Latest news with #Trans-Himalayan
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Saving the snow leopard in Himachal: Big Cat Alliance donates Rs 3cr for Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve
1 2 Shimla: A team of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), led by Soumitra Dasgupta, has presented a Rs 3-crore cheque to chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the conservation and management of the newly notified Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve in Lahaul and Spiti district, which has a high density of snow leopards. Tsarap Chu was formally notified as India's largest conservation reserve on May 7, covering an area of 1,585 square kilometres. The reserve is located in a strategic trans-Himalayan region, bordering the Union Territory of Ladakh in the north, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in the east, Kabjima Nullah in the south, and Chandertal Wildlife Sanctuary and Baralacha Pass in the west. Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve is located in one of the high-density habitats of the snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh and supports a rich variety of Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan flora and fauna, including species such as Tibetan Wolf, Kiang, Bharal, Ibex, Tibetan Argali, and avifauna like Rose Finches, Tibetan Ravens, and Yellow-billed Choughs. Expressing gratitude for the support, Sukhu said the funds would catalyse early-stage conservation activities such as the preparation of the management plan, the constitution of the conservation reserve management committee, and capacity building of relevant stakeholders.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Himalayas may be 40 million yrs older than thought: New study
Dehradun: Scientists at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) have found that parts of Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas saw intense geological activity millions of years before the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collided: an event long believed to have led to formation of the Himalayas around 50 million years ago. The study, funded by the ministry of earth sciences and published in the Journal of the Geological Society, revealed that a prolonged phase of volcanic and magmatic activity occurred in the Lohit and Dibang valleys around 40 million years before the plate collision. Focusing on the Lohit Plutonic Complex (LPC), a belt of underground igneous rocks, researchers used geochemical analysis and zircon U–Pb dating (determining the age of rocks by analysing the radioactive decay of uranium to lead in zircon crystals) to conclude that the activity was likely triggered by the subduction (where one tectonic plate slides beneath another) of the Neo-Tethys Ocean lithosphere beneath the Eurasian plate. The rocks in this zone were found to be chemically consistent with subduction-driven magmatic activity. "This region largely remained a blind spot in Himalayan geology," said WIHG scientist and project lead Vikas Adlakha. "Our study shows that the eastern Himalayas underwent complex geological changes much earlier than previously thought." The team also found the first definitive evidence of migmatisation in the area—partial melting of crustal rocks caused by intense heat and pressure—between 88 and 69 million years ago. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Researchers documented characteristic light and dark bands in the LPC rocks, hallmark features of migmatites, along with other signs of deformation and deep crustal shifts that predate the tectonic plate collision. "Our zircon dating shows that the melting and subduction-related activity occurred around the same time," said Adlakha. "This suggests a major thermal anomaly in the Earth's crust, likely due to long-term subduction and crust thickening." The study links the LPC to the broader Trans-Himalayan arc system, which includes the Kohistan–Ladakh and Gangdese regions in the western Himalayas and Tibet. "This study connects the geological dots from the western to the eastern Himalayas," said Adlakha. "It confirms that subduction-related processes were not confined to Ladakh or Tibet but extended all the way to Arunachal Pradesh." The findings have broader implications, not just for understanding how the crust evolved in this region, but also for mineral exploration and seismic risk assessment in the northeast region, which remains one of India's most earthquake-prone areas. "This is just the beginning," said lead author Kunal Mukherjee. "There is much more to learn from the rocks of Arunachal and many more secrets waiting beneath the surface."
Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Discover destinations in India with less rain during July and August
July and August mark the monsoon season across a significant portion of India, bringing lush landscapes but also heavy rainfall . However, for those seeking a drier travel escape during these months, India offers several notable destinations. These locations are primarily situated in rain-shadow regions or arid zones, providing an opportunity for a refreshing holiday with minimal or no rain. Many of these regions also feature well-appointed resorts, including properties by Club Mahindra, aiming for a comfortable stay amidst unique natural beauty. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling for a memorable experience with minimal rain. The Trans-Himalayan Cold Deserts: Ladakh and Spiti Valley These high-altitude desert regions are among the suitable choices for avoiding monsoon rains in India. They are located behind the towering Himalayan ranges, which help block monsoon clouds. 1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh: A rugged, less-trodden area compared to Ladakh, Spiti Valley is a cold desert known for its landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Why visit in July & August: Spiti, similar to Ladakh, is in a rain shadow, experiencing minimal monsoon precipitation. Roads, while sometimes challenging, are generally open, and the climate can be cool and invigorating. Spiti, similar to Ladakh, is in a rain shadow, experiencing minimal monsoon precipitation. Roads, while sometimes challenging, are generally open, and the climate can be cool and invigorating. What to expect: Untouched wilderness, ancient monasteries such as Ki Monastery, Dhankar, and Tabo, and a sense of peace and remoteness. Untouched wilderness, ancient monasteries such as Ki Monastery, Dhankar, and Tabo, and a sense of peace and remoteness. Things to do: Visit monasteries, explore high-atitude villages like Komic and Hikkim, and trek to Chandratal Lake. Visit monasteries, explore high-atitude villages like Komic and Hikkim, and trek to Chandratal Lake. Club Mahindra Presence: Direct Club Mahindra resorts are not located within Spiti Valley itself due to its remote and challenging terrain. However, Club Mahindra has several resorts in Himachal Pradesh that can serve as bases for exploring the wider region, such as the resort in Manali and or the resort in Shimla, from where adventurous travellers might plan their Spiti expedition. The Arid Charms of Rajasthan Rajasthan's desert and semi-arid regions generally experience less rainfall during the monsoon compared to central and southern India. Any light showers may cool the air and bring a subtle green hue to the landscape. 2. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Often referred to as the "City of Lakes" and "Venice of the East," Udaipur's beauty may be enhanced during the monsoon with fuller lakes and a more temperate climate. Why visit in July & August: Udaipur receives moderate to low rainfall, and the replenished lakes and fresh air can make it inviting. Udaipur receives moderate to low rainfall, and the replenished lakes and fresh air can make it inviting. What to expect: P alaces, boat rides, intricate architecture, and a generally serene ambience. alaces, boat rides, intricate architecture, and a generally serene ambience. Things to do: Explore the City Palace, enjoy boat rides on Lake Pichola, and visit Jagdish Temple. Explore the City Palace, enjoy boat rides on Lake Pichola, and visit Jagdish Temple. Club Mahindra Presence: Club Mahindra Udaipur is a notable property, offering a blend of traditional Rajput hospitality and modern comforts. This resort in Udaipur can provide a comfortable base to explore the city's charm. 4. Jodhpur, Rajasthan: The "Blue City," featuring the Mehrangarh Fort, offers a journey into Rajasthan's history. Why visit in July & August: Jodhpur, being in a drier part of Rajasthan, experiences minimal rainfall. The weather is often milder than the summer, potentially making for comfortable sightseeing. Jodhpur, being in a drier part of Rajasthan, experiences minimal rainfall. The weather is often milder than the summer, potentially making for comfortable sightseeing. What to expect: Forts, bazaars, and a cultural tapestry. Things to do: Explore Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, and wander through the old city's lanes. Explore Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, and wander through the old city's lanes. Club Mahindra Presence: Pratap Niwas Palace Jodhpur (A Club Mahindra Associate Resort) offers a palatial experience, blending traditional architecture with modern amenities. This resort in Jodhpur can be a good choice for a royal retreat. 5. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: The "Golden City," located in the Thar Desert, is recognised as one of India's driest locations. Why visit in July & August: Rainfall here is almost negligible, making it a largely rain-free option. Temperatures are warm but often tolerable. Rainfall here is almost negligible, making it a largely rain-free option. Temperatures are warm but often tolerable. What to expect: A unique living fort, golden sandstone architecture, and desert experiences. A unique living fort, golden sandstone architecture, and desert experiences. Things to do: Explore Jaisalmer Fort, embark on a camel safari in the Sam Sand Dunes, and visit Patwon ki Haveli. Explore Jaisalmer Fort, embark on a camel safari in the Sam Sand Dunes, and visit Patwon ki Haveli. Club Mahindra Presence: Club Mahindra Jaisalmer Resort provides a comfortable and culturally immersive stay, designed in a Haveli style. This resort in Jaisalmer can offer a taste of Rajasthani heritage amidst the desert. Other Dry/Low-Rain Destinations 6. Pondicherry: This charming former French colonial town on India's southeastern coast has a distinct monsoon pattern. Why visit in July & August: Pondicherry primarily receives rainfall during the North-East monsoon (October to December). Thus, July and August experience relatively lighter, sometimes pleasant drizzles that enhance its appeal. Pondicherry primarily receives rainfall during the North-East monsoon (October to December). Thus, July and August experience relatively lighter, sometimes pleasant drizzles that enhance its appeal. What to expect: French colonial architecture, tranquil beaches, and a cultural fusion. French colonial architecture, tranquil beaches, and a cultural fusion. Things to do: Stroll through the French Quarter, visit Auroville, and enjoy the fusion of French and South Indian cuisine. Club Mahindra Presence: Club Mahindra Puducherry offers a beachfront retreat. This resort in Puducherry can offer a base to explore the town's unique charm, with amenities and access to beach activities. 7. Hampi, Karnataka: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi features ancient ruins, massive boulders, and a history of the Vijayanagara Empire. Why visit in July & August: Hampi receives less rainfall than other parts of Karnataka during the southwest monsoon, making it suitable for exploration. The sporadic greenery around the ruins can add to its allure. Hampi receives less rainfall than other parts of Karnataka during the southwest monsoon, making it suitable for exploration. The sporadic greenery around the ruins can add to its allure. What to expect: Architectural marvels, intricate carvings, and an atmosphere created by the boulder-strewn terrain. Architectural marvels, intricate carvings, and an atmosphere created by the boulder-strewn terrain. Things to do: Explore the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple (with its stone chariot), and enjoy coracle rides on the Tungabhadra River. Explore the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple (with its stone chariot), and enjoy coracle rides on the Tungabhadra River. Club Mahindra Presence: Vijayshree Resort & Heritage Village, Hampi (A Club Mahindra Associate Resort) aims to provide a comfortable and unique stay amidst a man-made forest, offering a tranquil environment and focusing on holistic well-being. 8. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: This vast salt marsh is known for its arid climate, especially during the monsoon. Why visit in July & August: The region receives very little rain. While the white desert experience is highlighted in winter, the monsoon may bring a subtle, unique beauty with sparse vegetation. The region receives very little rain. While the white desert experience is highlighted in winter, the monsoon may bring a subtle, unique beauty with sparse vegetation. What to expect: Expansive landscapes, traditional Kutchhi villages, and a distinct cultural immersion. Expansive landscapes, traditional Kutchhi villages, and a distinct cultural immersion. Things to do: Visit Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) for panoramic views and explore the local handicrafts and villages. Visit Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) for panoramic views and explore the local handicrafts and villages. Club Mahindra Presence: While there isn't a direct Club Mahindra property specifically in the Rann of Kutch, Club Mahindra Dwarka and Club Mahindra Gir are located in Gujarat and can serve as starting points for exploring the wider region; these resorts in Gujarat can offer as a base and assist in organizing tours. When planning your monsoon escape to these relatively dry destinations, it is advisable to check specific local weather forecasts closer to your travel dates. Road conditions, especially for mountainous regions, should also be monitored. By choosing wisely and considering the offerings of resorts like those from Club Mahindra, you can experience India's diverse landscapes in July and August with less interruption from heavy rains. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times' promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
Scroll.in
27-05-2025
- General
- Scroll.in
Nepal's sacred tradition of burning sang incense could wither away
In Bhraka village of western Nepal's Manang district, 72-year-old Buddhist nun Tashi Lama sits in silence, chanting as she turns her prayer wheel. Ever since she took her vows at 25, her mornings begin with prayers and the lighting of sang, a sacred incense made from dried branches and leaves of black juniper (Juniperus indica) and wild wormwood (titepati) among others. 'Lighting sang purifies our environment. It's something we do every day wishing that peace prevails in the world,' Lama told Mongabay. 'Its cedar-like scent evokes calm and hope.' Like Lama, thousands of Buddhists in Nepal's Trans-Himalayan regions such as Manang and Mustang, and those with roots to the area residing around the world light the sang as part of a sacred tradition at the break of dawn wherever they are. However, the sacred tradition which has been going on for centuries is under growing threat from overharvesting, tightening conservation regulations and a warming global climate. At the centuries-year-old Kagyu Monastery in Bhraka – situated at an elevation of 3,475 metres (11,400 feet) above sea level – 48-year-old caretaker Karma Chhiring Gurung, also begins his day by lighting the incense. 'Our ancestors taught us that God will be happy and satisfied if we light sang, and we have been doing it ever since,' he told Mongabay. Black juniper, locally known as dhupi, trees grow only between 3,600 metres-4,800 metres (11,800-15,750 ft) above sea level in Nepal, China, Bhutan, India and Pakistan. Although the global conservation authority IUCN classifies the species as ' least concern ' it warns that, in Nepal, subpopulations of the species face the dual challenge of fragmentation and exploitation for incense and firewood. To address these challenges, communities have long designated areas for leaf collection so that plants in specific areas get time to regenerate. This means that collecting leaves within the village bounds is prohibited. Lama and other residents hike to areas such as Tanke to gather leaves for their personal use. But all that is changing, mainly due to migration and demand for the leaves outside of Manang, Nepal's least populated district with just 5,658 residents (0.019% of the national population, 2021 census). Residents continue to leave behind the villages to move to cities such as Pokhara, Kathmandu and Chitwan for better opportunities, but they take with them their reverence for sang and their religious beliefs. Those who have left their ancestral lands, continue to burn sang wherever they go, be it in Nepal or abroad. In addition to this, residents gift sang as a token of love from Manang to their relatives when visiting them. 'Devotees prefer sang from Manang as it has superior quality and aroma,' said 54-year-old Karma Chhiring Ghale. Jandhen Gurung, 82, who now lives with her daughter after her sons left the village, often travels to Kathmandu and prepares sang by collecting, sun-drying and grinding it for these trips. 'The day is not complete without burning the sang, even in the city, I burn sang. I consider it as a gift for relatives. It cheers me up.' As of April, around 4,490 kg of juniper leaves have legally been collected this fiscal year – which ends on July 15 – from Manang. In 2023-'24, the figure stood at 5,000 kg and, in the previous two years, 1,593 kg and 1,488 kg respectively. The uptick in demand for juniper leaves in Manang, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). To discourage overharvesting, conservation area authorities now issue permits to collect juniper leaves. Under the prevailing rules, each person is allowed to collect only 10 kg of juniper leaves every year for household use. The rules don't allow collection of leaves for commercial use. Rabin Kadariya, chief of ACAP, says that his office came up with the rules recognising the value of the plant to the local community, but it must not be exploited commercially. 'We increased the quota per person from 3 kg to 10 kg after discussions with local communities,' he adds. Former Bhakra ward chair Karma Gurung was once detained by ACAP for allegedly exceeding the 3 kg limit before the rule change. 'We needed more. That's why I advocated to increase the quota to 10 kg,' he says. Even with the rules in place, 'outsiders' are illegally harvesting and selling juniper leaves, says Karma Chhiring. All this is happening as researchers warn that a warming global climate could have devastating impacts on the Himalayan region and its flora and fauna. Of particular concern to scientists is the prolonged winter drought in the region. This year, Manang witnessed snowfall only after the end of the winter season in April, raising concerns about long dry spells and their impact on vegetation. 'Plants take longer to recover when it is dry,' explains Kadariya. Kadariya's statement is corroborated by a 2024 study on juniper in the central Himalaya. The authors of the study suggest that with the increase in droughts, which can be attributed to climate change, are likely to increase the vulnerability of juniper shrubs. Despite difficult environmental conditions, a 2020 study found, juniper shrubs continue to regenerate effectively, due to its deep roots and ability to withstand dry, rocky soils. However, the study also warns of overexploitation. While local religious use may not threaten its survival, commercial harvesting could.
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
HP government notifies Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve in Lahaul-Spiti
Himachal government has notified Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve, located in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh: India's largest conservation reserve, designated to protect high-altitude wildlife. The notification was issued in compliance with the announcement made by chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the closing ceremony of Wildlife Week in October 2024. In a statement principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) said that the notification has been issued after completing all formalities and consultation with local panchayats as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act. 'The Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve is the catchment area of the Charap Nallah and it will connect Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandertal Wildlife Sanctuary and will act as a corridor for wildlife,' said Spiti wildlife DCF Mandar Jeware adding that Tsarap Chu conservation reserve is the largest conservation reserve notified so far in the country. The Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve borders the Union Territory of Ladakh in the North, shares boundary of Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary up to the confluence of Malung Nallah and Lungar Lungpa in the East, the Kabjima Nallah in the South and shares the boundary of Chandertal Wildlife Sanctuary and Baralacha Pass in the West and thereafter follows the Yunam River up to its confluence with Charap Nallah near Sarchu. The total area of this conservation reserve is 1,585 square kilometers. The Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve falls among the high-density habitats of snow leopard within Himachal Pradesh. It also supports rich diversity of Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan flora and fauna including Snow Leopard and Tibetan Wolf, Kiang and ungulates such as bharal, ibex, Tibetan argali and avifauna such as rose finches, Tibetan ravens and yellow- billed choughs.
