This is one of the worst years in the history of Uttrakhand where frequent forest fires has been witnessed in various parts of the state. It’s been three years, I am residing in the hillside near Landour, Mussoorie and every year I have observed forest patches under flames in this side of the lesser Himalayas.Continue reading “Forest fire in Uttarakhand: Are we ready to tackle future forest fires?”
Tag Archives: ecology
Forests and a ray of hope!!
Found a road, which was less travelled,With a faith of finding new hope;But to my despair, I found barren mountains,Trees cut from the valley to the top!! ***** Thorny bushes, scanty greens,With vultures hovering high;I searched for a river stream to quench my thirst,But Alas!! no sight of water, I sighed!! ***** Metalled road, scorchingContinue reading “Forests and a ray of hope!!”
Oak tree flowers: Landour, Mussoorie
The most simple defintion of ‘flower‘ is colourful part of the plant also resonates as something colourful, delicate, fragrant. But nature is full of exceptions, because there are some flowers in the nature which are neither bright nor colourful and some without fragrance yet they play significant role in sustaining the ecology of a particularContinue reading “Oak tree flowers: Landour, Mussoorie”
Tribute to the forests: International Day of Forests, 2021
The knowledge and conscience which we have gained today comes from nature, and primitive forests. Forests are the source of many mysteries and have played an significant role towards the evolution of mankind. If we look back into the evolutionary history of mankind, we will find that every aspect of adaptation and evolution of theContinue reading “Tribute to the forests: International Day of Forests, 2021”
Land where Hoolock Gibbon sings: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam
It was summer of 2015 in Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam. I was a doctoral student at that time and was working towards the conservation of a medicinal forest tree species in the rain forests of Assam. For some study purpose we were traversing through dense forest trails and I was accompanied by my colleague andContinue reading “Land where Hoolock Gibbon sings: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam”
A plateau losing green forest cover: Karbi Anglong district, Assam
In the remote North-eastern corner of the Indian subcontinent lies the beautiful district of Karbi Anglong. The plateau is dominantly inhabited by the Karbi tribes hence the name Karbi Anglong. The Karbis are the indigenous inhabitants of the region and ‘Anglong’ is a Karbi noun for “hills.” The region is flanked by numerous rivers and tributaries like Dhansiri, Longnit,Continue reading “A plateau losing green forest cover: Karbi Anglong district, Assam”
Rhododendrons in the hillside
Swaying with the whistling breeze,Spreading your charm;You fulfill wilderness dreams, giving memories warm. Birds, animals and honey bees cherish your nectar,They come to visit you from lands afar;Laden with beauty and healer are you,Life support system for many though. The fallen petals on the forest floor,Create a mystical hue;A path painted red,leading somewhere, I haveContinue reading “Rhododendrons in the hillside”
Snowfall in winter night ; Landour, Mussoorie
Even though late, it snowed in Landour, Mussoorie yesterday, this year. Watching snowfall is an enchanting experience. Like little fairies hopping from branches and leaves finally falling on the ground to create fluffy bed, soft and delicate. I wonder how deep is the connection of snow is with forest and trees. Snowfall is very shyContinue reading “Snowfall in winter night ; Landour, Mussoorie”
Geology and religious faith: Tapkeshwar temple in Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous temple of Lord Shiva lying alongside river Tons, in the valley of Dehradun. The mythological importance of this place draws back to the ancient period of Mahabharata, when Guru Dronacharya who was the royal teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas was believed to reside in the caves. Hence, the cavesContinue reading “Geology and religious faith: Tapkeshwar temple in Dehradun, Uttarakhand”
Kempty falls, Mussoorie: A geological prodigy
Kempty falls Mussoorie is a geological complex lying about 10 kilometres from Mussoorie, Uttarakhand towards Yamuna river. The fusion of various geological, ecological, climatic and geographical factors together contribute towards the portrayal of this geologic marvel.The name Kempty was actually derived from assemblage of two words ‘Camp and Tea’. Once used to be a preferredContinue reading “Kempty falls, Mussoorie: A geological prodigy”