Papers by Mahesh P R A S A D Awasthi
Although river water is vital for drinking, irrigation and domestic needs, it faces threats from ... more Although river water is vital for drinking, irrigation and domestic needs, it faces threats from natural processes and human activities. Small and medium-sized rivers, especially in Nepal, remain understudied despite their vital importance in providing water to densely populated areas. This study evaluated the suitability for drinking and irrigation and the hydro-chemical characteristics of the Biring and Tangting rivers in Koshi province, Nepal. The results showed that turbidity, pH, EC, TDS, TH, NH 4 2-, HCO 3 -and NO 3 -values of all sampling sites in the Biring and Tangting rivers, except for the turbidity value of 10.39 NTU recorded in the PT9 site of the Tangting River, did not exceed maximum limit values set for drinking water. However, according to Water Quality Index results, the water of both rivers was in poor condition for drinking due to domestic wastewater discharges and cremation activities which caused high NH 4 + levels. The major cations in both rivers were listed as Ca 2 ⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Mg 2 ⁺, while the major anions were listed as HCO₃⁻ > Cl⁻ > SO₄ 2 ⁻ > NO₃⁻. Gibbs and Piper diagrams showed that geogenic weathering of carbonate rocks prevailing in the region affected the hydrochemistry in both rivers. Evaluation based on seven different irrigation indices and US salinity laboratory diagram revealed that the water of both rivers was suitable for irrigation despite some magnesium-related limitations.
The study evaluates the vulnerability and climate change (CC) impacts on livelihood-related servi... more The study evaluates the vulnerability and climate change (CC) impacts on livelihood-related services aiming to identify strategies for enhancing resilience and adaptation. Key aspects of the study include the analysis of hydro-meteorological data, examination of climatic variability evidence, and vulnerability assessments related to CC. Vulnerability to CC varies based on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptation capacity, especially within a small spatial scale. Employing a bottom-up approach, the study applied trend analysis, Mann-Kendall statistical trend, IPCC vulnerability equation, and the Capacity Building and Vulnerability Assessment (CBCA) framework as fundamental methodologies. Meteorological and household data validate climatic trends and vulnerability. Significant changes in climatic parameters are observed, mirroring previous studies. Local communities experience decreased rainfall frequency, frequent floods, extended dry seasons, delayed monsoons, and intense late summer rainfall, verified by data from the nearest meteorological station. The exposure index ranges from 2.35 to 3.87, with wards 1 and 6 of Laljhadi Rural Municipality (RM) having the least exposure while ward 3 the highest, according to respondent perceptions. Sensitivity is highest in wards near the Doda River, with ward 4 having the highest sensitivity index. Adaptive capacity indices range from 2.01 to 3.68, with the least in wards 1 and 6. The highest vulnerability is observed in wards 3, 4, and 2 with vulnerability scores of 16.8, 13.6, and 11.1, respectively. Overall, the vulnerability calibration index indicated low adaptive capacity across all wards, emphasizing the need to enhance adaptive capabilities as a key recommendation for reducing CC vulnerability.
Research findings are pivotal drivers in societal advancement, catalyzing the generation of novel... more Research findings are pivotal drivers in societal advancement, catalyzing the generation of novel knowledge and fostering innovation. To ensure wider dissemination and effective communication, it is essential to publish research articles in peer-reviewed and indexed journals. Moreover, publishing papers in high-impact factor journals has become an essential academic and professional obligation in many countries worldwide. A good research report should fill a knowledge gap, providing new and valuable insights, quantifiable data, and measurable outcomes. The shape and structure of a scientific paper depend heavily on the research question and the data assembled for publication. However, even if a paper contains innovative and outstanding content, it may face rejection if its structure and organization are not meticulously crafted. Furthermore, the increased volume of submissions to highimpact journals can also pose a significant challenge to getting papers published. To enhance the likelihood of successful publication, researchers should prioritize meticulous planning and rigorous implementation of their research methodology. Equally important is the careful structuring of the paper, encompassing critical elements of different parts of article. This article serves as a valuable resource, particularly for individuals who are in the early stages of their academic and research journey. Thus, to communicate their research findings and innovations effectively to a target and informed audience, researchers and academics must possess fundamental insights into the publication process. Adhering to the guidelines outlined in this paper enhances researchers' ability to meticulously structure their papers, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful publication and facilitating meaningful contributions to the broader scientific community. It not only bolsters researchers' prospects but also serves to strengthen the integrity and impact of their work within the scientific community. Additionally, it offers a brief overview of the submission and review processes involved in publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Himalayan Biodiversity, Nov 29, 2023
Sustainable water resource management has become increasingly challenging due to the limited avai... more Sustainable water resource management has become increasingly challenging due to the limited availability of hydrometeorological data in remote mountainous areas, making it difficult to assess water balance and simulate runoff at various spatiotemporal scales. This study aims to assess the 30-year (1990-2019) water balance of the Chameliya Watershed in the Mahakali River Basin, Nepal, with a focus on glacier dynamics, utilizing the Spatial Process in Hydrology (SPHY) modeling tool. The data analysis disclosed that the watershed experienced positive water balance for 6 months, primarily during the monsoon season, while the remaining months exhibited negative values. Additionally, a comparison between the recent decade (2010-2019) and the late 1990s revealed an increase in hydrological components, such as discharge and precipitation, alongside a decrease in evapotranspiration and glacier melt. The dynamics of discharge disclose fluctuations among multiple contributors, with rainfall taking precedence, followed by baseflow, snowmelt, and glacier melt in descending sequence. Overall, the study offers a profound understanding of water availability in the Chameliya Watershed and highlights its dynamic changes over the study period. This knowledge holds great significance, especially in remote, inaccessible, and high-altitude regions. It also underscores the necessity of understanding Himalayan hydrological dynamics for precise flood prediction, climate risk assessment, and sustainable resource management amid global climate change.
Water Practice & Technology
Satellite imagery-based spectral indices are essential for monitoring natural resource changes an... more Satellite imagery-based spectral indices are essential for monitoring natural resource changes and urban environments. Assessing these indices is vital for natural resource management and environmental sustainability. This study adopted geospatial techniques and satellite imagery (Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS) to analyze changes in key spectral indices, i.e. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) over the past three decades (1991–2022) in the low land region of Far Western Nepal. The study examined the temporal trends and intricate relationships between these indices during this time frame. The substantial changes in NDVI, NDBI, and NDWI within the study area have been quantified from 1991 to 2022. The findings revealed significantly elevated NDBI values in 1991, 2001, and 2013 compared to 2022, while NDWI and NDVI values were consistently lower in 1991,2001, and 2013 compared to...
Scientific World
Taudaha Lake is an important lake in central Nepal because of its cultural, aesthetic, ecological... more Taudaha Lake is an important lake in central Nepal because of its cultural, aesthetic, ecological and economic values. The assessments of water quality and hydrochemical characteristics were carried out by collecting samples from 20 different sites of the lake in August 2021. Analysis of temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, major cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Fe3+ and NH4+) and major anions (HCO3-, Cl-, NO3-, SO42- and PO43-) were carried out to assess the overall hydrochemistry of the lake. The obtained data were interpreted by using multivariate statistical techniques to explore pollution sources and characteristics of sampling points and compared with WHO and irrigation guidelines. Slightly alkaline water with less distinct spatial variation was found. The pattern of major ions is in order of Ca2+> Mg2+> Na+> K+> Fe3+> NH4+ and HCO3-> Cl-> SO42-> NO3-> PO43-. All parameters lie w...
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Papers by Mahesh P R A S A D Awasthi