http://dspace.spab.ac.in:80/handle/123456789/557 BPLN 2026-04-06T12:12:58Z http://dspace.spab.ac.in:80/handle/123456789/2754 Title: Evaluating the role of IPTs in urban mobility: a case of Bihar sharif, Nalanda, Bihar. Authors: Sinha, Divya. Abstract: The transportation structure in Bihar Sharif, Nalanda, is heavily based on IPT operations, with the three-wheelers(auto/e-rickshaws) playing a more significant role in meeting mobility needs in the context of limited options to formal public transportation. Despite providing an accessible and adaptable method of transportation for regular travellers, these services confront a variety of challenges, including operational inefficiencies, environmental consequences, a lack of standardisation, and safety issues. This study aims at improving the operational performance of three-wheelers(auto/e-rickshaws) services in Bihar Sharif by systematically recording the existing services, documenting key performance indicators, conducting an evaluation of their performance, and suggesting remedial action suited to local needs. Field surveys and route mapping are performed to examine the attributes of services that included coverage, frequency, conditions of vehicles, fare structures, and the satisfaction of passengers. From the literature review and consultations with stakeholders, the performance metrics for operational efficiency, service coverage, affordability, safety, and users' satisfaction are established. Statistical analyses are done to identify inadequacies in the provision of services and inefficiencies in the route management, fleet distribution, and experience of the user. Important domains that need improvement are marked, including the optimization of routing, standardization of fare systems, enhancement of vehicle maintenance practices, and advancement of safety regulations. Practical suggestions that mitigated these deficiencies are formulated within route rationalization, management practices for fleets, and ideas intended to enhance service quality as well as sustainability. The study, further, offers a methodologically robust framework that can be adapted and used to assess and enhance IPT services in other medium-sized cities across India and comparable urban environments worldwide, and thus contribute to the sustainable urban mobility. Keywords: Public Transport, three-wheelers, E-Rickshaws, Route Rationalization, Intermediate Public Transport (IPT), Urban Traffic Congestion, Travel Demand, Sustainable Urban Mobility 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.spab.ac.in:80/handle/123456789/2753 Title: Socio-environmental impacts assessment of opencast coal mining on hasdeo arand forest region, Chhattisgarh Authors: Pandey, Girish Dutt Abstract: The Hasdeo Arand forest region in Chhattisgarh, India, is one of central India’s most ecologically rich and socio-culturally significant landscapes. Spanning around 2,000 square kilometers, it harbors dense forests, vital water systems, rich biodiversity, and tribal communities. As one of the last remaining contiguous forest stretches in central India, is now severely threatened by widespread opencast coal mining. This thesis critically examines the socio-environmental impacts of mining in the Hasdeo Arand region, focusing on ecological degradation, tribal displacement, and the unsustainability of coal-dependent development. Using household surveys, environmental data, satellite imagery, and legal reviews, the study highlights a stark imbalance between extractive industrial activity and the well-being of local ecosystems and communities. Mining in blocks like PEKB and Chotia has resulted in large-scale deforestation, biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, and soil degradation. Surveys across villages reveal that over 8000 native population has been displaced, leading to severe livelihood loss and cultural erosion. Health issues, infrastructural deficiencies in resettlement sites, and violations of the Forest Rights Act (2006)—including the revocation of over 800 hectares of Community Forest Resource (CFR) land without proper Gram Sabha consent—further compound the crisis. Field-level environmental assessments show dangerous levels of particulate matter, heavy metals, and organic pollution near mining zones. These have triggered increased respiratory and waterborne diseases in local communities. In response, the thesis proposes strategic interventions to mitigate impacts and support a sustainable transition. These include enforcing transparent and participatory EIAs, restoring CFR rights, and designing inclusive rehabilitation models. Emphasis is placed on promoting renewable energy—such as decentralized solar and micro-hydro systems—alongside ecological restoration through native afforestation, rewilding, and corridor protection. This research positions Hasdeo Arand as a key case in India's energy transition narrative. It underscores the long-term ecological and social costs of short-term extractive gains and calls for a rights-based, environmentally responsible approach to resource governance. The findings aim to guide policymakers, planners, and civil society toward a just and sustainable future for the region. Keywords: Hasdeo Arand, Opencast coal mining, Environmental Impacts Assessment, Tribal, Displacement, Resettlement, Environmental degradation, Biodiversity loss and Energy transition. 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.spab.ac.in:80/handle/123456789/2752 Title: Healthcare accessibility and social equity: a spatial analysis of marginalized communities in Aizawal city Authors: Vanlalmuanpuia, Ch. Abstract: Aizawl being the fastest growing city in Mizoram, much of the attention is given to building infrastructure, improving the economy, and modernizing urban spaces. While these changes are important, they can often lead to the neglect of marginalized groups—such as low-income households, people with disabilities, the elderly, and residents living in the city’s outer or less-developed areas. These groups face unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare services. Unfortunately, these challenges are often not noticed during city planning, because the focus is mainly on physical development and not on social equity. Healthcare accessibility is a basic human need, yet many people in growing urban areas are unable to get the care they need. Marginalized communities may live far from health facilities, may not be able to afford medical services, or may face discrimination or lack of awareness that keeps them from seeking care. These issues create what is known as an “access gap”—a situation where certain populations are left out of the healthcare system, even though they live in the same city as others who receive better care. This gap can be hidden or unforeseen, especially in cities where growth is rapid and uneven. In Aizawl City, located in the hilly region of Mizoram, such access gaps may be made worse by the city’s geography, transportation issues, and unequal distribution of health facilities. Core areas may have better access due to their central location and more developed infrastructure but overcrowd, while intermediate and peripheral areas may face greater challenges. However, access is not just about distance. It also involves whether people can afford treatment, if they are aware of available services, and if those services are culturally and socially appropriate. This study proposes the need for a more detailed and multidimensional research on healthcare accessibility in Aizawl City. It is important to look at different aspects of access: availability accessibility affordability acceptability and awareness. These five dimensions provide a broader and more inclusive understanding of how healthcare is experienced by different groups. By focusing on these factors, this research aims to uncover where and why healthcare access gaps exist in Aizawl. It also seeks to bring attention to the needs of marginalized populations who are often left out of traditional planning processes. The findings can help city planners, policymakers, and health departments create better strategies that make healthcare more equal and fairer for everyone, not just those in well-served areas. Keywords: Healthcare accessibility, Marginalized communities, social equity, Access gap, Equity-based solutions. 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.spab.ac.in:80/handle/123456789/2751 Title: Exploring role of SHGs to maintain healtcare infrastructure in sondwa block, Alirajpur district Authors: Yadav, Vaibhav Abstract: The Sondwa block, nestled within the Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India, presents a critical case study of the multifaceted healthcare challenges confronting predominantly tribal regions. This area is characterized by significant healthcare infrastructure deficiencies, compounded by severe accessibility gaps that are exacerbated by its geographical isolation, rugged terrain, and the pervasive socio- economic disparities faced by its inhabitants. Despite persistent governmental initiatives aimed at ameliorating these conditions, systemic barriers including the remoteness of settlements, deep-seated socio-economic inequalities, and insufficient community participation in healthcare management continue to substantially impede the effective and equitable delivery of essential healthcare services. This research undertakes a comprehensive exploration into the pivotal and underutilized role of Self- Help Groups (SHGs) as dynamic and sustainable catalysts for the crucial enhancement, maintenance, and strengthening of the local healthcare infrastructure. This research addresses the question: How can Self-Help Groups (SHGs) contribute to maintaining and improving healthcare infrastructure in this tribal region, aligning with sustainable development principles? The aim was to plan for sustainable development for Sondwa block, focusing on assessing the role of SHGs in maintaining healthcare infrastructure. This was pursued through objectives including: studying sustainable healthcare development frameworks; identifying underserved tribal pockets using spatial analysis; assessing SHG potential in healthcare maintenance; and providing planning recommendations. To identify healthcare gaps, a mixed-methods approach was employed. This involved spatial analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, buffer analysis of existing facilities, network analysis to model travel times and delineate service areas, and weighted overlay analysis incorporating population density, road networks, and terrain to determine optimal locations for new facilities. This was complemented by primary data from household surveys, SHG member surveys, key informant interviews with healthcare providers and officials, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community members and SHGs, alongside secondary data from Census reports and health surveys. Key results indicate SHGs' significant potential to improve healthcare access; for instance, 60% of surveyed SHGs believe their initiatives would contribute to improved accessibility, with 40% reporting enhanced community awareness and 30% providing financial assistance. Collaborations between SHGs and local health workers like ASHAs and ANMs were reported by 50% of SHGs, leading to improved healthcare delivery (40% of these SHGs) and increased awareness of government health programs (35%). The enhanced community trust and ownership through SHG engagement were evidenced through qualitative insights from stakeholder consultations and FGDs, revealing increased community willingness to participate in and support local health initiatives when SHGs are involved. Based on these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive, community-centric framework for integrating SHGs into healthcare infrastructure improvement and maintenance. The core components of this framework include: An SHG-Based Health Surveillance and Data Management System utilizing trained SHG members ("Health Didis") for data collection and facilitating teleconsultations; Sustainable Infrastructure for SHG-Led Health Entrepreneurship, establishing SHG managed micro-enterprises for essential health products within retrofitted Community Health Hubs; A defined Mechanism for SHG Integration in facility maintenance, outlining engagement principles (voluntarism, skill-based task allocation, performance-linked payments), SHG selection criteria, defined roles and responsibilities using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), targeted capacity building, and transparent resource allocation; A robust Inter-Departmental Coordination and Governance Structure, featuring a Block Level Coordination Committee (BLCC) with representation from the Health Department, NRLM, and PRIs; and A Participatory Monitoring, Evaluation, and Sustainability Framework using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and community feedback mechanisms like scorecards. The formal and systematic integration of SHGs, supported by these structured measures, is essential for developing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable healthcare systems capable of effectively serving tribal regions like Sondwa. Keywords: Sustainable Development, Healthcare Accessibility, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Tribal Regions, Community-Based Planning, Spatial Analysis, Health Infrastructure, Participatory Planning. 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z