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The Hindu
24-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Assam's Nagshankar becomes model temple for turtle conservation
Nagshankar, in northeastern Assam's Biswanath district, has been designated a model temple for turtle conservation. Local MLA Padma Hazarika acknowledged the temple on behalf of the local authorities and communities at an event on its premises to mark World Turtle Day on Friday (May 23, 2025). The event was organised by the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam State Zoo, Nagshankar Temple Committee, DBT-NER Biotech Hub Chaiduar College, and conservation groups Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Foundation India, Aaranyak, and Help Earth. Turtles have traditionally been conserved in several temple ponds of Assam as they are believed to be a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. The turtles in the Nagshankar temple complex, cared for by the TSA, are among the best conserved in the State. 'Nagshankar's role in promoting conservation of turtles at the grassroots level makes it a model temple in this regard,' Mr. Hazarika said. Apart from spiritual songs dedicated to turtle conservation, the event featured the release of a freshwater turtle identification brochure for the common people and the acknowledgement of 'Kaso Mitras', or community turtle guardians, for their contributions. 'Turtles are called vultures of the aquatic ecosystem, as they help in keeping the water clean by scavenging on dead and decomposed matter. This is why it is very important to save them,' Anjali Das, the president of Kaso Sakhi, a grassroots women's weavers' group making turtle motif handloom products, said. TSA Foundation India supports this weavers' group. The Nagshankar turtle conservation project sustains 13 species of freshwater turtles. These are the black softshell (Nilssonia nigricans), Indian softshell (Nilssonia gangetica), peacock softshell (Nilssonia hurum), Indian narrow-head softshell (Chitra indica), Indian flapshell (Lisemmys punctata), spotted pond (Geoclemys hamiltonii), Assam roofed (Pangshura sylhetensis), Indian tent (Pangshura tentoria), Indian roofed (Pangshura tecta), brown roofed (Pangshura smithii), Assam leaf (Cyclemys gemeli), tricarinate hill (Melanochelys tricarinata), and Indian black (Melanochelys trijuga) turtle. The black softshell and Assam roofed are critically endangered; the Indian softshell, peacock softshell, Indian narrow-headed softshell, spotted pond, tricarinate hill are endangered; the Indian flapshell and Indian roofed are vulnerable; the brown roofed and Assam leaf are near-threatened; and the Indian tent and Indian black turtle are of least concern, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
AI wall for Pauni proposed to handle man-animal conflict
Nagpur: On the lines of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), an Artificial Intelligence (AI) wall is being proposed for Bhandara to mitigate man-animal conflict. Forest officials are looking at Pauni taluka as the site for the pilot project, because of the increasing incursions of tigers into human AI wall is basically a system of cameras set up along a predefined periphery, and when it captures a tiger on screen an alert message is sent to nearby Gavai, deputy conservator of forest (Bhandara) said, "We are going to propose the AI wall concept to the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC), as the funding for the same will be required."Gavai's plan has the potential to save human lives as the AI wall gives a 'heads up' to villagers, who can then avoid venturing in that particular area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Sharjah 24
10-02-2025
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Ruler inspects several projects in Kalba
Arab Tiger Reserve project During the tour, His Highness inspected the Arab Tiger Reserve project, which will encompass vast natural areas capable of accommodating dozens of Arab tigers. The reserve will feature strategic viewing points for visitors to observe the tigers in their natural habitat. Located in the Hafyah Mountains of Kalba, the project will span an area of 40 hectares, offering stunning views of the mountains, Kalba City, and the Gulf of Oman. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk around the reserve's perimeter for optimal tiger viewing, alongside shaded trails leading to a natural water area for observing birds and other wildlife. Visitor amenities and integration The reserve will include a welcoming viewing platform and a restaurant overlooking the tiger feeding areas and water ponds, allowing guests to closely observe these majestic animals in their environment. The project will connect with the Hafyah Center for Mountain Environment Conservation, incorporating various service projects, including animal care facilities and educational and recreational buildings for visitors. Al Hiyar Rest Area His Highness also reviewed the Al Hiyar Rest Area project, designed to serve users of the Sharjah-Kalba road. The Rest area will feature 130 diverse retail shops, an outdoor space for product displays, a shaded walkway, and convenient parking. The Rest Area will include amenities such as a children's play area, an outdoor theater, a petting farm, nurseries, horseback riding facilities, and a multipurpose canopy, alongside over 400 parking spaces. Al Hiyar Lake Project The tour included an inspection of Al Hiyar Lake project, which will consist of four main lakes and rest areas equipped with comprehensive facilities. These will include a barbecue area for family and visitor entertainment, a children's play area to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for young ones, and public facilities such as restrooms and other services for user comfort, along with 30 single trailer parking spaces and 60 trailer parking spaces with the rest area.
