Fresh groundwater is essential for sustaining life and socio-economic development, particularly in regions with limited safe drinking water alternatives. However, contamination from natural and anthropogenic sources poses severe health and environmental risks. This research examines the health risks linked to groundwater quality in the agroeconomic region of Boudh district, Odisha, India, where residents depend on untreated groundwater due to limited access to alternative sources. A total of 82 groundwater samples were analyzed during pre- and post-monsoon of the year 2023 using multivariate statistical methods (PCA, correlation analysis) to determine pollutant sources and regulatory factors, while XRD was employed to characterize fluoride-bearing minerals in associated rock samples. Fluoride concentrations range from 0.14 to 4.6 mg/L, with 49% of samples exceeding the WHO limit of 1.5 mg/L, which raises significant health concerns. Nitrate levels fluctuate between 1.57 and 203.51 mg/L, primarily due to agricultural fertilizers. A health risk assessment (hazard quotient and hazard index) indicates that 63% of samples fall into the low-risk category, 21% into moderate-risk, and 16% into high-risk. Children (HI = 29.23) and infants (HI = 19.51) are at the greatest health risk, surpassing that of adult males (HI = 12.2) and females (HI = 11.2). Findings provide scientific evidence for policymakers to implement groundwater protection and remediation strategies. Immediate interventions, including water quality monitoring, defluoridation measures, and community awareness programs, are essential for ensuring long-term water security and public health.

Peri-urban catchment areas are increasingly susceptible to floods due to rapid land use transformations and unplanned urban expansion. This study comprehensively examines flood vulnerability in the rapidly developing peri-urban areas of North Bhubaneswar, focusing on significant changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and hydrological dynamics from 2004 to 2024, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The analysis reveals substantial shifts in land use patterns, with the urban footprint expanding by 71.8%, cropland decreasing by 21.7%, and forest areas by 13.6%. These changes have led to increased impervious surfaces, resulting in higher surface runoff and decreased groundwater recharge, thereby exacerbating flood risks in the region. The GRID-based vulnerability analysis classifies 90 villages within the catchment area based on their vulnerability levels, identifying 20 villages as high-risk areas requiring urgent attention, 44 villages as medium vulnerable, and 26 villages as low vulnerable. These classifications are based on factors such as proximity to drainage networks, slope, geomorphology, and LULC characteristics, with areas near drainage channels and low-lying regions being prone to flooding. The analysis integrates multiple factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of flood risk, highlighting the need for sustainable land use planning, conservation of vegetated areas, and the implementation of advanced flood prevention strategies in the peri-urban areas. Extending this research to other fringe regions could offer further valuable insights, guiding flood prevention and sustainable development strategies for areas undergoing significant land use transformations to effectively mitigate future flood risks.

The tasar silk production of India’s sericulture industry supports tribal livelihoods and economic sustainability. However, Antheraea mylitta Drury, 1773, the primary species for tasar silk, faces habitat threats due to deforestation, climate change, and anthropogenic pressures. This study evaluates the distribution and habitat suitability of wild tasar silkworm using multi-criteria approach, Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and ecological niche modeling using the MaxEnt algorithm. Field surveys were conducted to collect cocoon samples, and the analysis of environmental parameters and assessment of soil micronutrient influences were also carried out. The MaxEnt model predictions indicate that the Central, Western, and Southern zones of Mayurbhanj, encompassing the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, provide the most suitable habitats. The jackknife test confirmed that these climatic variables collectively contributed 68.7% to the habitat suitability model. This study highlights the impact of habitat fragmentation and deforestation on tasar silkworm populations, emphasizing the need for conservation strategies, sustainable forest management, and afforestation programs. The findings highlight the following key conservation strategies: restoring habitats in Similipal, enforcing anti-deforestation laws, promoting community-led planting of host trees, and adopting climate-resilient silk farming to protect biodiversity and support tribal livelihoods.

The paper investigates the changing agricultural patterns of crops in the state of Odisha, especially in the Sundargarh district over 15 years. It addresses the question, of how climate change affects agriculture particularly the cropping patterns in the mining context of Odisha, India. The changes in cropping patterns directly impact the livelihoods of the population, who depend on agriculture. The study covered the major crops in the district from 2004-05 to the 2018-19 seasons by utilizing secondary data and intersecting it with primary data gathered from farmers in the district. The data was analyzed using descriptive methodology and primary data was collected through the Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) tool in the Hemgiri Block of the Sundargarh district. The results revealed several factors that directly contributed to changes in cropping patterns, including climate change, government projects, mining activities, and market dynamics. A decline in paddy crop area was observed with a shift toward the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, and fruits such as mango and cashew. Overall, these findings indicate a significant change in agricultural preferences and a shift among farmers toward high-value economic crops.

Home gardens serve as a crucial adaptation strategy for tribal communities in Keonjhar district, Odisha, enhancing food security, income generation, and climate resilience. This study examines the role of home gardens in sustaining tribal livelihoods while addressing challenges such as climate variability, soil degradation, and market constraints. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, it integrates the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and socio-ecological resilience theory. Data from 120 tribal households across four villages in Banspal block were collected through structured interviews and focus group discussions. A key innovation lies in integrating indigenous knowledge systems with the Problem Facing Index (PFI) methodology to generate quantified, community-driven insights on climate adaptation barriers. Findings reveal that home gardens contribute around ₹10,000 per season to household income, reducing market dependency by over 70% during crises such as the COVID-19 lockdown. Over 75% of households face high to medium challenges due to climate variability (PFI = 252), soil degradation (PFI = 251), and wildlife intrusions (PFI = 250). Other notable constraints include pests (75%) and poor market access (61.7%). Although 82.5% reported no issue with agricultural inputs, water scarcity remains a seasonal concern for 23%. Despite constraints, home gardens were found to enhance all five SLF capitals: natural, human, social, financial, and physical. The study recommends context-sensitive interventions, including seed distribution, organic inputs, weather-based advisories, and strengthened institutional support. It highlights the potential for scaling home garden models across other marginalized agroecological regions in India and Asia, aligning them with national rural development and climate adaptation programs.