Latest news with #UNESCO-protected
Indian Express
4 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Shri Tara Devi Hill green belt: at the centre of SC warning about environmental destruction in Himachal, legal tussle
The Shri Tara Devi Hill in Shimla, recently brought under environmental protection, was at the centre of the Supreme Court's July 28 order in which it expressed apprehension that 'the day is not far when the entire state of Himachal Pradesh may vanish in thin air from the map of the country'. While local residents welcome the conservation efforts —the Himachal Pradesh government on June 6 declared the Shri Tara Devi Hill a green area—they also rue the fact that they cannot undertake any development activities on their land. The Himacal government's notification encompasses hundreds of acres of dense forest, which has deodar, chir pine, and baan (oak) species, and is home to a small section of the UNESCO-protected Kalka-Shimla heritage railway line as well as the shrine of Tara Devi, perched atop the hill. The Tara Devi Hill area, which falls under the jurisdiction of two gram panchayats Badai and Anandpur, was the 26th notified green belt in the Shimla district. The notification stated that no new private construction should be allowed except reconstruction or addition and alteration in an existing building with prior approval of the state government. The construction activities pertaining to the Shri Tara Mata complex, if any, should be carried out by the temple trust with prior approval of the state government. 'Except for the temple premises on the hilltop, most of the green area, including the dense deodar, chir pine and baan forest, falls under the Badai gram panchayat. The forest area is full of wild animals, including leopards. The division between the two panchayats is clearly demarcated in the revenue records,' said Raman Thakur, a member of the Anandpur gram panchayat. Arun Sharma, the pradhan of the Badai gram panchayat, said nearly 90 per cent of the Shri Tara Devi Hill green area lies within their jurisdiction. 'A small hamlet called Duggal Cottage, comprising over two dozen houses, has come under the new green area notification. Apart from this, there are about half a dozen scattered residential structures and several small privately owned plots,' he said. 'While we appreciate the state government's move to safeguard the environment, locals owning land in these areas now face serious restrictions. They can barely undertake any development activity even on their own land,' Sharma said. As per the government notification, the boundary of the green area begins at Shoghi on National Highway 5 (Kalka-Shimla highway), near the building of Rajender, which is adjacent to the Food Plaza and Tyre Retreat. From there, the boundary extends straight uphill to the Shoghi-Mehli Road, excluding any existing buildings and their premises. Next, it follows the Shoghi-Mehli Road toward Mehli, continuing up to the railway over-bridge. It then follows the Kalka-Shimla railway track from this overbridge to the entry point of tunnel No. 91. A straight line is then drawn from the entry point of tunnel No. 91 to the junction of NH-5 and the Totu/airport bypass road, crossing the hill between the railway line and NH-5. Finally, the boundary follows NH-5 back towards Shoghi, returning to the starting point near the building of Rajender, adjacent to the Food Plaza and Tyre Retreat. Supreme Court refuses to interfere with high court order The Supreme Court's remarks came while hearing a plea filed by a resort group, Pristine Hotels and Resorts, which first challenged the green area notification in the Himachal Pradesh High Court. On July 2, the high court division bench of Justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Sushil Kukreja dismissed the petition stating that the the petitioner did not have locus standi because it had not acquired any interest within the state of Himachal Pradesh, and its rights were not affected or governed by the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, or the notification dated June 6. The high court noted that the petitioner was not a 'person aggrieved'. When the resort group approached the Supreme Court, it refused to interfere with the high court's decision and said, 'A plain reading of the notification indicates that the area has been declared a green area. Once such a declaration is made, construction is restricted. The petitioner appears to want to build a resort, but the notification stands in the way.' Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan said, 'In a way, the apex court has acknowledged our commitment to preserving Shimla's environment. We took a clear and consistent stand — first in the high court and then in the Supreme Court — and the court accepted our position. The petitioner, a resort and hotel group, wants to build a commercial complex in the area. Indeed, the apex court expressed concerns over many issues in its July 28 order. We will submit our reply before the court.' Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Munish Rampal, who oversees the Tara Devi Hill green area, said new construction is strictly prohibited. 'Only reconstruction or limited alterations to existing structures are allowed, and that too with prior state government approval,' he said. He further said this is not the first such green zone in Shimla. 'There are 25 other green belts in the city, including Nabha, Tutikandi, Khalini, and Phagli-Lalpani, which are governed by similar restrictions.'
West Australian
30-07-2025
- West Australian
Luxury hotel Aman Rosa Alpina opens in ski village of San Cassiano in Italy's Dolomites
A famed mountain retreat with an 85-year history seems a fitting choice for the world's most exclusive hotel brand to make its base in the Dolomites. The Aman Group has opened its latest property in the Italian ski village of San Cassiano, taking over the longtime home of family-run hotel the Rosa Alpina. Now reimagined as Aman Rosa Alpina, the hotel features all the trimmings loyalists have come to expect from the brand including new dining concepts, elevated wellness amenities and exclusive adventure experiences, while honouring the UNESCO-protected location. The retreat's former life dates back to 1939 and it has been passed through the Pizzinini family for generations, becoming synonymous with the Dolomites and alpine luxury in the process. While Aman has essentially rebuilt the property as part of its takeover, architect Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston used the original design as inspiration and the result seamlessly blends understated European elegance with the signature minimalism the brand is known for. The 51 guestrooms aim to bring the great outdoors in, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows to show off the mountain setting and artisanal craftsmanship that reflects the natural environment. As with other Aman properties, the wellness offering is a major drawcard for the hotel. Aman Rosa Alpina's two-level spa covers a massive 1684sqm and features a 20m heated outdoor infinity pool, indoor pool, Finnish sauna, cold plunge and even a zen garden. The treatment menu is geared around adventure: after a day hitting the slopes, snow bunnies can partake in an Alpine Muscle Relief Massage or one of Aman's many other wellness rituals. And the hotel is well appointed to explore the splendour of the Dolomites, whether that's by offering guided hikes in the summer months or a ski butler service come winter to provide seamless access to the Dolomiti Superski area. Despite all the modern upgrades, the heart of Rosa Alpina remains with Hugo and Ursula Pizzinini still at the helm. 'As custodians of this beloved mountain retreat, it is a privilege to see it evolve under Aman — a brand that shares our deep reverence for place and commitment to excellence,' they said. 'This partnership allows us to celebrate our family's legacy and three generations of hospitality, while embracing a future shaped by Aman's uncompromising attention to detail and global perspective. 'Our mission remains the same: to preserve the authenticity and spirit of the region and for guests, past and future, to experience the timeless beauty of the Dolomites.' Aman's stable of award-winning resorts and branded residences has now swelled to encompass 36 properties in 20 destinations from Thailand to Utah, with even more projects in the works. + Bookings are via
What's On
24-07-2025
- What's On
6 GCC wellness retreats within a three-hour flight of Dubai
The residents will attest – Dubai never sleeps. While that means that the city is always pulsating with vibrant, lively energy, creating opportunities for everyone, it also means that slowing down is perhaps a little out of reach. Everyone needs a moment to step back, slow down, disconnect and recharge, and summer is the perfect time for that. These GCC wellness retreats located just a short three-hour flight (or less) away will give you just what you need to relax and rejuvenate. Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, Qatar Our Habitas Ras Abrouq is situated on the Arabian Gulf at the edge of the UNESCO-protected Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve, and offers a slice of dune-laden, Qatari coastline you need to see to believe. With a wide range of villas draped in raw, rustic look and feel, this is one spot you can go to and completely disconnect from city life. While there, you'll be immersed in nature, exploring the sand with their safari experience, eating at their farm-to-table restaurant and living the best of the Qatari music, art and cultural scene. Of course, wellness is a vital part of the Our Habitas brand, and here you'll find tailor-made experiences. @habitasrasabrouq Alila Hinu Bay, Oman Alila Hinu Bay offers the perfect coastal escape just one-hour away from Salalah Airport. Nestled along Oman's pristine coastline, this tranquil resort blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty, offering an experience that emphasizes wellness and relaxation, and the wellness experience here is transformative. Alila Spa offers holistic treatments inspired by traditional Omani healing practices, including massages, facials, and detox therapies, all designed to nurture both body and soul. Guests can enjoy yoga sessions, guided meditation, two saltwater pools, all designed to clear the mind and restore balance. For a truly unique experience, indulge in a private wellness consultation to tailor your stay to your specific needs. @alilahinubay Zulal Wellness Resort, Qatar Zulal Wellness Resort by Shiva-Zom in Qatar offers a pioneering approach inspired by traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine. Set on the northern coast of Qatar, this luxurious wellness haven combines a scenic coastal location with a focus on holistic health and sustainable living. The resort's wellness offerings are extensive, with personalised programs that include fitness, nutrition, mental clarity, and holistic therapies. Highlights include the hydrothermal facilities, a herbal sauna, steam room, and a saltwater pool designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. The treatment menu is inspired by Arabic healing practices, with therapies that incorporate indigenous herbs and oils. @zulalwellnessresort Our Habitas AlUla Complete with 96 villas dotted across the vast desert landscape, rooms at Habitas AlUla are set between manmade dunes for optimum privacy, and many feature epic mountain views from their private terraces. The best way to get around is on an electric bike, and there's something truly freeing about whizzing through the valley that way (although there's buggies too for those looking to give their legs a rest). From yoga and mindfulness, to date seed body scrubs and herbal aromatherapy, Thuraya focuses on centuries-old practices to help clear the path to self-discovery and awaken focus on both our physical and energetic bodies. @habitasalula Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, Oman Located on the stunning southern coast of Oman, on the lush land of Salalah, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is the getaway to Oman, especially in the khareef season – a time travellers from around the world seek out, when the mountain town turns from a desert landscape into a cold, green paradise. The Anantara Spa provides a haven of wellness, featuring a traditional Moroccan hammam, rejuvenating signature treatments, and open-air therapy suites inspired by the natural surroundings. Guests can unwind further with yoga by the shore or explore the tropical flora surrounding the resort's lagoon. @anantarasalalah Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman Six Senses Zighy Bay will transport you into a most perfect harmony of Omani landscape, both the rugged mountains and the shimmering waters. Located just off the UAE border at Dibba, in the Musandam Peninsula, it's been named after a quiet fishing town right next to it, and will push you into an experience that brings that far-flung historic world to life. This is luxury personified, the Omani way. It's perched right at the coast, featuring 82 Omani-style pool villas and a spectacular view of aquamarine expanse – just what you'll need to disconnect from hectic everyday life this summer. @sixsenseszighybay Images: Socials > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Euronews
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Russian strike damages UNESCO-protected sites in Ukraine's Odesa
The city of Odesa in southern Ukraine was the target of a major Russian drone attack on Wednesday night, destroying a nine-storey building and damaging several historic monuments in the old town. The Russian drone attack damaged UNESCO-protected landmarks, such as Prymorskyi Boulevard and the Pryvoz Market, both part of the historic centre of the Black Sea port city, Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa regional military administration, said on Telegram. Various fires broke out in the region as a result of the strikes, including at a nine-storey residential building. At least four people were injured, spokesperson for the State Emergency Service of Odesa, Marina Averina, reported. Apartments from the fifth to the eighth floors were destroyed, and fires broke out on the fifth and sixth floors. Emergency crews rescued five people trapped in their apartments and evacuated another 33 residents. Russia also launched attacks in the Cherkasy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Sumy and Mykolaiv regions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X. "Yesterday, at the meeting in Istanbul, the proposal for an immediate and full ceasefire was reiterated to the Russian side," Zelenskyy wrote, adding that in response, Russia had launched numerous attacks at Ukraine. In Kharkiv, three people were killed and at least five injured, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. And overnight attacks at Cherkasy, south-east of Kyiv, sparked several fires and injured at least seven people, including a child, according to local media. Local authorities reported that two powerful explosions went off in the city, resulting in power cuts and interruptions to Internet connections. Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, reported that the region was targeted by nine Shahed drones during the night, resulting in multiple fires. The town of Mykolaiv, in the south of the country, also became the target of a drone attack. The head of the Regional Military Administration, Vitalii Kim, said Russia attacked the town with Shahed drones overnight. No casualties have yet been reported. Ukrainian army targets Russian oil depot Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone struck an oil depot in Sirius, near the Russian city of Sochi, in the Krasnodar region. The local governor, Veniamin Kondratyev, reported that two people were killed by fallen debris from a drone that had been shot down in Sochi. "Debris from the drone also fell on the territory of an oil depot. As a result of the attack, 11 people were injured, four were hospitalised," he wrote on Telegram. These claims could not be independently verified. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that 42 Ukrainian drones were intercepted by Russian defence systems on Wednesday night, including seven in the Krasnodar region.
NDTV
21-07-2025
- Climate
- NDTV
"So Much Loss": Vietnam Shipwreck Victims Recall Tragedy That Killed 35
Halong: The thunderstorm came so suddenly that it overturned the boat within seconds, said two survivors of the shipwreck which killed at least 35 people in Vietnam's top tourist spot of Halong Bay and left another four missing. "It had been raining for 15 minutes, then there was a thunderstorm ... and a huge wave that all of a sudden capsized the boat," said Nguyen Hong Quan, one of 10 survivors of the accident, which happened early on Saturday afternoon. "It took only a few seconds," he told Reuters on Monday, recalling one of the worst accidents in recent years to hit the UNESCO-protected archipelago, which consists of thousands of limestone islands about 200 km (125 miles) northeast of Hanoi. Of the 49 people that Vietnam's government said were on the boat, four are still missing. Weather conditions are expected to worsen in the coming hours with the landfall in northern Vietnam of Typhoon Wipha, which skirted the southern Chinese coast over the weekend causing flash floods and landslides. Authorities were verifying on Monday whether a body found on an islet in the bay was one of the missing people from the accident, according to local media. The thunderstorm hit large parts of northern Vietnam on Saturday, turning the sky dark in a matter of minutes, with sudden downpours and strong winds felling trees in the capital of Hanoi and temporarily disrupting air travel at the Noi Bai international airport. Quan, a 40-year-old tourist, said he drifted for about three hours on a wooden chair from the sunken boat before a fishing vessel finally rescued him. Hanging on the chair together with him were another two people, only one of whom survived. "One of them was too tired and couldn't hold any longer. What a tragedy," he said. His account matches that from the second person who survived by holding onto the chair. "The waves were so strong. One of the other two was too tired and said goodbye to us," Vu Anh Tu, a 25-year-old member of the crew, told Reuters. He also recalled how the storm hit the boat so suddenly, causing it to overturn "in 15 seconds". "There was so much loss, including children," he said, confirming reports from authorities that several minors were also on the sunken vessel. "I don't know if I'll ever work on a boat again," Tu said.
