red alert_ 20 places to visit in india before they disappear
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10/10/2014 Red Alert: 20 Places to Visit In India Before They Disappear
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September 3, 2014
Change they say is the only constant thing in life. Unfortunately this applies to some fascinating places in the countrytoo. A resting place for the departed soul, one of the largest river islands in the world, a monument of love, carpet ofalpine blossoms, a region where the only surviving sub-species of the Red Deer family roam about and many suchmore areas lie in the danger of vanishing. Visit these 20 places before they disappear into the history books.
1) The Western Ghats: Abode of 300 threatened species
Image Source: Karthik Narayana – Flickr
Image Source: cishore – Flickr
Enjoy the crisp mountain air and natural sights while you can. It was only a matter of time before the green treasuresof the Western Ghats came under the scanner of builders and developers. With the Mumbai-Pune Expressway cuttingright into the hills, it is no longer an inaccessible region.
This teamed up with its proximity to the cities make them all the more alluring. The land zoning regulations thatconverted hill and agricultural land to residential and commercial ones too do not help in its conservation.
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Image Source: bhansali_hardik – Flickr
Rich in flora and fauna, this is where more than 300 threatened species reside. There have already been some angryoutbursts about how little is done to protect the Ghats and we suggest you head here quick before it turns into aconcrete jungle!
2) Rakhigarhi in Haryana: The largest known city from theIndus Valley civilization
Image Source: Wikipedia
If you are into history and have been fascinated by civilization, then this is for you. Another site that seems to beeroding due to development and other causes is Rakhigarhi in Haryana.
Considered as the largest known city during the period of the Indus Valley civilization, this is one of India’s most prizedpossessions. However, insufficient management, looting, neglect and threat of development loom large.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Dating back to 5,000 years, Global Heritage Fund declared this place as one of the 10 most endangered heritage sitesin Asia. According to a study of Sunday Times, it was found that the villagers sold the priceless artefacts from here and
10/10/2014 Red Alert: 20 Places to Visit In India Before They Disappear
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certain areas have been encroached by private houses.
3) Rama Setu, Tamil Nadu: From the epic Ramayana
Image Source: Wikipedia
Rama Setu is a bridge that is reputed for its references in the epic Ramayana. It starts as a chain of shoals from theDhanushkodi tip of India’s Pamban Island and ends at Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island. A symbol of unity, geologicalevidence alludes that this bridge was once a land connection between India and Sri Lanka.
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Image Source: Wikipedia
However the proposal of the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project by the Indian government would damage it. Theproject would entail the unfortunate breaking of the limestone shoals of Rama’s Bridge.
4) Sundarbans: UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Image Source: Khaled Monsoor – Flickr
Image Source: Frances Voon – Flickr
Delve into the enigmatic terrain of wilderness that is the Sunderbans. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and coveredwith the largest mangrove forests in the world, the Sundarbans is home to many gems, one of them being theendangered Bengal Tiger. It also houses around 334 plant species, various bird species, snakes, crocodiles and otherfauna.
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Image Source: sandy & alan js – Flickr
Located in West Bengal, an ominous threat lies to the entire region. Low lying in nature, the rising sea levelshavealready submerged some parts of it. Due to global warming the sea has already taken down a count of fourislands. It is alleged that around 10,000 inhabitants are now environmental refugees. The fear is that the entire sitewould be under water one day.
5) Dechen Namgyal Monastery, Ladakh: Dates back to17th century
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Image Source: Wikipedia
Witness a monastery that dates all the way back to the 17th century and lies in the winsome land of Ladakh. TheDechen Namgyal Monastery was constructed under the patronage of the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal along with theTibetan priest Stag-Tsang-ras-pa.
Built along an ancient trade route, the architecture of the structure echoes the monastic layout and fortification.Inside are impressive wall paintings and sculptures. However, you might not get to see any of this since insufficientrepairs, lack of financial resources, and limited preservation understandings have led to its decline.
6) Balpakram Forest: Resting place for the departed souls
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Image Source: Wikipedia
Savour the rare sights of Balpakram Forest that is famous for its forest covered canyon-cum-gorge. It lies in the SouthGaro Hills district of Meghalaya. Adding to the mystery of the place is the belief of the indigenous people, that the hillis a resting place for departed souls. Several strange formations are said to be formed in this area.
The forests have been vanishing fast due to water damns, shifting cultivation on the hills and coal mines. Along withthis deterioration, the exotic wildlife has been disappearing too.
7) Lakshadweep Coral Reef: Transporting you to a luciddream
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Image Source: Kydd Pollock – Flickr
So stunning are the coral reef in Lakshadweep that they transport you to a dream, though this might not be the casefor long. According to a study conducted by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE),coral reefs face dire threat from pollution, rummaging of navigational channels, coral mining, and blast fishing.
The study also states that sea-level rise triggered by global warming can indirectly have an effect on reefs, lagoons,beaches, and sand dunes.
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Image Source: ccharmon – Flickr
The island that already has a fragile coastal environment has been subject to increase in population, mining of corals,coastal corrosion,unrestrained construction and unscientific waste disposal. One would dread to think what the plightwould be some years later.
8) Chiktan Castle in Kargil: Emerging from a cliff
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Image Source: Wikipedia
Reminiscent of a Disney movie, the Chiktan Castle in Kargil emerges from a cliff. It served as a royal residence forhundreds of years even after the power of reign made changes. Constructed in the 16th century, this castle depictsthe fine dexterity of Balti (Pakistani) craftsmen. The intriguing structure was once a symbol of unity, strength andcommunity as it prepared the people for impending attacks.
The castle was abandoned in the late 19 century and what once stood grand and mighty is left in a state ofdegeneration. Neglect and natural elements have been a cause for this. Huge parts of the outer walls have collapsed,one reason being the removal of stone for a local government hospital sometime in the 20 century. The structure isanother one on the caution list of WMF.
9) Majuli: One of the largest river islands in the world
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Image Source: Wikipedia
Lap up a view of one of the largest river islands in the world that goes by the name Majuli. Lolling on the banks of theholy Brahmaputra River, the landscape is rather unsullied and portrays nature at its charming best. It also representsa rich cultural heritage.
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Image Source: Rocky Barua – Flickr
We suggest visiting this place while you can as it is likely to submerge in 15-20 years due to the erosion ofBrahmaputra. In 1950, when an earthquake occurred, the river spilled in the upper reaches of the island creating ahuge impact. Though a dyke system was constructed, it failed to be very effective. In 1998 too, the floodwatersbrought about destruction and killed standing crops.
10) Valley of Flowers: Carpet of alpine blossoms
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Image Source: Wikipedia
The enchanting Valley of Flowers is a must visit for its carpet of alpine blossoms, charming meadows and gentlelandscape. Situated in the state of Uttarakhand, it lures several trekking enthusiasts across the world.
The captivating valley is recognised as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). Inaccessible through most of the year, thisplace comes alive when the snow has melted. If you haven’t been there already, here is another incentive.
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Image Source: Wikipedia
One of the most stunning natural habitats in the country, this too is in danger due to deforestation, development, andburst of tourism in the fragile land. There is also a threat to the diversity of plants over here.
11) Bhitarkanika Mangrove: Richness of biodiversity
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Image Source: Wikipedia
Steeped in the richness of biodiversity, Bhitarkanika Mangrove is a mangrove wetland in India’s Odisha state. It ishome to endangered species of Saltwater Crocodiles, White Crocodiles, Indian pythons and King Cobras.
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Image Source: Vishnu Sharma
This sensitive land is being corroded quickly due to various reasons. Several humans have encroached upon the landand used the wood in here for household purposes.
There have been allegations that the forest guards accept bribe from unscrupulous villagers and let them carry onwith their illegal acts. Heavy human pressure, indiscriminate felling, and decrease in wildlife particularly has added tothe woes of the region.
12) Kaziranga: Home to one-horned rhinoceros, the fifthlargest land animal
Image Source: Scott Anderson – Flickr
Catch a rare sight of the fifth largest land animal before it is too late! Head to Kaziranga National Park, Assam whereyou can spot the intimidating one-horned rhinoceros, the only kind in the world. The tall elephant grasslands,marshland and many water bodies of this area make it a prefect abode for this animal.
A huge population residing in the entire stretch of the Indo-Gangetic Plain once upon a time, their number hasreduced to a great extent due to excessive hunting. Today around 3,000 are said to live in the wild. It is said to begetting invaded by the locals and people have been settling too close to the area.
13) Himalayan Glaciers: Breath-taking landscapes
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Image Source: Nara Simhan – Flickr
The majestic Himalayas make an intriguing destination for its breath-taking landscape, snow-capped peaks, rare floraand fauna along with high-altitude glaciers like the Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest and Siachen glacier. However themelting of the glaciers due to global warming is of serious concern due to the damage that it would cause.
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Image Source: Rajesh – Flickr
According to a research released by The University of Milan, in the course of the last 50 years, glaciers in the Everestregion had shrunk by 13% and that the snowline of the mountain used to be about 180 metres higher.
14) Dachigam National Park: Kashmir Red Stag (Hangul),the only surviving sub-species of the Red Deer family
A vision of grace and beauty, the Red Stag prefers to retreat into the bountiful riverine forests, high valleys andmountains of exquisite Kashmir. The only surviving sub-species of the Red Deer family, the Kashmir Stag roams aboutin Dachigam National Park that rests on the foothills of Zabarwan range. Once a thick population of more than 5000,there are barely 220 left according to a 2011 survey. Today it is said that the number has gone upto 300, but stillremains little.
The political turbulence of the state, overgrazing of cattle into Hangul’s terrain, loss of habitat are some of the reasonsfor the diminishing state of the animal. The Dachigam National Park was also affected by terrorism and the animalswere killed by terrorists just for meat.
15) Jaisalmer Fort: Ethereal golden vision
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Image Source: del_gva – Flickr
Bask in the golden vision of a fort that emerges out of the vast expanse of sand. One of the largest fortifications in theworld, Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan makes for an interesting visit. Several families still live within its premises.
The World Monuments Fund has brought this shrine to notice in its World Monuments Watch thrice till now. This isdue to the increase in the living population and visitations by tourists (a count of five to six hundred thousand peopleannually).
Additionally, water seepage and inadequate civic amenities have added to the troubles. The fortress was constructedover a weak sedimentary rock foothill because of which foundations are vulnerable to seepage.
16) Hemis National Park: Home to Snow Leopards, part ofthe IUCN Red List of threatened species
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Image Source: Wikipedia
Revel in the rare sight of the snow leopard. Listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, thepopulation of the snow leopard has been on the diminishing side. These fascinating creatures are considered asmembers of the Panthera group and prefer wandering in high altitude rocky mountain ranges.
To catch a glimpse of them before they vanish, head to Hemis National Park where around 200-600 of them are saidto be roaming about. Home to a one-of-a-kind species found in north of the Himalayas, this high altitude NationalPark is located in the icy Eastern Ladakh region.
17) Kothi, Qila Mahmudabad: Integral during the FirstWar of Independence
Retrace history as you witness a critical landmark belonging to the 17 century. The Kothi in Qila Mahmudabad is astunning example of the royal Awadhi architecture and holds a historic significance. Having played an important rolein the first war of Independence in 1857, the opulent structure was totally destroyed by the British. Using the originalplinth, it was rebuilt soon after.
This was also the very place that legendary Begum Hazrat Mahal, (the Indian freedom-fighter who played a pivotalrole during India’s First War of independence) took refuge once. Today, the Kothi is a prominent religious and culturalcentre. It houses one of the finest libraries in the Urdu and Arabic languages. However, it is hard to say how long thisplace will survive.
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Covering an expanse of 67,650 square feet, managing the entire structure is difficult. There are also some portionshere that have not been used for half a century. Adding to the deterioration is negligence, age, and seismic damage.All this makes it among the 93 endangered heritage sites identified across the world by the World Monument Fund(WMF).
18) Sasan Gir National Park: Home to the Asiatic Lion,King of the jungle
Image Source: The Belurs – Flickr
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Image Source: Akshay Charegaonkar – Flickr
Get a glimpse of what the king of the jungle looks like before it’s too late. Listed as Endangered by IUCN due to itssmall population size, they are slightly smaller than the African lions.The ideal place to witness these roaring animalsis at the Sasan Gir National Park, Gujarat.
Image Source: Harvey Barrison – Flickr
The environs of semi deciduous forests make it a comfortable stay for them. The good news is that there has been asteady increase in the number of lions residing here.
19) Shrinking Wular Lake: One of the largest freshwaterlakes in Asia
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Image Source: Wikipedia
As stunning as it is, the Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. In recentyears, several water sports like boating and water skiing have become available on this water body.
However, the pristine lake might no longer remain so as it faces many environmental hazards due to pollution andthe hunting of waterfowl and other birds. With wetlands around this water body shrinking drastically, the size tooremains a matter of question.
20) The Taj Mahal: Monument of love
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Image Source: Evan Guerra – Flickr
Visit this monument of love that has tourists thronging from all over the world just to catch a glimpse of itsmagnificence. One of the seven wonders of the world, it took more than 15 years to build the opulent beauty. In thepast too there had been many concerns as the lustrous white marble was turning yellow.
Some precautions were taken like the factories were closed and vehicle emissions reduced. However, the currentplight of increase in pollution of air and river has further lead to the yellow satins and deterioration of the marvel. Thestructure’s foundation too might be sinking in the Yamuna River.With an estimated of 40000 people visiting a day, theentry might get restricted.
Prajna RaoWriter/Editor during the day. Superhero at night.
Awesome editor at Thrillophilia.
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Mrityunjoy Seal · Hony Associate at Communique AssociatesRomantic, royal, magnificent, elegant, fascinating, charming, wonderful, breathtaking, mind boggling yet serine beautyon earth. All nature lovers would be longing forever in life to make a foot fall.Reply · Like · · Follow Post · September 4 at 7:02am2
Arpit Bharat Gupta · · Engineer at BHELAlthough, I have seen 3/20 but I am apprehensive about visiting the rest lest i contribute to their decline... :(Reply · Like · · Follow Post · September 19 at 3:22pm
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