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NDTV
18-05-2025
- NDTV
In Jim Corbett National Park, A Forest Retreat That Doesn't Cost The Earth
New Delhi: "There are so many things I'm taking back with me from here... things I want to apply in my own space. The way they conserve water, treat waste, do things with simplicity, and still keep it luxurious - it's inspiring," late actor Irrfan said, after his stay at Aahana Resort in 2014. He had returned to the resort on the fringes of Jim Corbett's Bijrani zone a second time - drawn not just by the wilderness that brushes up against the cottages, but by something rarer: a kind of thoughtfulness that echoed his own sensitivity. "This place is made with such understanding... it maintains the cycle of nature. That, to me, is real development," he said, and then returned to the resort a third time two years later. This time, Irrfan planted a Kachnar tree - one that still stands tall, a quiet, green signature. Irrfan is gone. The tree still stands tall, and more than a decade since his visit, stepping into Aahana Resort today still feels like stepping into a philosophy. The air smells different - lemongrass and loam, not luxury perfume. There's no steel-and-glass swagger. Instead, there's bamboo, banyan and the patient rhythm of a forest that hasn't been pushed aside but gently invited in. Silence That Doesn't Feel Empty We arrived at Aahana late afternoon. A koel called out. A sunbird zipped past. The city left our bodies slowly, making way for calmer, greener stuff. Aahana didn't feel like it was "built". It feels like it grew here. You won't find oversized chandeliers or clinking lobby pianos. Instead, there's a sense of quiet purpose: the kind that doesn't beg for attention but rewards it. Luxury With A Conscience The rooms here are dressed in warm woods, natural fabrics and quiet views. Private balconies open out to swaying bamboo and grazing deer, while interiors offer comforts that don't come at the cost of the planet - chemical-free toiletries, toothpaste tablets, eco-friendly toothbrushes, glass bottles and not a single plastic wrapper in sight. The resort's philosophy of "luxury meets responsibility" is evident everywhere. It is fully chemical-free - its landscaping, pest control and even farming are done entirely using organic methods. But what makes Aahana stand apart isn't just what you see - it's the system that runs it. Irrfan was fascinated - and so were we - by their water treatment design: wastewater is cleaned in natural root beds and reused after ten days. The staff (mostly locals, 90% of whom belong to the Kumaoni community) know the land like an old friend. They speak of plants like they have stories; not just species names. There are over 200 species of birds here and over five thousand plants. Walking through the resort's grounds, you encounter an impressive diversity of native flora: from the majestic banyan, bamboo used for flutes and the stately Saal (Surya Robusta) tree to the fragrant lemongrass that fills the air with its fresh citrus scent. The sprawling Sita Ashok Vatika, a tribute to the mythological garden from Ramayan where Sita was kept, bursts with blooming Ashok plants and offers a living connection to India's rich cultural past. It is luxury with a conscience, and it works. Nature Walks And All Around If you think you'll just sit around at this resort that demands slowing down, think again. The guided nature walks are a treasure trove - one moment you're learning about the Sindoor plant; the next, you're watching tiny sunbirds darting around or hearing the calls of bulbuls and babblers. Birdwatching here isn't a chore, it's pure joy. There's also a chance to visit the on-site organic farm where no chemicals ever touch the soil. The naturalists here (a shoutout to the ever-enthusiastic Karamjit Singh) know every plant and bird by name and love sharing their secrets. Ayurvedic treatments using fresh herbs add a touch of wellness to the forest experience. Flavours Rooted In Tradition Food at Aahana's Dhikala restaurant celebrate fresh, organic produce grown on the resort's own farm, bringing seasonal flavours directly to the table. The Kumaoni thali stands out - a colourful and hearty platter featuring local specialties like bhatt ki churkani (black soybean curry), spiced potatoes known as aloo ke gutke, petha ki badi, mauni raita, moong dal dukke, palak ka kappa, kadhi (curd curry) and the distinctly flavourful bhang ki chutney, made from hemp seeds. The resort excels in their non-vegetarian fare too. Complementing these dishes are lip-smacking desserts - rice kheer, ragi laddoo, baal mithai, along with wild forest fruits such as water apples and sweet berries. Each bite tastes like the forest itself - fresh, honest and deeply satisfying. Cocktails here are little experiments with herbs from the garden - fresh turmeric, curry leaves - flavours you never knew worked so well together until you tried them. And the evening chai was pahadi adrak chai, with its warming ginger punch, the perfect nightcap after a day of forest exploration. What Else The Sita Ashok Vatika, a garden inspired by the Ramayan, blooms at the heart of the resort - its Ashoka trees evoking stories older than memory. Aahana's deep commitment to nature extends to its impressive plant biodiversity. Medicinal plants such as Vijay Sar, the juice of whose bark is traditionally used to boost immunity and counter snake bites, and the Mulsari tree, renowned for relieving dental pain, thrive here. A highlight of the resort is the farm visit, where guests witness traditional organic farming practices firsthand. No synthetic chemicals disturb the natural cycle, and the fields teem with native plants like Malabellum, whose eco-friendly leaves are woven into plates used during local temple rituals. Evenings end quietly here: under skies freckled with stars, accompanied by the distant hoot of an owl and the steady hum of crickets. You might spot a Red Whiskered Bulbul fluttering past, or just sit and listen to the silence. Aahana Resorts The staff, mostly locals, bring warmth and stories to every interaction, making guests feel a part of the community rather than just a fleeting visitor. Quiet, Slow Luxury What stays with us most is that Aahana isn't about fancy trappings. It's about slowing down enough to hear the birds, taste the land, and breathe in a forest that still feels wild. The kind of luxury impossible in your quotidian city lives. Aahana doesn't overwhelm you. It humbles you. You come expecting a retreat. You leave having experienced a return to simplicity, to awareness, to the rhythm of a land that knows how to give, if only we remember how to receive. As Irrfan once said, "If we can't protect this forest, then what can we protect?" This resort takes the forest seriously. In every step.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Time of India
Jal, Jungle & Jameen - Mantra for biodiversity conservation
The state's name, Jharkhand, is a name derived from the Hindi words "Jhar", meaning forest and "Khand" — land or simply, "land of forests". Historically, the term was used to refer to the forested land between Babadham (Deoghar) and Puri (in Odisha). Jharkhand has also been home to 32 major tribal groups that associate their identities with "jal-jungle and jamin" (water, forest and land). With a rich endowment by nature coupled with its nature-loving people, it is no surprise that the state conserves some of the pristine and oldest natural sites of ecological importance — the fossil parks of Rajmahal hills in Sahibganj district. It hosts plant and animal fossils from the Jurassic era (150-200 million years ago). Noted geologist Birbal Sahni established the area as a global palaeontological site. In 2022, chief minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the Rajmahal hills, the state's first fossil park, to preserve the Jurassic era plant and animal fossils, describing them as a treasure trove. Meanwhile, the life of indigenous people of the state revolves around trees — Saal (Shorea robusta) and Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) — the two important varieties, the former being used during festivals like Sarhul and the latter forming a part of day-to-day life as a source of nutrients and raw material for brewing alcoholic drinks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Among the myriad fauna in the state, Jharkhand boasts of being home to the world's smallest wild pig — pygmy hog (Sus salvanius) — and also to the majestic Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus). Sadly, the pygmy hog has almost vanished from the Jharkhand forests and the elephants face the challenge of shrinking corridors. While the Malabar pied hornbill is also a treat to the eyes, the silk moth and lac insects (Kerria lacca) are exclusive to the region and add to the richness of the biodiversity, besides supporting the livelihood of several thousand people. At the same time, Jharkhand is home to 40% of the country's mineral and 29% coal reserve, extraction of which often threatens the ecology and biodiversity. The state's forests, classified into eight distinct types under the Champion & Seth classification, are home to diverse flora, fauna, and indigenous tribal communities, including the Munda, Oraon, Ho, Santhal, and Paharia, who maintain a deep connection with nature. Traditional festivals like Sarhul and Karma celebrate this bond with forests. Currently, the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board is intensifying conservation efforts through documentation, community engagement and awareness initiatives. Key ecological hotspots under focus include Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Betla National Park, Parasnath Hills and biodiverse zones in places, including Gumla, Ranchi and Palamu districts. To balance development with ecological sustainability, the board plans to collaborate with major mining companies like CCL, BCCL, ECL, and NTPC. These companies will submit conservation strategies, survey reports, and restoration plans for mined-out areas with some to be designated as OECMs (Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures). "We have outlined key strategies to strengthen biodiversity conservation in the face of expanding mining activities," said Sanjeev Kumar, the principal chief conservator of forests and member secretary of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board. The board's initiatives included planting rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) species in degraded lands and updating people's biodiversity registers with corporate support. Plans also included organising exposure visits for biodiversity management committee members to successful restoration sites and implementing livelihood programmes for mining-affected tribal communities. "The aim is to turn ecological restoration into a vehicle for community empowerment. Companies must undertake conservation efforts in mining zones to ensure that development doesn't compromise biodiversity," Kumar emphasised. At the same time, recent data shows over 690 hectares of forest land were diverted for non-forestry uses between January 2015 and February 2019. Currently, only 2.74% of the state land falls under the protected area network, comprising one national park and 11 wildlife sanctuaries.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
A tale of two trees
Whilst travelling in Garhwal hills near Lansdowne , recently I was again attracted to the beauty of the pine trees ,uniformly spread over the hills. The smell of pine in addition to its look is distinct. There is variety too in pine , I was amazed to see a pine spread out like a Mango tree at one place , though most are of conical shape. However if one examines the utility of this seemingly beautiful tree it is limited. It secretes gum( resin) from its trunk which sadly remains wounded with axe marks to stimulate secretion. The 'Resin' is used in preparation of tar for road construction, the wood is used in making of furniture but is of lower variety and no match to Teak, Saal or Shisham etc. The thin leaves are of no use to cattle and shed regularly to create a slippery layer which is dangerous in hill trekking , specially when wet. Moreover it consumes lot of water. In contrast is the grey oak/Indian oak tree commonly called 'Baanj' which is also found in these heights, it does not bear any fruit ,carries ordinary look, gawky appearance, its leaves are of dull green colour, to add to its woes is its name 'Baanj' referred in North India for women who are unable to bear children. An insulting term , uttered in loud whispers by jealous friends, ambitious Mother-in-laws and spoilt Sister-in-laws ( Nanads ). This is burden of feudal India where women were (are?) considered as commodities , primarily for producing children and if any one failed even owing to biological inadequacy of her husband the poor lady carried the burden of being referred to as 'baanj'. However despite its dull look it is preferred by the villagers and community at large as it is a rich source of water. It retains water in its roots and it is common to see a small but regular water stream near a cluster of 'Baanj' trees. It is a saying in hills that where ever you see baanj there will be water. Its leaves are also eaten by cattle .Compared to 'Baanj', pine consumes a lot of water and the initiators of this disastrous practice in hills were the Britishers. They encouraged growth of pine as it looked beautiful and its wood was utilized indiscriminately in timber trade using the rivers in hills for transportation . Despite being innovators in Science their sense of environment was grossly faulty. Pine tree though was existing in these hills along with other tree varieties but it was the English who increased its plantation for ,it is said that if one plants pine in an acre area soon it expands to five! In comparison Oak grows slow . Once the English had set their eyes on these lucrative trees they set factories to process resin for tar for road construction . Large tracks of slopes near Dehradun and Kalsi were cut to send wood for rail track etc during the first world war! The hills are barren still as new trees find it difficult to grow in slopes. Even 'Meera Bahen' whose Ashram was situated near Rishikesh had complained to the British Government for their policy to encourage plantation of 'Pine ' instead of other productive and harmonious variety of trees . The nature's analogy restores the belief that 'beauty is but skin deep', but we tend to glorify appearance ! Akin to the two variety of trees that dominate the landscape of Uttarakhand there are two varieties of people , cultures , ideology , outlook and economy too! The 'oak people' live in the villages , scantly populated and yet aspiring to emerge out of their daily sweat and toil . They may add marginally to GDP but are sentinels of the borders . The 'pine people' live in safe towns where 'buzz and business' prevails and which we are converting to 'smart cities' , where concrete is sought and worshipped. The 'Oak economy' is the village economy which once survived on 'money orders' of the soldiers to home and family and now sustains on the income of their fathers and husbands who work in distant cities . There are villages of prosperity in agriculture turned around by consistent hard-work and perseverance , but few . The 'pine economy' is built on the cutting of hills to make large hotels and highways and destroying the few cities which were earlier quiet and peaceful stations to retire and spend time with friends. The villages which expected attention when the new state was carved out of Uttar Pradesh are ignored and abandoned , some are called 'ghost villages'. The 'oak culture' is the culture of the region , the language of the region , the song of the region , the dance of the region – sweet and scarce, and soft and serene , not loud and all pervasive and incessant which has creeped and seeped from distance far. The heart and soul of the hill state rests in the villages snuggled in inaccessible locations. There is a simple and robust feature of Uttarakhand represented by the officers and soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles and Kumaon Regiment ; there regimental centres are located in Lansdowne and Ranikhet. The society and culture of the villages which feeds these centres is much influenced and dependent on these Regimental centres and it is the dream of the vast majority of young men to join the Armed forces . Their needs are few and limited and the love for the Armed forces is sincere and runs deep. The beacon of hope, the moral compass and figure of veneration are the women who reside in these villages ; distant , remote , far away from the metal road, still seen carrying grass for cattle or wood for fuel on their head . They nurture their hardy boys and girls in difficult circumstances . They suffer separation, distance , loneliness , cold, remoteness , vagaries of weather , scarcity , social contact and yet they smile as you pass by and consider you their own , never are suspicious of your intentions . These women who are the guardians of hills are akin to those oak groves which provide wide branches stretched like protective arms , as if to convey that 'we are with you in thick and thin'. Women in hills tie sacred thread around trees to seek their blessings and protection , but they never tie the thread around the pine tree! The speed of the 'pine economy ' is fast and it conquers its neighbours and all that opposes on the way . An elite , well fed and well bred are its sponsors as it looks for quick and easy gains . This is evident and visible in 'religious tourism ' where air services , ariel trollies are being launched and the foot-tracks since yore which bear the footprints of our ancestors and seers are untraceable . Pilgrimage is being considered as an achievement to 'tom -tom' rather a path to purity and salvation . The 'Oak youth' seek education in schools and colleges near their villages , mostly Government schools with modest and moderate means . They seek higher education in Government universities and join the Army of unemployed. The 'Pine student' manages to obtain admission in privileged and popular private university on the basis of the loan which their parents have obtained with difficulty . They somehow complete their education under the constant threat of EMI lapse and join private firms at modest salary . Many flood the urban streets of Uttarakhand and wait for their good fortune to smile . There are people who participated in the 'Chipko movement' and for the formation of 'Uttarakhand' and those who recently came out in streets and halted cutting of trees in New Cantt in Dehradun . There are also people pursuing the fast 'four lane express highway' between Dehradun – New Delhi reaching in two and half hours by cutting thousands of trees on its way . To sum it up , the 'pine road' is a mirage unattainable . The 'oak road ' is the Truth road of trust and worthiness . The songs of Narendra Singh Negi and 'Girda' are its Record keepers and oral history , it desires little and takes little but gives in abundance. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
