raidak-I River within a particular time frame and how the nature of the meander movements is being changed over time. Bank lines of different periods have been superimposed with the help of the overlay analysis method in ArcGIS software (Version 10.8) to obtain the results. Furthermore, Arc-Extension tools have also been used to measure the meander geometry. Twelve active river bends have been identified to study meander geometry of sinuosity indices, meander length, meander width, meander-ratio, channel width and radius of curvature from 1972 to 2021. Initially, lateral movements predominated but, in the late-stage, rotational movement became much more prominent, which indicates dynamicity of the river channel in recent time. The cross-sectional study revealed that a convex bank has frequently been replaced with a concave bank and vice versa. The study finds human intervention – especially the construction of embankments – is the main reason behind such meander dynamics. The method we have used here is very simple, and thus can be considered for any part of the world and is very beneficial for identifying suitable sites for embankment construction, river restoration and channel management

Ecosystem Services of Chariganga and Arpara Beel in Nadia District, West Bengal: A Geographical Enquiry

The ecological set up of the deltaic Bengal has immensely been benefitted by the ecosystem services extended by the freshwater wetlands. Along with the diverse ecological benefits, those floodplain wetlands serve the adjacent agrarian community through the provision of free goods and services. The present study has attempted to identify the ecological resources provided by the Chariganga and Arpara Beel and its impact on the livelihood patterns of the rural inhabitants. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques have been used for the study. Ecosystem Service Index (ESI) has been computed to quantify the values of ecosystem services in each category for the dry and wet periods. Nearly 33 ecosystem services are identified which have significantly influenced the socio-economic lifestyle of the inhabitants of three adjacent villages like Arpara, Gotpara, and Sultanpur but not homogeneously in terms of space, time, and status of stakeholders. The computed ESI values reveal that the maximum index value in each category of ecosystem services has been recorded at Chariganga Wetland in both dry and wet seasons.  Moreover, the fluctuation of ESI between the two seasons is least at Chariganga Wetland (0.03) compared to Arpara Wetland (0.28). Spatio-temporal variation in availability of resources has conspicuously altered the yearlong utilisation pattern of wetlands’ resources and put a noticeable imprint upon the diverse economic activities and cultural practices of the beneficiaries. The seasonal transformation of a large segment of the studied wetlands in wet and dry months has noticeably influenced the livelihood strategies of the natives. As a consequence, dynamism in utilisation pattern and contrasted societal views concerning the wetland-people interdependency has come into existence

Challenges and Prospects of Apple Cultivation in Himachal Pradesh

The present endeavour aims to ascertain the current status and recent challenges of apple cultivation in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh and to explore the prospects by framing suitable strategies through quantitative SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and QSPM (Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix) analysis. A total of 32 factors encompassing 20 internal [10 Strengths (S) and 10 Weakness (W)] and 12 external [6 Opportunities (O) and 6 Threats (T)] factors have been identified through empiric investigation and interaction with the stakeholders. Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrices have revealed that favourable agro-climatic conditions (S1, 3.60) and prevalence of diseases of the plants (W5, 3.6) are the most prioritised internal strength and weaknesses. At the same time, the establishment of adequate cold storage facilities (O5, 3.6) and recent changes in the prevailing climate (T1, 2.25) comprise the most concerning external opportunities and threats in the area, respectively. The results further reveal that implementing a well-managed gardening system and developing of infrastructural facilities (WT1, 124.7) may become the qualified alternative action plan to cope with the negative determinants. The establishment and expansion of apple orchard-based food processing units and tourism activities (SO2, 95%) may be considered the most suitable positive (SO) strategy to ensure further prosperity of apple production, which has been supported by most of the respondents. Adapting such a strategy will enrich the horticulture economy and promote the sustainable development of apple farming in the district