Abstract: Tuberculosis remains one of the leading infectious diseases in Rajasthan, showing strong spatial variations influenced by socio-environmental and demographic factors. This study examines the epidemiological burden and geographical distribution of Tuberculosis across Rajasthan with special emphasis on high-incidence districts such as Jaipur, Alwar, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Using secondary data from health department reports, census databases, and district-level environmental indicators, this research identifies socio-economic, climatic, and infrastructural variables contributing to Tuberculosis spread. The study applies spatial analysis and descriptive mapping methods to detect clusters, hotspots, and vulnerable populations. Results reveal that urban slums, mining belts, tribal-dominated hilly terrains, and densely populated districts exhibit significantly higher Tuberculosis incidence. Risk factors include poor living conditions, indoor air pollution, malnutrition, migration, and limited health access. The research concludes that Tuberculosis distribution in Rajasthan is deeply rooted in geographical, socio-economic, and environmental inequalities. It recommends strengthening primary healthcare, improving nutrition, reducing dust exposure in mining regions, and deploying GIS-based surveillance. The study contributes to classical medical geography by linking disease ecology with spatial determinants, offering policy direction for Tuberculosis elimination programs.

Abstract: The Thar Desert of Rajasthan is one of the world’s most heat-stressed regions, where extreme temperatures, prolonged dry spells, and recurrent heatwaves have intensified due to climate change. Rising temperatures and changing atmospheric dynamics have significantly impacted human health, leading to increased morbidity and mortality from heat-related illnesses. This paper examines the relationship between climate change and public health in the Thar Desert by analyzing patterns of heatwaves, health vulnerabilities, socio-economic determinants, and spatial variations across districts such as Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Churu, Jodhpur, and Nagaur. Using a medical-geographical framework, the research integrates climatic data, epidemiological findings, field observations, and district-level spatial patterns to evaluate how environmental and socio-economic factors shape heat-related health risks. Results show that the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves have markedly increased post-2000, with severe impacts on marginalized communities, elderly populations, outdoor workers, women, and individuals with pre-existing illnesses. The paper concludes with a set of public health recommendations and adaptation strategies necessary to build resilience in the Thar Desert.

Abstract: Agriculture in semi-arid regions of India has been undergoing major transformations due to climatic pressures, resource constraints, market fluctuations, and policy reform. Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan, located within the Shekhawati region, offers an important microcosm for understanding these transitions, especially the shift from conventional cereal-based agriculture to high-value medicinal plant cultivation. This research examines the factors driving agricultural transformation in Jhunjhunu and investigates how medicinal plant cultivation is emerging as a sustainable livelihood strategy in rural communities. Using mixed methods—field observations, interviews with farmers, analysis of secondary data, and geographical profiling—the study explores socio-economic, ecological, and market dimensions of this transformation. The findings indicate that declining groundwater levels, erratic rainfall, limited profitability of traditional crops, and increased exposure to herbal markets have pushed farmers to incorporate medicinal plants such as Aloe vera, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Senna (Cassia angustifolia), Isabgol (Plantago ovata), and Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) into their agricultural systems. Medicinal plant cultivation has improved household income, enhanced resilience to climate variability, and promoted sustainable land use. The study argues that with appropriate policy support, extension services, and cooperative marketing structures, Jhunjhunu district can evolve into a regional hub for medicinal plant–based rural development. Recommendations are provided for strengthening value chains, improving farmer training, establishing processing units, and integrating medicinal plant agriculture into long-term rural development strategies.

Abstract: Pansari practices based on Jadi Buti (medicinal plants) are a cornerstone of traditional healthcare in Rajasthan. This study examines the preservation of these practices, challenges faced in modern times, and prospects for the future. Ethnobotanical surveys, structured interviews with 60 Pansaris, and observations of local herbal markets were conducted in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Churu districts. Findings indicate that modernization, urbanization, and increased reliance on allopathic medicine have created challenges such as knowledge erosion, plant scarcity, and reduced interest among youth. However, adaptation strategies such as commercialization, modern packaging, and integration with urban markets have enabled Pansaris to sustain their practices. Recommendations include systematic documentation, youth training programs, sustainable harvesting, research validation, and policy support for long-term preservation and integration with contemporary healthcare.

Abstract: Medical geography and ethnobotany together offer powerful interdisciplinary frameworks for understanding how environmental conditions, cultural heritage, disease distribution, and medicinal plant availability interact to shape health outcomes in specific regions. Churu district in Rajasthan presents an ecologically fragile and hyper-arid desert environment where healthcare practices have historically evolved around locally available medicinal plants, climatic constraints, and traditional cultural systems. This research investigates the connections between disease prevalence, environmental factors, and medicinal plant utilization by integrating spatial medical geography and ethnobotanical analysis. Field surveys, ethnomedical interviews, GIS mapping, and participatory rural appraisal were conducted to identify disease patterns, medicinal plant knowledge, and access to healthcare facilities across six tehsils of Churu district. Results indicate a strong association between environmental stress and disease patterns, especially respiratory disorders, heat-related illnesses, skin diseases, vector-borne diseases, reproductive health issues, and digestive system imbalances. Traditional medicinal knowledge persists strongly among rural and pastoral communities, with 91 medicinal plant species identified as playing key roles in household-level healthcare. However, modernization, land degradation, and cultural shifts pose serious threats to both knowledge systems and plant availability. The study concludes that integrating traditional plant-based healthcare with modern public health and policy frameworks may significantly improve sustainable healthcare resilience in desert environments. Recommendations include establishing community herbal clinics, incorporating traditional medical knowledge into healthcare planning, strengthening conservation supply chains, and generating evidence-based herbal public health programs.

Abstract: Sikar district, located in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, has a rich history of medicinal plant use and domestication in households, farms, and community spaces. This study explores the applied use of domesticated medicinal plants, focusing on their contemporary applications in modern life. Data were collected through structured interviews with 120 households, 20 local pansaris, and 15 herbal vendors. Key domesticated species included Tulsi, Aloe vera, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Neem, Harad, Amla, and Mulethi. Findings reveal that traditional knowledge remains actively applied, supporting healthcare, cultural heritage, and biodiversity conservation, while integrating modern practices.

Abstract: Sri Ganganagar district is a major agricultural region of Rajasthan, whose agricultural structure has been fundamentally transformed by the Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGNP). In this arid region, canal water has not only expanded irrigation but has also played a crucial role in crop diversification, land-use change, rural livelihoods, agricultural intensification, and socio-economic development. This research paper analyzes the historical development, geographical spread, irrigation potential, major crop changes, productivity increases, groundwater levels, and socio-economic factors of the canal system. Based on secondary data, farmer-based observations, and field analysis from the study area, it is evident that the IGNP has increased the district's agricultural productivity by 3 to 4 times, strengthened the cotton-wheat cropping system, altered the biogeographical landscape, and improved the rural economy. However, issues such as waterlogging, soil salinity, water management challenges, and unequal water distribution have also emerged. The research concludes that the impact of the canal system is multifaceted and transformative, and can be further enhanced through sustainable water management, modern agricultural techniques, and inclusive policies.