Sustainable approaches to the construction and widening of roads and highways are essential to offset negative influences on aquatic habitat and fish passage in the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India. Evidence is growing that the expanding, poorly designed network of roads and trails in mountain areas, without giving due considerations to natural processes such as geological processes and climatic severity, such as heavy monsoon precipitation, is a major cause of habitat fragmentation and degradation of both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. These effects have been quantified for aquatic primary producers (periphyton), aquatic benthic insects, and Snow Trout, a Himalayan teleost (Schizothorax richardsonii, Gray; Schizothoraichthys progastus, McClelland) that dwells in the upper Ganges River, following Indian National Highway 58 (NH-58) in the mountain region of Garhwal Himalaya, India (latitude 29 degree 61 minutes -30 degree 28 minutes N; longitude 77 degree 49 minutes -80 degree 6 minutes E). Indian Highway 58 is one of the most important highways, is 300-km long, and passes along the Alaknanda River (230 km), which is one of the parent streams of the Ganges (70 km) in the fragile mountain ecosystem of Garhwal Himalaya of northern India. Keeping in mind the heavy traffic on the highway, a RS 450 million (US $100 million) widening project was launched in 2001. The widening of Highway 58 through massive cutting of mountain slopes, the disposal of tons of the cut material downhill into the waterways in an uncontrolled manner, and the improper water management of the slopes has resulted in intensive accumulation of soil and woody debris into the aquatic ecosystem from accelerated erosion, gulling, and landslides, resulting in drastic changes in the physico-chemical and biological profile of the aquatic habitat. Detrimental effects on transparency, current velocity, conductivity, bottom-substrate composition, dissolved oxygen, periphytonic production, and the production of benthic insect communities have been documented. Feeding, spawning, and the passage of the Snow Trout cold-water fish have been degraded or destroyed. Subsequent to the widening of Highway 58, the annual gross primary production (Pg) of periphyton declined from 8771 g C m-3yr-1(96.48 k. cal m-3yr-1) to a value of 5952 g C m-3yr-1 (65.47 k cal m-3yr-1), a 32-percent decrease in aquatic habitat. The maximum biomass (standing crop) of aquatic insects declined from a mean monthly biomass of 4.926 g m-2 (February) to 1.848 g m-2, a 62-percent decrease, and a minimum monthly mean biomass of 0.408 g m-2 (August) to 0.126 g m-2, a 69-percent decrease. Subsequent to widening of the highway, the standing crop estimate of Snow Trout declined from a maximum mean monthly biomass of 2.955 g m-2 (February) to 1.201 g m-2, a 59-percent decrease, and a minimum monthly mean biomass (August) of 0.244 g m-2 to 0.082 g m-2, a 66-percent decrease. Annual productivity of Snow Trout declined from 1.309 g m-2 to 0.448 g m-2, a 66-percent decrease. This decline is believed to have been caused by increased turbidity accompanied by a decline in depth and dissolved oxygen, accumulation of fine silt and suspended solids, a decrease in primary productivity, a decrease in general benthic-aquatic insects productivity, depletion of the food supply, and loss of cover. We have recommended the following measures to restore habitat quality and connectivity of Snow Trout: • Stream restoration and stream bank stabilization using these structures: - Toe walls - Retaining walls - Stone layers - Stone arches - Terraces • Bioengineering methods by - Planting fast-growing plant species in combination with wire netting, gravel mining, and dredging in the impacted sites - Protecting riparian vegetation - Monitoring of water quality - Enhancement of fish food reserves - Sustainable approaches to road construction and widening - Proper drainage of water-saturated mountain slopes and spring runoff during monsoon season (July-August) - Sealing of side drains against underground water penetration alongside endangered sections of the highway - Construction of check dams for protection of steep gullies and side erosion of the river bed We also recommend establishment of a strong partnership among experienced, expert • Geologists • Civil engineers • Structural engineers • Environmental biologists

Integrated ecosystem approach is essential to offset adverse impact of transportation network on aquatic habitats in the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan mountains. It is a cause of concern that the poorly designed network of roads and trails in mountain areas are expanding, without giving due consideration to natural processes of ecosystem function and climatic severity in the Himalayas. These effects have been quantified for a period of three-year (January 2003-December 2005) for hyporheic biodiversity (microphytobenthos, microzoobenthos and macro¬zoobenthos) inhabiting upper Ganges, India (Latitude 290 61/-300 28/ N; Longitude 770 49/-800 6/ E). Transportation network of 495 km long passing along the upper Ganges, a project of US$ 250 million, is one of the most important networks in the mountain region of Garhwal Himalaya. Hyporheic organisms are instrumental for self purification of in¬filtrated water through filtration, sedimentation, deposition and biological decomposition. Hyporheic biodiversity is less known or not at all known in Africa, Latin America, Australia and East Asia. Construction of roads and their widening along the upper Ganges, through massive cutting of mountain slopes, and disposal of tons of the cut material downhill into the waterways has resulted in intensive accumulation of soil, woody debris into the aquatic ecosystem from accel¬erated erosion, gulling and landslides resulting in drastic changes in the physico-chemical and biological profile of the hyporheic biotope. Detrimental effects on conductivity, bottom substrate composition, dissolved oxygen and hyporheic organisms of upper Ganges have been documented. Subsequent to construction and widening activities of roads along the upper Ganges, a decline of 61% in annual mean density, 45% in alpha diversity and 21% in Shannon Wiener index (H) of hyporheic microphytobenthos was recorded during a three-year period. Hyporheic microphytobenthos of upper Ganges were represented by thirteen genera (Diatoma, Navicula, Nitzchia, Pinnularia, Synedra, Acnanthes, Amphora, Coconeis, Cymbella, Fragilaria, Gomphonema, Gryosigma and Hantzchia) of Bacillariophyceae, seven genera (Hydrodictyon, Microspora, Pootococcus, Tetraspora, Spirogyra, Ulothrix and Cladophora) of Chlorophyceae, five genera (Anabena, Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Polycystis and Rivularia) of Myxophyceae and four genera (Gonatozygon, Closterium, Cosmarium, Desmidium) of Desmidiaceae. A decline of 18% in mean annual density, 6% in alpha diversity and 7% in Shannon Wiener index (H) of hyporheic microzoobenthos was estimated. Hyporheic microzoobenthos were represented by seven genera of Rotifera (Ascomorpha, Asplanchna, Brachionus, Lecane, Philodina, Trichocera and Rotaria), nine genera of Copepoda (Diaptomus, Epischura, Cyclops, Mesocyclops, Microcyclops, Achnanthocyclops, Phyllognathopus, Bryocamptus and Parastenocanis) and one genera each of Cladocera (Ceriodaphnia), Ostracoda (Cypridopsis) and Malacostraca (Stygobromus). A depletion of 43% in annual mean density, 38% in alpha diversity and 9% in Shannon Wiener index (H) of macrozoobenthos was computed. Hyporheic macrozoobenthos of upper Ganges were represented by seven genera (Ecdyonurus, Rhithrogena, Ephemerella, Caenis, Baetis, Heptagenia and Cloeon) of Ephemeroptera, nine genera (Hydropsyche, Psychomyia, Polycentropus, Leptocella, Glossoma, Hydroptila, Rhyacophila, Limniphilius, Mystacides) of Trichoptera, eleven genera (Chryogaster, Philorus, Tendipes, Limnophora, Forcipomyia, Pentaneura, Tabanus, Simulium, Dixa, Atherix, Antocha) of Diptera, three genera (Psephanus, Heterlimnius, Dinutes) of Coleoptera, four genera (Architestes, Octagomphus, Epicordula and Symptrum) of Odonata and two genera (Perla and Isoperla) of Plecoptera. Most of the members of hyporheic organisms, sensitive to dis¬turbance were completely missing at the impacted sites. The environmental degradation of hyporheic zone, decline in quantity and missing of sensitive hyporheic organisms are believed to have been caused by increased in water temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids and biological oxygen demand, accompanied by a decline in dissolved oxygen, accumulation of fine silt and suspended solids blocking interstitial spaces in the hyporheic zone. We have recommended the following mitigation measures to restore habitat quality and protection of hyporheic organisms: ‘functional habitat’ recovery by physical reconstruction of channels based on geomorphological principles, removal of obstructions (gravel mining, and dredging in the impacted site), protecting of riparian vegetation, natural recovery of watersheds, sustainable approaches to road construction and widening, proper drainage of water saturated mountain slopes and spring runoff during heavy precipitation, sealing of side drains against water penetration into the under¬ground alongside fragile sections of the highway, construction of check dams for protection of steep gullies and side erosion of the river bed for maintaining rich heterogeneity of river bed habitats, following minimum flow principle in the river and the establishment of strong co-ordination among transport planners, geologists, civil engineers, structural engineers, environmental biologists.

Sound ecological practices in development of roads and highways are essential to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan mountains in northern India. Evidence is growing that the expanding, poorly designed network of roads and trails is a major cause of habitat fragmentation and degradation of both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. These effects have been quantified for two similar species of fish, collectively known as the Mahseer, which comprises Tor tor Hamilton and Tor putitora Hamilton, in the area of the construction of the Tehri Dam Project, located in the Garhwal Himalaya, India. The Tehri Dam Project will be one of Asia’s highest dams (260.5 meters height), and fifth highest in the world. It is being constructed approximately 1.5 kilometers downstream of the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana, which together form the Ganges River after meeting the Alaknanda River (30 degrees, 23 minutes N; 78 degrees 29 minutes E). The dam is a multipurpose project which costs more than 8,000 crores of Indian rupees (USD: $1,780 million). It will generate 2,400 M.W. of electricity, and irrigate 2.7 million hectares (6.6 million acres) of land, plus provide municipal drinking water to a large population. New roads have been constructed along the banks and in the riparian zone of the two rivers. This has introduced large amounts of woody debris and sediments into the waterways, resulting in drastic changes in the physico-chemical and biological profile of the aquatic ecosystem. Detrimental effects on transparency, current velocity, conductivity, substrate composition, dissolved oxygen and benthic communities have been documented. Feeding, spawning and migration routes of Mahseer have been degraded or destroyed. Subsequent to road development, standing crop estimates of Mahseer declined from a maximum mean monthly biomass of 0.492 g.m-2 (February) to 0.185 g.m-2, a 62% decrease, and a minimum monthly mean biomass (July-August) of 0.185 g.m-2 to 0.014 g.m-2, a 92% decrease. Annual productivity of Mahseer declined from 0.198 g.m-2.yr-1 to 0.054 g.m-2.yr-1 (73 percent). This decline is believed to have been caused by increase in turbidity, accompanied by a decline in dissolve oxygen, decrease in general benthic productivity, and loss of cover. We have recommended the following measures to restore habitat quality and connectivity for the Mahseer: stream restoration and stream bank stabilization, gravel mining and dredging in the impacted sites, protecting of riparian vegetation, monitoring of water quality, enhancement of fish food reserves, rehabilitation of Mahseer in a hatchery / nursery, ecofriendly techniques for road development and maintenance, and the establishment of strong working partnerships among civil engineers, environmental biologists and the public.

As a consequence of recent habitat fragmentation, the free movement of Asian elephants all over India has been disrupted to a great extent. The very existence of this largest terrestrial mammal is now under threat for various reasons, such as persecution for its ivory and blockage of migratory routes due to construction of many developmental projects. Shrinkage of elephants’ habitats due to linear developments (rail lines, roads, canals, and human habitation) in and around the protected areas give rise to foraging and migratory problems, resulting ultimately in man-elephant conflicts, confrontation among herds, and accidental deaths. The present paper discusses in detail threats faced by wild Asian elephants in the sub-Himalayan region in Rajaji National Park, Uttranchal, India. Various case studies of difficulties faced by elephants because of rail lines, roads, and irrigation and hydroelectric canals in the region have also been discussed. River Ganges flows through the habitat for about 24.0 km and divides it in two parts. The man-made barriers have shrunk the width of habitat along the river Ganges from 24.0 km to roughly 4.0 km. The rail line and road on the right and the irrigation and hydroelectric canal on the left of the Ganges have restricted the access of the elephants to the legendary river Ganges, the irresistible attraction for the wild Asian elephants, which they have to visit daily for drinking, bathing, and beating the heat in summer months. Therefore, the elephants look for alternate sources of water and food, and as a result, they enter human habitation and croplands, leading to the man-elephant conflicts. Moreover, with rail tracks in the vicinity, there have been numerous elephant deaths due to speeding trains. The frequent confrontations of elephants with moving traffic on rail lines and roads have made them irritable, restless, and prone to accidents. This paper examines the disastrous effects of incompatible design and construction of crossings on the age-old migration tracks and the existing linear developments and how they could be rectified in an animal-friendly way. The paper also suggests practical solutions to reduce the threats to elephants and to their habitats, ensuring sustainability of viable elephant populations in a habitat shrunk by human activity.

Population-based models are prevalent in different aspects of our lives. Decision-making in clinical health relies heavily upon the insights generated from population-based models such as recommended blood pressure and blood glucose values. These models and insights are easy to understand, but they do not necessarily capture the variance at an individual level. These are also likely to suffer from bias due to the participants' selection strategy (selection bias) or statistical limitations of the models used. Therefore, population-based models are not precise enough to make predictions at an individual level and highlight the need for personalized models for individual decision-making. N-of-1 analysis and modeling strategies are gaining popularity for addressing this problem. This modeling paradigm views every individual as a unique system and reduces variance at an individual level. Multimodal data generated by individuals and systems can be utilized to enable such analysis. Different wearable and IoT devices and smartphone applications capture data about individual lifestyles and health as daily life events and associated data streams. These event streams and data streams create a lifelog for the user that captures their habits and behaviors in the form of frequent event patterns.

In this work, we propose an interactive event analysis system that leverages the multimodal events and data streams from varied sources and enables analysts to perform N-of-1 analysis for individuals. The system is based on an event patterns language to represent temporal event relationships and extends the language to allow the creation of aggregate features from event patterns. The proposed system has three major components that allow the analysts to perform N-of-1 analysis:1. Event creation modules define new complex events from multimodal data using pre-defined event combination operators and motif discovery from data streams. Different event visualizations enable the analysts to explore the event space and identify event combinations for further analysis. 2. A hypothesis testing module allows the analyst to encode domain knowledge and personal beliefs in the form of a directed acyclic graph where every edge in the graph captures a causal relationship between the parameters (represented by the nodes). These relationships can then be tested using an implementation of the do-operator and estimate the effect of an intervention on the observed outcome. 3. A data-driven frequent event sequence detection module allows the analysts to discover frequent sequences of events and the time delays between the events leading up to an outcome event of interest. These frequent sequences describe the commonly observed events associated with the outcome and may represent a causal link between the events, which may be tested empirically or experimentally.

Life's most valuable asset is health. Continuously understanding the state of our health and modeling how it evolves is essential if we wish to improve it. Given the opportunity that people live with more data about their life today than any other time in history, the challenge rests in interweaving this data with the growing body of knowledge to compute and model the health state of an individual continually.

This dissertation presents an approach to build a personal model and dynamically estimate the health state of an individual by fusing multi-modal data and domain knowledge. The system is stitched together from four essential abstraction elements: 1. the events in our life, 2. the layers of our biological systems (from molecular to an organism), 3. the functional utilities that arise from biological underpinnings, and 4. how we interact with these utilities in the reality of daily life. Connecting these four elements via graph network blocks forms the backbone by which we instantiate a digital twin of an individual. Edges and nodes in this graph structure are then regularly updated with learning techniques as data is continuously digested. Experiments demonstrate the use of dense and heterogeneous real-world data from a variety of personal and environmental sensors to monitor individual cardiovascular health state.

State estimation and individual modeling is the fundamental basis for many revolutionary efforts in health. Continuous access to the individual's state allows a departure from disease-oriented approaches, to a total health continuum paradigm. Precision in predicting health requires a detailed understanding of an individual and their trajectory. By encasing this state estimation within a navigational approach, a user can use a systematic guidance framework to plan actions for each moment to transition their current state towards a desired one. This work concludes by presenting this framework of combining the health state and personal graph model to perpetually plan and assist us in living life towards our goals.