Impact of Muga Silk (Antheraea assamensis) on Community Livelihood in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam-India
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, June 2021
Pages:
59-65
Received:
24 March 2021
Accepted:
29 May 2021
Published:
7 June 2021
Abstract: Muga the golden-yellow silk produced by ‘Antheraea assama’ is found only in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam-India. This species of silkworm is semi-domesticated in that the rearers collect the worms that crawl down at the end of their larval period. They are allowed to spin cocoons in the rearer's houses. The gleaming golden yellow silk is referred to in literature from as long as 1662 BC. The ‘Antheraea assamensis’ is cultivated especially in Brahmaputra valley because it’s characteristic ecological requirements are found only in its natural abode. The declines of Som (Machilus bombycina), Soalu (Litsaea ppolyantha) plantation areas in rearing and sericulture farms have pushed Muga silk towards the verge of extinction. Encroachment in government Som plantation (host plant) areas is one of the prime causes of decreasing food availability of Muga silk worm. If measures are not taken the Muga (Antheria assamensis) heritage of Assam may face extinction in the near future. Considering the ecological conditions, food plant distribution, presence of eco-types and species of diverse nature in co-existence, it is speculated that this region is a possible home of origin of Antheraea. In this paper the researcher emphasizes the possibility of sustaining community livelihood in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, India.
Abstract: Muga the golden-yellow silk produced by ‘Antheraea assama’ is found only in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam-India. This species of silkworm is semi-domesticated in that the rearers collect the worms that crawl down at the end of their larval period. They are allowed to spin cocoons in the rearer's houses. The gleaming golden yellow silk is referred...
Show More
Urbanization of Colombo City and Its Impact on Land Surface Temperature from 2001-2019
Dissanayake Dmdok,
Kurugama Kakm
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, June 2021
Pages:
66-76
Received:
22 June 2021
Accepted:
5 July 2021
Published:
13 July 2021
Abstract: The Urban Heat Island (UHI) is a metropolis whose temperature is several degrees higher than the surrounding rural areas. In connection with the UHI phenomenon, the earth’s surface temperature (LST) was estimated using Landsat satellite imagery covering the city of Colombo. The results showed that the UHI effect spread to the north, east, and southeast of Colombo City between 2001 and 2019. Analyzing the correlation between the LST, normalized vegetation difference index (NDVI) and normalized difference index (NDBI), it is found that there is an inverse correlation between NDVI and LST; however, it is reported that NDBI is associated with the four LST periods of 2001, 2009, 2016 and 2019 which indicates that vegetation can weaken UHI, while built-up land can enhance the UHI. The result of albedo analysis shows that low albedo has a greater impact on the formation of UHI. According to this environmental assessment using the Urban Thermal Difference Index (UTFVI), 27% of the region suffers the worst thermal stress. Therefore, in future urban planning, mitigation measures should be taken to improve the quality of the life of the people and the environment in the city of Colombo.
Abstract: The Urban Heat Island (UHI) is a metropolis whose temperature is several degrees higher than the surrounding rural areas. In connection with the UHI phenomenon, the earth’s surface temperature (LST) was estimated using Landsat satellite imagery covering the city of Colombo. The results showed that the UHI effect spread to the north, east, and south...
Show More
