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Green brigade sees red in cable car
Mussoorie, October 22 In an ambitious move, the Uttarakhand government had proposed to install a ropeway between Mussoorie and Dehradun. Jai Prakash Uttarakhandi, a noted historian from Mussoorie, believes that the rush of tourists pulled by the lure of the ropeway, would damage this heritage site in the
long run. Sir George Everest, the man who measured the Great Meridional Arc from Kanyakumari to the Himalayas and after whom the world's highest mountain peak(Mount Everest) is named had his house and observatory at George Everest Estate in Mussoorie from 1832 to 1843. The tourism department had proposed a cable car connecting Dehradun to Mussoorie with George Everest Estate as a halt for the cable car en route
to Mussoorie. "I am not against tourism, but if the entire tourist traffic to Mussoorie is diverted through the estate, it would spell disaster for the house and its picturesque surroundings," says Uttarakhandi. On the other hand, environmentalists are worried about potential damage to the local eco system. Speaking to the Tribune, Darab Nagarwalla, an environmentalist and ecology teacher at Woodstock, points out that George Everest Estate is surrounded by dense forests with the Benog Sanctuary, where the Himalayan bush quail was sighted in 1876, adjoining the estate. "Felling of trees for construction of the cable car and subsequent human intrusion around this habitat of several species of birds and animals will lead to an environmental catastrophe,"
he warns. He wants the government to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) before moving ahead with the plans. A.K. Banerjee, DFO, Mussoorie, vehemently argues that the proposed ropeway will not result in any major felling of trees. "Felling will be in private forests alone and more trees will be planted in place of the trees felled. Therefore, there is no cause for alarm," he argues. About the impact of human intrusion into the forests surrounding the estate, Banerjee believes that, " any increase in tourism should not be viewed negatively as this will ensure better protection of forests.” To this, Praveen Kaushal, director of a Dehradun-based NGO, accuses the forest authorities of class bias. "The government is ousting the poor from national parks and sanctuaries in the name of conservation, but allowing entry of rich tourists in the name of protection," he says with sarcasm. Uttarakhandi insists that the tourism department withdraws its proposal. “The government should
preserve this building as archaeological heritage and not turn it into picnickers’ paradise," he says.
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Assan Reserve prepares for its winged visitors
Dehradun, October 22 An expert in avi fauna studies, Dhananjaya Mohan too confirms the arrival of birds. "The migratory birds are here and their numbers are expected to grow in the coming winter months ," he observed. The Assan Conservation Reserve was home to 6,517 migratory birds last winter -- 2,230 rudeey shellduck, 170 northern shoveller and 300 mallard. Significantly, last winter saw the arrival of the golden eye after decades. Birds from as far as Russia, China and Mongolia have frequented Aasan in the past. The barheaded goose, grey leg goose, grey heron, purple heron, comman golden eye, painted stork, the common parakit, myna, Eurasian wigeon, house crow, black kite, little cormorant, little grebe, tufted duck and the comman coot are other birds that made their presence last winter. The forest department is working hard to make the surroundings at the Assan Lake more amicable for the visiting birds. The authorities plan to delpoy a veterinary officer to monitor any unwarranted movement of birds. The Uttarakhand Yamuna circle forest officials have constructed four eco huts to promote tourism. Two hides for bird-watchers have also been Two artificial lakes have been created at both sides of the dam. In order to attract tourists, two camping sites and track routes have been constructed at a distance from the barrage. Basic facilities like canteen have also been introduced. Significantly, the forest authorities have constituted a committee of local gram pradhans and wildlife experts. Local villagers are being hired as guides. "We are trying to bring Assan under Ramsar Lake Convention and have entrusted the Wild Life Institute with a management plan for Assan, which is expected by month-end," said BP Gupta, conservator, Yamuna circle. The Assan Conservation Reserve that falls along the Uttarakhand-Himachal border holds much importance from the tourism and conservation point of view.
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Gujjar problem revisits Rajaji Park
Dehradun, October 22 “There were certain Gujjar families that had forcibly entered the Rajaji Park but they have now been evicted peacefully,” deputy director Rajaji Park Surendra Mehra told The Tribune. Meanwhile, the Gujjars settlers in Gandhikhatta and Pathri areas were finding the conditions in the settlements inhuman and now say that they were better off in the forests than new re-settlement colonies. Praveen Kaushal from Sophia, a voluntary organisation working for betterment of Gujjars, said the inhuman conditions in Gandhikhatta and Pathri are forcing the Gujjars to to the forests. Absence of basic civic amenities like potable water and toilets has aggravated the plight of Gujjars, he added. Notably, the major bone of contention between the Rajaji Park authorities and the Gujjars is the numerical strength of those needing settlements. While the forests authorities claim that they have settled most of the Gujjars, there has been a sudden spurt in their numbers. Gujjars, on the other hand, allege that the former were relying on data bank that were fifteen years old. Significantly empowered by the Forest Dwellers Act, the Rajaji Park Gujjars are seeking forest rights with renewed vigour.
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A date with history
Mussoorie, October 22 Rare collections of butterflies and beetles from the Khasi hills in northeast India, dating back to the period from 1900 to 1922, are perhaps the highlight of this museum. “There are a number of rare butterflies in this collection and we are consulting experts for a conclusive identification of all the species in our collection,” says S. Dhawan, the man responsible for setting up this museum. Dhawan is the head of the department of geography and has been teaching here since 1984. Established in 1853, the school is run by Patrician Brothers from Ireland and is considered one of the best in Mussoorie. A very old desk with an inbuilt radio and a gramophone immediately catches the eye as one enters the museum. “This formed the only source of entertainment for the Patrician brothers during
the evenings and even today both these instruments are in working condition,” says Dhawan. “A unique aspect of this collection is that all these interesting articles have been collected from within the school campus,” he adds. Brother Xavier, the principal, is very happy with the interest shown by the visitors in this museum. “We are even contemplating expanding this museum,” he said. “A visit to the museum brought back fond memories of our schooldays,” says Rajat Aggarwal, a former student. According to Dhawan, this museum would not only make students more aware about the history of the school, but also help the alumni revisit old memories.
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Biblical conference gets under way
Dehradun, October 22 As many as 10 eminent Christian theologians and leaders in the field of Biblical Studies, World Religions, Communication and Christian Theology, who are associated with various Christian theological institutions affiliated to the Senate of Serampore (University), West Bengal, have gathered for an academic exercise and presentation of papers on the given theme. The scholars present in the conference include Rev Dr Ravi Tiwari, Rev Dr K.A. Abraham, Rev Dr Mani Chacko, Rev Dr V.J. John, Dr Monica Melanchthon, Fr Dr John Mathews, Rev Dr Sham P. Thomas, Dr P.S. Jacob, Rev Dr Frampton F. Fox. The papers have been presented for discussion and deliberation with a view to see if the Bible and its message are relevant to the Indian cultural milieu. The general coordinator of the conference Rev Roji T. George and principal, New Theological College Rev Simon Samuel informed that the purpose of convening this conference is to reiterate the need of reading the Bible in our Indian cultural context. They added that this is pertinent especially in the context of religion and culture related violence against Christians and other minority groups in India based on several hearsay reasons. The papers presented the given theme from different perspectives. Biblical scholars like Dr V.J. John and Dr John Mathew in their papers exemplify the fact that the portrait of Jesus in the Biblical narration itself is culturally coloured. Dr K.A. Abraham raised the question, "Can the Bible be interpreted apart from the scriptures of other religious traditions?" Dr Abraham called upon the church to engage in recognising Christ more culturally and relevantly to Asian realities.
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