Diffusion and Dynamics of COVID-19 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India: A Geospatial Analysis

Throughout the human history it has been observed the pandemics have immensely affected various civilizations and has altered the demographic pattern of the world. In recent history Ebola, SARS, MERS and Covid 19 have profoundly impacted the epidemiological as well as socioeconomic landscape of the world. Covid 19 outbreak has adversely affected various parts of the world in general& India in particular due to high population density, lack of basic medical infrastructure, overcrowding and several other socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is located in the North-western corner of the country and on account of cold climate, is prone to seasonal flues which makes it more vulnerable to respiratory ailments. The present Study focuses on the Diffusion and Dynamics of Covid 19 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir using Geospatial Technologies. The study reveals that the outbreak hotspots have changed over the period of time. Initially the districts like Baramulla, Bandipora, Kulgam and Shopian were the hotspots as people from these areas are usually Apple traders who frequently visit various Indian states during the winter and were the first carriers and victims of this disease. Later on, during May-June months when the lockdown was relaxed and the stranded people were allowed in, Srinagar and Budgam became the new hotspots as they act as trans-shipment stations containing both airport and railway station. In the late summer the Jammu region became the hotspot due to lack of proper response and changed people’s perception regarding the Covid 19. The study reveals that the vulnerable age group to the Covid 19 fatality is above 45 years for both men and women in the valley which is in conformity with the global trends also as reported by the global Covid 19 mortality database.