Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan

The supply of safe drinking water in rural developing areas is still a matter of concern, especially if surface water, shallow wells, and wells with non-watertight headworks are sources for drinking water. Continuously changing raw water conditions, flood and extreme rainfall events, anthropogenic pollution, and lacking electricity supply in developing regions require new and adapted solutions to treat and render water safe for distribution. This paper presents the findings of a pilot test conducted in Uttarakhand, India, where a river bank filtration (RBF) well was combined with a solar-driven and online-monitored electro-chlorination system, treating fecal-contaminated Ganga River water. While the RBF well provided nearly turbidity- and pathogen-free water as well as buffered fluctuations in source water qualities, the electro-chlorination system provided disinfection based on the inline conversion of chloride to hypochlorous acid. The conducted sampling campaigns provided complete disinfection (>6.7 log) and the adequate supply of residual disinfectant (0.27 ± 0.17 mg/L). The system could be further optimized to local conditions and allows the supply of microbial-safe water for river bound communities, even during monsoon periods and under the low natural chloride regimes typical for this region.

As part of the Saph Pani project, a rapid assessment of a riverbank filtration site in Haridwar and data from literature on riverbank filtration and managed aquifer recharge in India are used for a strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis based on environmental, social, institutional and economic aspects. Both technologies show a high potential for future application in India, where alternative solutions are required to mitigate water scarcity and reduce the over-exploitation of groundwater aquifers.

Abstract Uttarakhand is witnessing a drastic decrease in spring discharge which leads to scarcity of drinking water for Himalayan inhabitants. This study uses a novel approach to assess the surface‐subsurface interaction of water, pivotal for estimating the status of spring discharge. Hydrological modelling has been used to quantify the diminishing discharge of spring and their associated factors, including changes in land practises and precipitation patterns. The coupling of the soil water assessment tool (SWAT) and MIKE hydro NAM model was proposed in the study to assess the decreasing discharge for an ungauged watershed. The model performance evaluated between the SWAT and the MIKE hydro NAM model indicated a very good index of agreement ( d = 0.81). Field‐based spring discharge investigations were conducted in almost all watersheds in the study area. The MIKE hydro NAM model showed a good index of agreement ( d = 0.79) with the observed spring discharge. Further, the geographically weighted regression (GWR) technique was applied over 17 driving factors based on hydrological parameters including topography, structural geology, land use/land cover and future annual precipitation (till 2030) under the RCP 4.5 scenario to understand the status of diminishing discharge of springs. The accuracy between the observed spring discharge and the GWR indicated a good index of agreement ( d = 0.86). The results indicate that annual spring discharges will be significantly reduced up to 50% from 1975 to near future (2030), posing a threat to the drinking water supply. The proposed approach is replicable and scalable for ungauged river systems of the Himalayas. The study demonstrates the methods such as trend analysis of precipitation behaviour, land use change dynamics using remote sensing techniques, structural geological investigation through field measurements and hydrodynamic modelling are important for understanding surface‐subsurface interaction. The findings of the study help to identify the critical recharge zones for implementing the spring revival and rejuvenation programmes.

Initial treatment of wound aims to prevent infection and early wound healing.

Fistula in Ano is a chronic inflammatory condition having a tubular structure with an opening in the Anorectal canal at one end and the surface of the perineum or perianal skin on the other end. Fistula-in ano is one such condition that is prone to recurrence even after repeated surgery and can be effectively treated by Ayurvedic medicines. Ksharasutra is one of the chief modalities in the treatment of Bhagandara in Ayurvedic science. Here is a case report of 31 years male patient with chief complaints of pain and pus discharge from the perianal region presented to Shalya OPD on Oct 14, 2022. After his consent, Ksharsutra treatment was planned with Saptaparna Snuhi Ksharsutra, along with some oral medications. The treatment continued for a period of 1 month, and the patient was kept on follow-up for 6 months having no reoccurrence or any other complaints.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is supporting advances in healthcare diagnosis, treatment, and patient care through the application of machine learning techniques, which is causing a revolution in the sector. Artificial intelligence's (AI) revolutionary impact on healthcare is explored in this research. Machine learning algorithms are changing traditional medical practices and improving patient outcomes; this is the main emphasis of the research. Artificial intelligence algorithms can analyse large amounts of medical data, including EHRs, MRIs, and genetic information, to spot patterns, find outliers, and provide tailored insights to doctors. Healthcare services may be delivered more efficiently, accurately, and conveniently with the help of AI-driven technologies. Among these options are precision medicine, remote patient monitoring, and early disease detection. To ensure the responsible deployment of AI-driven advancements and equitable access to these technologies, it is necessary to appropriately address the various ethical, legal, and socio-economic problems surrounding the use of AI in healthcare. There is much hope that AI will improve people's lives and completely alter the way healthcare is provided. It is possible that this might be achieved if healthcare practitioners, researchers, lawmakers, and technologists worked together.