Gatha Cognition

05/03/2026

Article: 'Assessment of Flood Susceptibility Mapping in the Krishna River Basin using Geospatial Techniques' -Open Access
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Author(s): Vinod P. Gaikwad1* , Sanjay B. Navale1 , Avinash B. Hande
Department of Geography, S. N. Arts, D.J. Malpani Commerce and B. N. Sarda Science College, Sangamner, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India.
Abstract:
A flood is an excess of water that swamps normally dry land due to heavy rainfall, storm surges, or dam failures, often leading to significant damage and displacement. This study evaluates flood susceptibility in Krishna River Basin (KRB) (India) using geospatial techniques and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Thirteen physiographic parameters elevation, slope, proximity to rivers, geomorphology, drainage density, flow accumulation, rainfall, land use/land cover (LULC), geology, soil type, Stream Power Index (SPI), Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), and curvature were integrated into a multi-criteria decision framework and processed in ArcGIS 10.8. Pairwise comparison matrices assigned weights to parameters, validated by a consistency ratio (CR = 0.04), ensuring robust model reliability.

The results classify the KRB into five susceptibility zones: very low (21%), low (21%), moderate (20%), high (19%), and very high (19%). High-risk areas correlate with low-lying floodplains, clay-loam soils, dense drainage networks, and built-up-agricultural zones. The validation of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) indicated robust performance, achieving 79% accuracy. Approximately 30 cities, including Pune, Vijayawada, and Solapur, face significant flood threats. The present study offers actionable intelligence for providing a spatial decision-support framework for prioritizing flood mitigation investments, enforcing land-use zoning in high-risk zones, and optimizing reservoir operations to manage downstream flood peaks. This research underscores the value of geospatial-AHP integration, offering actionable insights for urban planners and disaster management authorities to enhance community resilience. Future research should integrate real-time data and machine learning for dynamic predictions while considering local human impacts.
Link:

A flood is an excess of water that swamps normally dry land due to heavy rainfall, storm surges, or dam failures, often leading to significant damage and displacement. This study evaluates flood susceptibility in Krishna River Basin (KRB) (India) using geospatial techniques and the Analytical Hierar...

24/12/2025

Article: 'Techniques and Indices for Groundwater Quality Assessment: A Comprehensive Review' -Open Access
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Author(s): Sonali Aware , Rajendra Zolekar , Snehal Kasar
Department of Geography, K.V.N. Naik Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha’s Arts, Commerce and Science College, Nasik-422002 (India) Maharashtra, India.

Abstract:
Groundwater quality assessment is crucial for providing safe drinking water and supportive sustainable irrigation, especially in areas facing water scarcity and contamination risks. This review analyses 45 studies that used different techniques to evaluate groundwater quality in varied hydrogeological settings. The main objectives are to: 1) identify common assessment methods 2) examine their applications for drinking and irrigation purposes, and 3) highlight gaps and future directions.

The findings show that most studies focus on physiochemical parameters such as pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), and major ions like Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, and F⁻, as they strongly influence the water usability. The water quality index (WQI) is the most widely applied method, used in about 93% of studies, because it combines multiple parameters into a single value for drinking suitability. Hydrochemical classification methods like Piper Diagram (84%) and Gibbs Diagram (62%) are also common for identifying water types and geochemical process. For irrigation, indices such as Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) (60 %), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Magnesium Hazard (MH) (27%), Permeability Index (PI) (31%), Kelly’s Ratio (KR) (24%), and graphical tools like the Wilcox Diagram (40%) are frequently used. Advance statistical methods, including Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, along with GIS and Remote Sensing are increasingly applied for spatial mapping and source identification.

The synthesis indicates that while traditional hydrochemical and index-based methods dominate groundwater quality evaluation, significant research gaps persist in the integration of emerging contaminants, real-time monitoring, and machine learning-based prediction models. Future studies should adopt hybrid frameworks combining chemical, biological, and spatial datasets to improve groundwater quality forecasting and resource management. The findings of this review provide a consolidated reference for developing standardized, data-driven approaches for groundwater quality assessment and sustainable utilization.
Link: https://gathacognition.com/article/gca184

15/12/2025

10/10/2025

Article: 'Trash to Trouble: Revealing the Environmental Costs of Poor Waste Management in Durgapur' -Open Access
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Author: MD MAINUL SK
Department of Geography, Rajendra University, Prajna Vihar, Balangir, Odisha- 767002, India.

Abstract:
Rapid industrial, urbanisation and population growth have recently led to increased pressure on the solid waste management infrastructure of Durgapur city, resulting in negative impacts to water and air quality. The study assesses the environmental impacts of insufficient solid waste disposal activities on the groundwater, surface water and air. The results indicate that areas around open dumping sites are severely deteriorated with high groundwater, surface water pollution and increased particulate matter in the air especially in winter. These findings suggest that buffer zones, containment infrastructure and improved air quality monitoring will be needed to regulate air pollution from this sector. The study highlights for the policymakers and urban planners to consider a sustainable waste management framework which would help to ensure the protection of the environment and public health of the Durgapur.
Link:

Rapid industrial, urbanisation and population growth have recently led to increased pressure on the solid waste management infrastructure of Durgapur city, resulting in negative impacts to water and air quality. The study assesses the environmental impacts of insufficient solid waste disposal activi...

29/09/2025

Article: 'Geospatial Mapping and Accessibility Analysis of Eye Health Facilities: A Case Study of Dhaka City Corporation'
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Mazed Parvez , A H Md Mahabub Nawaz , Faisal M Ahamed , Syed Tanim Ahmed , Laila Begum , Fazle Rabby , Nawal Sarwer

Abstract:
Access to quality eye care is vital for public health, yet in Bangladesh, it is hindered by inadequate infrastructure, limited facilities, and insufficiently trained personnel. This study examines the accessibility and spatial distribution of eye health services in Dhaka City Corporation using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Eight Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). GIS analysis revealed that only 14% of the city is adequately served, 45% is overserved, and 41% is underserved. The Average Nearest Neighbour (ANN) analysis indicated a significantly dispersed pattern (ANN ratio = 3.34; z-score = 20.49; p < 0.001). Key challenges include financial constraints (66.7% of respondents), poor accessibility for people with disabilities, transportation barriers, and lack of service information. While 68.8% of participants were satisfied with services and gender parity was noted, gaps in coverage and consistency persist. The findings call for equitable distribution of resources, mobile outreach, and improved affordability.
Link:

Access to quality eye care is vital for public health, yet in Bangladesh, it is hindered by inadequate infrastructure, limited facilities, and insufficiently trained personnel. This study examines the accessibility and spatial distribution of eye health services in Dhaka City Corporation using Geogr...

23/09/2025

Article: 'Exploring Spatial Heterogeneity and Wealth-Driven Neighborhood Patterns in Health Insurance Coverage Among Scheduled Tribes in India' (Open Access)
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SURANJAN MAJUMDER
Department of Geography and Applied Geography, University of North Bengal, 734013, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.
Abstract:
This study spatially analyzes localized geography of health insurance coverage among Scheduled Tribe (ST) households in India, revealing persistent regional disparities using nationally representative data from NFHS-5 and advanced spatial analytical techniques. Employing Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA), Geographically Weighted (GW) correlation and Empirical Bayes Smoothing (EBS), the research identifies significant north-south and east-west rifts in economic status and insurance access. The findings reveal marked regional disparities, with significantly higher insurance coverage in southern and western districts, particularly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Gujarat compared to persistently low coverage in northern and eastern states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. A Lorenz curve (Gini coefficient: 0.36) indicates moderate nationwide inequality in insurance coverage among ST households. Southern and western districts, notably in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, exhibit stronger insurance pe*******on than northern and northeastern regions. While some ST populations in poorer northern areas benefit from targeted schemes, vast stretches of central and northeastern India remain underserved due to low economic development and weak healthcare infrastructure. Local Moran’s I analyses highlight High-High clusters in southern India and Low-Low clusters in the north-central belt, underscoring entrenched spatial disadvantage. The clustering effect suggests that health policy interventions in these regions have likely benefited from regional policy diffusion, where best practices and institutional capacities spill over into neighboring districts, creating reinforcing zones of success. Bivariate and GW correlation visualizations display a strong positive association between wealth status and insurance coverage, especially in southern and central regions. Conversely, regions with high proportions of BPL and poor ST households demonstrate strong negative correlations, indicating a double burden geography of economic vulnerability and exclusion from insurance schemes. Importantly, the findings emphasize the localized need for inclusive policy interventions to ensure universal access of insurance coverage for ST households, especially in identified vulnerable regions.
Link in comment box.

16/06/2025

Perception. Learning. Reasoning.
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Some words are too brilliant to be hidden away.

If your writing holds weight, it comes from a place of truth. If you write not just to be read but to be understood, this is for you -
We are not looking for just writers, we are looking for thinkers. Creators. True-tellers. People who write with intention, not to impress but to make an impact.

Gatha Cognition is open for submissions for articles, thought pieces, manuscripts, even full books proposals.

We’re not just publishing. We’re curating thoughts. If your work challenges the norm, questions, reflects, feels; you’re in the right place.

Whether you are 16 or 60. A first time writer or a published author, Whether your work is philosophical, poetic, fictional, non-fictional, personal, or any theme - if it is intentional, it belongs here.

We are a home to the writing which breathes, which dares to means something, which dares to make an impact and for voices that dare to say something.

We are now accepting original writing across genres and formats for our upcoming publications along with Articles for ‘संवादगाथा’ Nonperiodic.

Note: We accept writings in English and Marathi languages for all formats of publishing. The publishing can be done in both Online and Offline mode.

What can you submit?
Absolutely anything - as long as it’s intentional.
- Articles
- Thought pieces & essays
- Unpublished books or drafts in progress
- Short stories & personal narratives
- Poetry
- Cultural, philosophical, or critical writing
- Full-length manuscripts (fiction or nonfiction), etc.

How to Submit?
- Send your articles to [email protected]
- Send your book proposals, articles, Manuscripts etc. via our Manuscript Portal. (https://gathacognition.com/manuscript-portal)

Note that there is no restrictions on age, genre, theme, or style. If you know your work deserves to be read, we’re listening.

03/04/2025

Call for Research Articles (Open Access Free)
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It is pleasure to inform you all researchers and authors that the journal, ‘Remote Sensing of Land’ calling research papers on fallowing topics for Open Access Volume (9, 2025) with no publication charges.

Journal: Remote Sensing of Land (Volume 9, 2025; Open Access Volume).
ISSN : 2582-3019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21523/gcj1

We are calling scholars for submission of research articles on following topics but not restricted to:
1. Remote sensing sensors including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), optical, thermal, Light Detection Ranging (LiDAR) and so on.
2. The application of remote sensing in Geographical Information System (GIS).
3. Innovative methods and techniques used for data analysis, interpretation, mapping and classification.
4. Multi-sensor and Multi-temporal data analysis.
5. Applied methodologies in earth sciences and land applications.
6. The use of machine learning methods in remote sensing science.
7. The use of ground and aerial-based remote sensing sensors in land applications. etc.
* No publication charges.
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Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Suresh Kumar
Scientist - SG & Group Head
Agriculture & Soils Department, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehra Dun -248001, Uttarakhand, India.

‘Remote Sensing of Land’ (RSL) publishes double-blind peer-reviewed articles within all fields of Remote Sensing of the land. The land is a wider concept than the soil or terrain. It is a reasonably stable or predictably cyclic bio-physical unit of the earth’s surface comparing the physical en...

31/03/2025

Call for research articles (Open Access Free)
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It is pleasure to inform you all researchers and authors that the journal, ‘Hydrospatial Analysis’ calling research papers on fallowing topics for Open Access Volume (9, 2025) with no publication charges.
Journal: Hydrospatial Analysis (Volume 9, 2025; Open Aceess Volume)
ISSN: 2582-2969
The journal covers following topics but not restricted to:
1. Hydrology of River, Lake, Dam, Ocean, Groundwater, etc.,
2. Morphometric analysis,
3. Watershade analysis,
4. Water resource analysis,
5. Water quality analysis,
6. Water resource management,
7. Waste water analysis,
8. Socio-economic issues related to water distribution,
9. Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS in Hydrospatial Analysis.
10. Case studies, Etc.
* No publication charges.
Please submit your research papers on this topic to the journal for Open Access Voleme (9, 2025) using link: https://www.gathacognition.com/manuscript-portal
https://gathacognition.com/journal/gcj3/hydrospatial-analysis

‘Hydrospatial Analysis’ (HSA) publishes double blind peer reviewed articles within all fields of hydrology with geospatial approach. Articles show hydrospatial analysis of physical, chemical, biological, socio-economic, system, administrative aspects of surface and ground water. ‘Hydrospatial ...

31/03/2025

Dear All,
Greetings!
It is pleasure to inform you all authors and readers that research papers published in all volumes of our journals are available under ‘Open Access’ policies:
1. Remote Sensing of Land https://gathacognition.com/journal/gcj1
2. Feminist Research https://gathacognition.com/journal/gcj2
3. Hydrospatial Analysis https://gathacognition.com/journal/gcj3
4. Journal Geographical Studies https://gathacognition.com/journal/gcj5
With kind regards

Managing Editor
Gatha Cognition

‘Journal of Geographic Studies’ (JGS) publishes double blind peer reviewed articles within all fields of Geography. JGS incorporates innovative insights, methods and techniques used in disciplines like Geomorphology, Climatology, Human Geography, Economic Geography, Population Geography, Bio-geo...

18/03/2025

Call for Articles
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Journal: Journal of Geographical Studies
Vol. 9 (2025)
ISSN :2582-1083
The journal covers following topics but not restricted to:
Geomorphology, Climatology, Human Geography, Economic Geography, Population Geography, Bio-geography, Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), etc.
* No publication charges.
---------------------
Editor-in-Chief

‘Journal of Geographic Studies’ (JGS) publishes double blind peer reviewed articles within all fields of Geography. JGS incorporates innovative insights, methods and techniques used in disciplines like Geomorphology, Climatology, Human Geography, Economic Geography, Population Geography, Bio-geo...

15/03/2025

Article: 'MCDA Approach for Identification of Rainwater Harvesting Site in Drought-Vulnerable Areas of Genale Dawa River Basin, Southern Ethiopia'
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Dawit Girma *, Gemechu Shuniye
College Engineering and Technology, Wolkite University, Wolkit, Ethiopia.

Abstract:
Farmers in most parts of Ethiopia are limited in their ability to produce crops by a lack of rain and its inconsistency, and climate change may make matters worse. One of the most common natural disasters is drought because it depletes natural resources, causes environmental destruction, and destroys the ecology that supports all life. Water harvesting is a desirable strategy for mitigating this problem. However, the identification of optimal sites for rainwater harvesting (RWH) is an important step to maximize the amount of water harvested and minimize the ecological impact. In this study, the remotely sensed data and geospatial modeling with the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach were used to identify a potential site for rainwater harvesting in the drought-prone area of Genale Dawa River Basin. The analysis has taken into account several thematic layers, such as soil texture, soil depth, slope, rainfall, land use land cover, separation from a road and a settlement, and drainage density. To locate the potential site, the aforementioned thematic layers were given the appropriate weights based on their relative value by AHP integrated with a GIS environment. This study identifies five potential classifications on the suitability map range from extremely suitable to not suitable. According to our result, 11.4% of the study area is extremely suitable, 49% is highly suitable, 34.1% is moderately suitable, 5.4% is barely acceptable, and 0.02% is not suitable. The outcome of the suitability map is particularly practical for decision-makers and planners to choose the best locations for rainwater harvesting.
Link:

Farmers in most parts of Ethiopia are limited in their ability to produce crops by a lack of rain and its inconsistency, and climate change may make matters worse. One of the most common natural disasters is drought because it depletes natural resources, causes environmental destruction, and destroy...