The Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, in collaboration with INTACH, conducted the Heritage Walk ‘Kalapani Trail’ today, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the rich historical and cultural legacy of the islands while promoting heritage-based tourism. The heritage-walk commenced from the Mazar of Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi, the trail concluded at the Battle of Aberdeen Memorial, traversing several important heritage landmarks, including the Lady Convicts’ Barrack, Government Press, Blessington, and Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM).

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from tourists, students, freelance tourist guides, empaneled guides, and members of the general public. Their active involvement reflected a shared commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Department of Art & Culture expressed its appreciation to INTACH, all participants, heritage enthusiasts, and stakeholders for contributing to the success of the event. The Department remains committed to organizing similar heritage initiatives that celebrate the unique history of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and promote public engagement with its invaluable cultural assets.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Jalandhar Chapter organised a “Heritage and Citizenship Workshop” at Tagore Model Senior Secondary School, Nakodar. The workshop aimed at creating awareness among students and the general public about the importance of preserving the rich cultural and historical heritage for future generations. The workshop commenced with an address by advocate Harpreet Singh, convener of the INTACH Jalandhar Chapter. Through a PowerPoint presentation, he highlighted the activities of INTACH, the significance of heritage conservation and the role of citizens in safeguarding cultural assets. He emphasised that preserving the nation’s rich heritage is a fundamental duty enshrined in the Constitution of India. He also explained the importance of both public and private heritage, as well as tangible and intangible heritage and encouraged students to actively participate in conservation efforts. The workshop commenced with an address by advocate Harpreet Singh, convener of the INTACH Jalandhar Chapter. Through a PowerPoint presentation, he highlighted the activities of INTACH, the significance of heritage conservation and the role of citizens in safeguarding cultural assets. He emphasised that preserving the nation’s rich heritage is a fundamental duty enshrined in the Constitution of India. He also explained the importance of both public and private heritage, as well as tangible and intangible heritage and encouraged students to actively participate in conservation efforts.

In a significant step towards preserving India’s cultural heritage, Bundelkhand University (BU), Jhansi, and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Jhansi Chapter, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on heritage conservation, research and capacity building. As part of the agreement, the university will establish the INTACH-BU Centre for Heritage Management and Conservation (CHMC) on its campus. The centre will focus on heritage documentation, conservation studies, research and skill development while supporting academic programmes related to archaeology and cultural heritage.

The partnership also includes the setting up of a dedicated Conservation Training, Research and Testing Laboratory, providing scientific support for the preservation of monuments and heritage structures. A key focus of the collaboration will be the identification and conservation of unprotected heritage sites and monuments across the Bundelkhand region that are not covered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or state archaeology departments.

The initiative aims to involve researchers, students and local communities in safeguarding the region’s rich cultural legacy. The MoU also provides for short-term courses, workshops, seminars, exhibitions and the publication of academic resources to promote awareness and professional expertise in heritage management. The agreement was signed in the presence of Prof.

Mukesh Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Bundelkhand University, senior university officials, and representatives of INTACH, including Neelkamal Maheshwari, Governing Council Member and Chairman, Chapters Division Advisory Committee, and Rajendra Kumar Rai, Convener, INTACH Jhansi Chapter. The collaboration is expected to strengthen heritage conservation efforts in Bundelkhand while creating new opportunities for research, training and sustainable cultural tourism in the region.

With their distinctive architecture and enduring family histories, traditional Mangalorean Catholic houses are among the city’s most recognisable heritage landmarks. Capturing their architectural beauty and rich history, the Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) released a commemorative book, Album of the Porches: A Photographic Documentation of Mangalorean Catholic Houses at Mount Pleasant, a historic Catholic heritage home, on Saturday. The 242-page book was released by George Albuquerque Pai, managing partner of A Albuquerque & Sons, and Mona Mendonca, assistant professor and HoD of History at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).

Introducing the project, INTACH Mangaluru chapter convener and architect Subhas Chandra Basu said the book documents a unique architectural tradition that has long distinguished Mangaluru’s Catholic community.

He observed that while many of these homes have been preserved for generations, changing lifestyles have left several underutilised. “Conservation need not always mean preserving them as residences alone. Sensitive adaptive reuse as cafés, galleries or cultural spaces can also help ensure their survival,” he said. The project was led by architect Sharvani Bhat, who coordinated the documentation, and architectphotographer Murali Abbemane. Together they documented 27 heritage homes across Mangaluru, recording their architecture, history and associated memories. Commending the initiative, George Albuquerque Pai described the book as a valuable contribution to preserving the community’s heritage.

“Maintaining these houses is both physically and financially demanding, but I hope they will continue to be preserved as an important part of Mangaluru’s cultural legacy for future generations,” he said. Mona Mendonca spoke about the challenges of documenting heritage buildings. “Gaining access to these homes can itself be difficult. Such projects demand patience, commitment and genuine enthusiasm. It is heartening to see young professionals undertaking documentation of this nature,” she observed. Project supporters journalist Vincent D’Souza, Nayana Fernandes and Sabrina Britto-Hougaard were felicitated. Sharvani Bhat and Murali Abbemane also shared their experiences of documenting the houses and interacting with their residents.

The historic Rifa-e-Aam Club will be restored and developed into a heritage conservation and research hub at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore, jointly under an MoU by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and Lucknow Development Authority. Under the agreement, one hall in the restored building will be reserved for LDA and remaining space for conservation, research and training. Restoration work will follow the Butler Palace model, preserving the building’s original design while giving it a new use.

The restored complex will have a modern archaeological conservation laboratory and a building materials testing lab. Experts will study lime mortar, surkhi and red lead, which were widely used in old buildings and use them to restore heritage structures in Lucknow and other parts of the state. The project will include a training centre for students of history and architecture and provide practical training in heritage conservation and restoration.

LDA vice-chairperson Prathamesh Kumar said the project will give new purpose to one of Lucknow’s important heritage buildings while ensuring its long-term preservation. He said the laboratories and research facilities will also support restoration of other heritage structures by helping identify and recreate traditional building materials and construction techniques.

Landmark in Lucknow’s History Built in the 1830s by the Awadh nawabs, the Rifa-e-Aam Club was established as a venue for public gatherings and cultural events aimed at the welfare of the common people. It later came under the patronage of the Raja of Mahmudabad, who opened the club to the public at a time when many British-run clubs in Lucknow barred Indians from visiting.

Some places are remembered because kingdoms rose there. Others because monuments changed skylines. Sarnath belongs to a rarer category of transformed human thought. On the quiet plains northeast of Varanasi, where deer once roamed freely, lies Sarnath, now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its Outstanding Universal Value.

It was here, shortly after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya nearly 2,500 years ago, that Siddhartha Gautama delivered his first sermon to five disciples—an event known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, or the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. This pivotal moment marked the birth of the Buddhist Sangha and the beginning of Buddhism as a living tradition that would eventually spread across Asia and beyond. Now, this landscape of ancient stupas, monasteries, pillars, temples and archaeological remains has received the world’s highest heritage recognition.

During the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 45th World Heritage Site.
A Recognition Nearly Three Decades in the Making
The inscription concludes a long journey for one of Buddhism’s most revered sites. Sarnath first appeared on UNESCO’s Tentative List in 1998, beginning a conservation process that lasted almost 28 years. India’s nomination highlighted the site’s exceptional archaeological remains, architectural continuity and global spiritual significance, eventually earning UNESCO’s recognition of its Outstanding Universal Value.

With this inscription:
• India now has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Sarnath becomes Uttar Pradesh’s fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site
• India ranks among the countries with the largest number of World Heritage Sites globally.

More Than a Pilgrimage Site: An Architectural Chronicle of Buddhism Sarnath is an evolving archaeological landscape shaped over nearly two millennia. Its monuments reveal how Buddhist architecture developed from simple commemorative structures into monumental sacred complexes supported by successive dynasties, especially the Mauryas and Guptas.

Among its most significant architectural landmarks are the following:
Dhamek Stupa
Standing approximately 43.6 meters high, the cylindrical Dhamek Stupa marks the traditional location where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Built and enlarged over centuries, its lower sections display finely carved floral patterns, geometric ornamentation, and Gupta-era stone craftsmanship that remain among India’s finest examples of Buddhist architectural decoration.

Ashoka Pillar
Emperor Ashoka visited Sarnath in the 3rd century BCE and commissioned a polished sandstone pillar to commemorate the sacred event. Its celebrated Lion Capital, now preserved in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, later became the National Emblem of India. At the same time, the Ashoka Chakra inspired the wheel at the centre of India’s national flag.

Chaukhandi Stupa
The Chaukhandi Stupa traditionally marks the place where Buddha first met the five ascetics before delivering his inaugural sermon. Its unusual octagonal Mughal-era tower, added centuries later, reflects how different historical periods continued to engage with Sarnath’s sacred geography.

Monasteries and Temple Ruins
Excavated remains reveal an extensive network of monasteries (viharas), shrines, assembly halls, and educational spaces that once attracted monks, scholars, and pilgrims from across Asia. Together, they illustrate Sarnath’s role as a pilgrimage destination and as one of Buddhism’s earliest intellectual centers.

UNESCO’s Recognition of Outstanding Universal Value
UNESCO recognized Sarnath as an exceptional cultural landscape directly associated with one of humanity’s most influential philosophical and religious traditions. According to UNESCO, the site preserves authentic archaeological remains that collectively illustrate the origins, spread and architectural development of Buddhism. The surviving monuments, sculptures, inscriptions and urban layout provide an extraordinary testimony to a tradition that shaped the religious, artistic and cultural history of much of Asia. The inscription also acknowledges the site’s authenticity, integrity and long-term conservation under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Layers of History Beneath Every Stone
Sarnath’s story stretches far beyond Buddha’s lifetime. Following the First Sermon, the settlement evolved into one of the ancient world’s foremost Buddhist centers. Emperor Ashoka transformed it through monumental construction, while the Gupta period witnessed remarkable artistic achievements that established the distinctive “Sarnath School of Sculpture,” celebrated for its refined Buddha images and spiritual elegance. Chinese pilgrims Faxian in the 5th century and Xuanzang in the 7th century documented magnificent monasteries, towering stupas, and thriving monastic communities that flourished here. Although many structures were later damaged during medieval invasions and gradually buried, archaeological excavations beginning in the 19th century uncovered the remains that visitors experience today.

Why This UNESCO Inscription Matters
The recognition extends beyond symbolic prestige. UNESCO status strengthens international conservation efforts, promotes sustainable heritage management, and increases global visibility for one of Buddhism’s holiest places. It is also expected to enhance cultural tourism along India’s Buddhist Circuit while encouraging continued archaeological research and preservation. For architects, historians and conservation professionals, Sarnath offers an invaluable record of Buddhist spatial planning, early masonry construction, stupa evolution and sacred landscape design spanning more than two thousand years.

A Living Heritage That Continues to Inspire
Sarnath remains an active centre of pilgrimage, reflection and international cultural exchange. Monks, scholars and travellers from around the world continue to gather where Buddha first articulated the principles that would influence millions across centuries. Its UNESCO inscription is the recognition of ancient ruins. It acknowledges a landscape where architecture, archaeology and philosophy converge, preserving the place where one of history’s most transformative ideas first entered the world

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted a recce of a 4km stretch of Tolly’s Nullah between Watgunge, where it meets the Hooghly, and Chetla. The survey revealed neglect, dirty banks and broken, unkempt ghats. The polluted waters of Tolly’s Nullah and waste-filled banks have driven people away, but a rejuvenated channel could bring Calcuttans back and serve as a water transport corridor, according to a study by an industry body and heritage conservationists.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted a recce of a 4km stretch of Tolly’s Nullah between Watgunge, where it meets the Hooghly, and Chetla. The survey revealed neglect, dirty banks and broken, unkempt ghats. “If a canal could be excavated using manual labour in the 18th century, we can obviously rejuvenate it now with advanced technology.

William Tolly excavated the canal and made money from it in that era,” said G.M. Kapur, state convenor of INTACH. Tolly’s Nullah follows the course of the Hooghly (Adi Ganga) from the 15th and 16th centuries. The channel gradually dried up. In the 18th century, Irishman Colonel William Tolly secured permission from the East India Company to restore it and invested his own money in the project. To recover his costs, Tolly collected toll from boats using the canal.

“We have prepared a draft proposal of what can be done. Walkways and parks can come up along the banks. The space can be transformed into a heritage waterfront, with the channel being used for passenger and freight transport. The ghats along its route also need improvement,” Kapur said. “We will have to raise it with the state government and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation,” added Kapur, who is also chairperson of the heritage committee of the Bengal Chamber. In its current state, Tolly’s Nullah has a heavily silted bed, with sewage from households discharged directly into the water. The recce found stretches with stagnant water, floating solid waste, crumbling retaining walls and an underused waterfront.

Several ghats along the stretch between Watgunge and Chetla are also in poor condition. The study identified four ghats — Watgunge Ghat near the confluence with the Hooghly; Bhanga Ghat or Upendranath Ghosh’s Ghat on Madan Pal Lane near Patuapara; Prasannamoyee Ghat on Chetla Road; and Kalighat on Kalighat Road — that could be restored to support the revival. Bhanga Ghat, Prasannamoyee Ghat and Kalighat are listed as Grade I heritage structures by the KMC. All three are bathing ghats. Years of neglect have turned the channel into a sewage drain, while stagnant stretches have become mosquito breeding grounds. The KMC has taken up a World Bank-funded project to stop the direct discharge of untreated sewage into Tolly’s Nullah. The project aims to divert household sewage connections to a common network leading to treatment plants.

Treated water will then be released into the channel, helping reduce pollution and revive aquatic life. “Three sewage treatment plants and more than 20 drainage pumping stations will come up between Watgunge and Garia,” said a KMC official involved in planning the project. Tolly’s Nullah was originally over 25km long, stretching from Watgunge to its confluence with the Bidyadhari river. The KMC project covers about 15km of the channel.

Engineers said the Nullah extends another 12km to Samukpota in South 24-Parganas, where it meets the Bidyadhari. It was not clear whether any pollution-control project is planned for the remaining stretch outside KMC’s jurisdiction. “Reducing pollution in Tolly’s Nullah will also reduce pollution in the Hooghly because the Bidyadhari eventually merges with the Ganga,” a KMC official said.

SC clarified that its view to protect both heritage structures was not ‘prima facie’ but ‘firm’ and hoped state would not make any u-turn from its commitment to repair, restore them. Drawing curtains on the litigation over the historic Devaraja Market and the Lansdowne Building in Mysuru, Karnataka, the Supreme Court Thursday ordered protection of the two heritage structures. A bench of justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan made it clear that the Mysuru City Corporation will consider the reports of IIT Roorkee and INTACH on the conservation of the 19th century heritage landmarks.

The two bodies had given their reports to the court, pursuant to an inspection of the two sites on the court’s direction. “The state agencies may have their own conservation plan, but the recommendations and suggestions of these expert bodies should be taken into consideration,” the bench told the state’s counsel, as it disposed of an appeal filed by a journalist, challenging the Karnataka High Court decision of 2023 that gave a go-ahead to the corporation to demolish the old structures to replace them with new ones. The court further clarified that its view to protect the two heritage structures was not “prima facie” but “firm” and hoped that the state would not make any u-turn from its commitment to the court to repair and restore them.

Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building are Mysuru’s iconic heritage spots. Built around 1886, the Devaraja market represents Mysuru’s everyday civic memory and is famous for sandalwood, spices and traditional goods. Constructed in 1892, in honor of the visiting Viceroy and Governor-General Lord Lansdowne, the Lansdowne building is a two-storey structure, featuring European-influenced arches and columns. For the Mysuru residents and tourists who visit the city during Dussera festivals, the two buildings are strongly identified with the annual rituals performed there with fanfare.

The buildings offer space to the crowd that gathers to witness the grand procession taken out during the celebration. Lawyers associated with the case say the top court order would serve as a guiding principle for protection and preservation of all heritage buildings, sites and structures that are in shambles or in some form of dilapidation or under encroachments or under any other threat in other states. The two structures were at the center of a long-standing legal battle that commenced soon after municipal authorities decided to demolish them. In 2019, in the face of accident risks, the city corporation proposed to pull down the iconic structures.

Growing demands of vehicular traffic was another reason behind its plan to construct new buildings that would have been a replica of the old ones. Journalist G. Satyanarayana, however, challenged the corporation’s move before the high court. But on 9 August, 2023, the high court rejected the PIL, which sought to restrain the demolition and reconstruction of Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building. Without losing much time, Satyanarayana preferred an appeal in the Supreme Court. Before giving its final opinion in the matter, the top court invited experts for their view on whether the buildings could be protected, while ensuring their longevity. It first issued a notice to INTACH. In its report submitted last August, INTACH affirmed the buildings were designated heritage structures in the masterplan and this signified their importance. For their preservation, INTACH advised stringent development controls as followed for the Mysuru Palace.

Upon the Supreme Court’s order, IIT Roorkee too constituted a team and inspected the site in October 2025. Its report disclosed that about 70 percent of vertical load-bearing elements in the two buildings were in mild-to-moderate distress and were repairable. IIT Roorkee’s findings were consistent with INTACH’s report. It flagged “insensitive and non-engineered alterations” in them and highlighted improper maintenance and upkeep of the buildings. Both INTACH and IIT Roorkee asserted that the structures could have been saved and preserved with some thoughtful repairs and renovations.

However, the manner in which the repairs and additions have been undertaken in the past have led to their deterioration. The bodies strongly recommended that the alterations and additions, such as construction of mezzanine floors, closure of many arches etc, should be removed at the time of execution of restoration works and all these buildings should be brought to their original architectural and structural forms. Though the corporation had taken a “conscious decision to bring down the structures and rebuild them with the same façade and heritage look,” it took a u-turn after the IIT Roorkee report was placed before the court last month. During a hearing on 30 July, the corporation said it had resolved to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the renovation and restoration of the two buildings.

In a bid to promote community participation in tourism and strengthen awareness of local heritage, the INTACH Nagaland Chapter on Saturday handed over a Tourist Information and Heritage Installation to Longkhum village. The installation, the second such initiative by the heritage body after the first at Khonoma village in 2019, is designed to serve as a useful source of information for visitors while encouraging the local community, particularly young people, to take greater interest in the history, culture, traditions and natural heritage of their village.

The programme began with an invocation by Rev Aka Jamir, Pastor, Longkhum Baptist Church, according to a press release issued by Sentila T Yanger, State Convener, INTACH Nagaland Chapter. Chairing the programme, Mefutiba Longkumer, Co-Convener of INTACH Nagaland Chapter, highlighted the importance of making tourism information accessible at the community level. “Such installations can help visitors understand and appreciate the unique cultural and natural assets of the village while encouraging responsible and respectful tourism,” the release stated.

The installation was formally handed over to Longkhum Village Chairman, Longkhumbo Jamir, in the presence of members of the Village Council, Longkhum Village Tourism Committee, teachers and students. As part of the programme, the Nagaland Chapter also distributed a colouring storybook written in the Ao vernacular titled ‘Tenemmozü Nokinketer’ (The Hornbill Warrior) to the students.

The book is designed to introduce children to local stories, traditions and cultural knowledge of Nagaland in a simple and engaging manner while preserving the local language. This initiative also seeks to encourage children to value their heritage and recognise their role in preserving and passing it on to future generations.

The Nagaland chapter has expressed hope that the installation and educational materials would become meaningful resources for both visitors and the local community. The programme concluded with a call for continued cooperation among the village community, educational institutions and tourism stakeholders to promote responsible, sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism while safeguarding the heritage of the village.

With their distinctive architecture and enduring family histories, traditional Mangalorean Catholic houses are among the city’s most recognisable heritage landmarks. Capturing their architectural beauty and rich history, the Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) released a commemorative book, titled “Album of the Porches: A Photographic Documentation of Mangalorean Catholic Houses”, at Mount Pleasant, a historic Catholic heritage home, on Saturday. The 242-page book was released by of A. Albuquerque & Sons, and Mona Mendonca, assistant professor and head of the Department of History at St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University). Introducing the project, INTACH Mangaluru Chapter convener and architect Subhas Chandra Basu said the book documents a unique architectural tradition that has long distinguished Mangaluru’s Catholic community. He observed that while many of these homes have been preserved for generations, changing lifestyles have left several underutilised. “Conservation need not always mean preserving them as residences alone. Sensitive adaptive reuse as cafés, galleries or cultural spaces can also help ensure their survival,” he said. The project was led by architect Sharvani Bhat, who coordinated the documentation, and architect-photographer Murali Abbemane. Together, they documented 27 heritage homes across Mangaluru, recording their architecture, history, and associated memories. Commending the initiative, Mr. Pai described the book as a valuable contribution to preserving the community’s heritage. “Maintaining these houses is both physically and financially demanding, but I hope they will continue to be preserved as an important part of Mangaluru’s cultural legacy for future generations,” he said. Ms. Mendonca spoke about the challenges of documenting heritage buildings. “Gaining access to these homes can itself be difficult. Such projects demand patience, commitment and genuine enthusiasm. It is heartening to see young professionals undertaking documentation of this nature,” she observed. Project supporters, journalist Vincent D’Souza, Nayana Fernandes and Sabrina BrittoHougaard, were felicitated during the programme. Sharvani Bhat and Murali Abbemane also shared their experiences of documenting the houses and interacting with their residents.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) filmed a documentary at the Living Museum, in Falkawn Mizo typical village near Aizawl. According to officials, the department organised a special Saturday showcase of the Living Museum to facilitate the documentary production. The Living Museum at Falkawn-which recreates a traditional Mizo village complete with indigenous houses and cultural settings – has been drawing regular visitors since its inauguration. The Living Museum was formally inaugurated in last year under the initiative of Art & Culture Minister C. Lalsawivunga. The project has since received appreciation at the national level for its efforts to preserve and present Mizo heritage in its authentic form.

Every August 12, World Elephant Day offers India an opportunity to celebrate Gajaraj, an animal that has been part of the country’s ecological and cultural heritage for centuries. Revered in mythology and deeply woven into art, festivals and literature, the elephant also plays an important role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems. India is home to more than 60 per cent of the world’s wild Asian elephants, placing the country at the centre of global elephant conservation. Over the years, India has built a strong conservation framework around protecting elephant habitats, securing their movement corridors and improving scientific monitoring.

Today, the country has 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 States and 150 scientifically validated elephant corridors. Alongside these protected landscapes, population monitoring has become more advanced, while measures to mitigate human-elephant conflict continue to be strengthened. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking World Elephant Day, highlighted this conservation journey and India’s special relationship with the species. In a post on X, he said: “On World Elephant Day, we celebrate the majestic elephant which has remained an integral part of India’s ecological heritage.

It is gladdening that India is home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants. Our nation has 33 Elephant Reserves, which provide habitats for elephants and strengthen our efforts towards their long-term conservation. We are also proud of all forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts and the local communities who are integral to all such efforts.” The Prime Minister’s message also brings attention to the many people working behind the scenes to protect elephants. From forest personnel and scientists to veterinarians, mahouts and local communities, elephant conservation is a collective effort.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav also reaffirmed India’s commitment to securing a shared future for elephants and people. On World Elephant Day, he pointed to 33 Elephant Reserves, 150 scientifically validated elephant corridors, advanced population monitoring and stronger measures to mitigate human-elephant conflict as important parts of the country’s conservation efforts. “When we secure the future of elephants, we secure our forests, biodiversity and ecological heritage,” Yadav said, calling for efforts to ensure that the elephant continues to walk freely through India’s forests and landscapes for generations to come.

India’s conservation efforts are also increasingly supported by science. The latest national elephant assessment, released by the Wildlife Institute of India in 2025, estimated 22,446 elephants using a new DNA-based mark-recapture method. The figure cannot be directly compared with the earlier estimate of 29,964 as a simple decline because the methodologies were different. Instead, the latest assessment provides a new scientific baseline for understanding India’s elephant population. The larger picture is equally important. Elephants require large, connected landscapes to move between feeding, watering and resting areas.

This makes the protection of corridors an important part of conservation, alongside Elephant Reserves and scientific population monitoring. India’s elephant story is therefore one of heritage, science and shared responsibility. On World Elephant Day, the focus is not only on the majestic animal itself, but also on the people, institutions, forests and landscapes that make its continued presence possible. Protecting the elephant means protecting a living part of India’s ecological heritage, and ensuring that Gajaraj continues to have a place in India’s future.

From weekend clean-ups to school visits and village campaigns, Kashmir’s first women-led birding network is turning young women and girls into grassroots conservationists. The 15-member Salim Ali Birdwatchers Network (SABN), Jammu and Kashmir’s first women-led birding network, which was launched in January 2025 after a group of women and girls who had worked individually for years decided to come together under one platform to conserve Kashmir’s fragile environment.

On a quiet spring afternoon, 13-year-old Alimah Hamid is surrounded by more than a dozen members of the Salim Ali Birdwatchers Network (SABN) along the banks of Hokersar wetland on the outskirts of Srinagar. Armed with notebooks and binoculars, the group — made up entirely of women and girls — reviews the progress over the last month’s targets, which included cleaning wetlands, making pamphlets and conducting school tours.

At the centre of the circle, Seerat-ul-Nisar, one of the founding members of the birding club, carefully notes down each point and suggestion raised by the members. Amid the discussion, the spotlight turns to Alimah’s book, which she is compiling for school students with information on wetlands and migratory birds. “This is one of our main focuses. You should get it completed as soon as possible so that the book reaches schools,” Seerat tells Alimah, prompting nods of encouragement from the group.

Notably, Alimah’s book, titled Birds of Paradise, enlists more than 50 migratory bird species, along with detailed descriptions of their habitats and significance. Like Alimah, every member of the group has an individual task apart from the collective weekly cleanliness drives in wetlands across south and central Kashmir. This is the 15-member Salim Ali Birdwatchers Network (SABN), Jammu and Kashmir’s first women-led birding network, which was launched in January 2025 after a group of women and girls who had worked individually for years decided to come together under one platform to conserve Kashmir’s fragile environment.

How SABN came together
On the eve of National Bird Day on 4 January 2025, the Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF), in collaboration with the Kashmir Birdwatchers’ Club (KBC) and The Nature Academy – YPJK, launched SABN at Chatlam Wetland Reserve in Pampore. The initiative was conceived to create greater opportunities for women and girls to participate in ornithology, ethical birdwatching and biodiversity conservation, while strengthening community-led conservation efforts across Jammu and Kashmir. The network began with 13 women and girls, including school-going students and college students, who jointly pledged to work towards conserving Kashmir’s wetlands.

Until then, many of them had been participating in environmental programmes and conservation activities individually. Several of the young members had been associated with The Nature School, founded in 2017 by environmental lawyer and conservationist Nadeem Qadri. The initiative was created as a child-centred learning space that brings together traditional knowledge and modern education. Seerat, one of the founding members, says the idea of creating a dedicated platform for women environmentalists had been taking shape for some time.

"The idea of floating a network of women environmentalists started last year. The need was felt as women needed representation as pro-environment activists. Kashmiri women have always been at the forefront to conserve the environment. Still, because of the lack of any organisational support, their efforts have not been known to the government and public,” she says. The women had already been connected through environmental programmes, birdwatching activities and awareness initiatives. With support from WCF, KBC and The Nature Academy, they came together to form a structured network. WCF played an important role in bringing the group together and helping them define their mission and approach.

“We actually wanted women to come forward and join the initiative to conserve our wetlands. Since all these women have been working voluntarily, they need to work under one banner to strengthen their mission. We just guided them and the rest they are good at their work,” says Qadri, Executive Director of WCF. Seerat says the group is now open to more women and girls who want to contribute to conservation. Those interested can reach out to SABN through its social media platforms, including Facebook, X and WhatsApp, and participate in its cleanliness drives and awareness programmes.

For the young members, however, joining the network is not simply about spending time outdoors. Alimah says the group deliberately holds most of its activities on weekends, when schools are closed, allowing the students to balance conservation work with their studies. “We believe that only the new generation can become the changemakers,” she says. The students say they are inspired by the regular environmental work carried out by WCF and The Nature School and want to take that learning into their own communities. With notebooks in hand and binoculars slung over their shoulders, these young conservationists now spend their weekends documenting birds, cleaning marshes and reaching out to schools — quietly building a grassroots movement to protect Kashmir’s fragile wetlands.

Poaching, pollution and shrinking wetlands
Every year, lakhs of migratory birds arrive in Kashmir from countries and regions including China, Russia, Siberia and Eastern Europe. But many of these seasonal visitors face threats from poaching, habitat degradation and pollution. Scores of birds are hunted each year illegally, posing a continuing challenge for the government and wildlife conservationists. This year, multiple incidents of poaching attempts were reported in Kashmir’s wetlands. On 14 March, a double-barrelled gun, 32 live cartridges and two wooden boats were seized from Narkara wetlands. At Rampura wetlands in the Chattabal area, poaching equipment was recovered after patrolling parties foiled an attempt to trap birds.

On 24 March, three alleged poachers were arrested during patrolling in Narkara wetlands, and three guns were recovered from their possession. For SABN, tackling the problem means going beyond simply documenting birds. Members regularly visit villages surrounding wetlands to speak to residents about the importance of protecting migratory birds and their habitats. They conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns, hold gatherings with village communities and speak to panchayat representatives about the threats facing wetlands. The group also visits schools and colleges to take the conservation message to younger audiences.

“We have held many programmes so far. People are joining our mission and voluntarily cleaning the wetlands with us,” says Hurain Gulzar, a founding member of the club. The network’s efforts come at a time when Kashmir’s wetlands are facing mounting pressure from encroachment. Recent data shared by the Office of the Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Division, Kashmir, in response to an RTI revealed that more than 7,600 kanal (385.7 hectares) of marshland has been lost to encroachment.

The Wetlands Division said the Hokersar Wetland Conservation Reserve, one of Kashmir’s key wetlands, accounts for the largest share, with 3,784 kanal reportedly encroached upon. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has also flagged the encroachment of more than 2,500 kanals and ecological degradation of Hokersar wetland, warning that the wetland’s “pristine glory” is at risk. The concerns have prompted several organisations across the Valley to step up conservation efforts. The Centre for Environmental Law, an enviro-legal research centre in Srinagar, is among those working through legal and official channels to protect wetlands. Inspired and supported by such organisations, SABN was formed to give women and girls a collective voice in efforts to protect wildlife reservoirs, wetlands, rivers and lakes.

Cleaning wetlands, bringing back birds
Since its formation, the network has focused heavily on cleaning and restoring wetlands. A major portion of Chatlam wetland in Pampore has already been cleaned. At the same time, the club has also conducted a similar cleanliness drive at Hokersar, one of Kashmir’s largest and most important wetlands. Every Sunday, members gather with plastic bags, sticks and dustbins to clear waste from portions of the wetlands. The impact, according to the group, is beginning to become visible. Seerat says Chatlam saw a noticeable increase in migratory birds this year. She estimates that more than one lakh birds visited the wetland during the season - compared with fewer than 50,000 in earlier years.

While the group acknowledges that bird numbers can be influenced by several factors, Seerat believes the cleanliness and restoration work has contributed to making the wetland more hospitable to migratory birds. The transformation has also made Chatlam more accessible to nature lovers, who can now observe its flora and fauna in a cleaner environment. “We are so far cleaning Chatlam wetland. It will be followed by Hokersar and then prominent wetlands of the north, which are home to lakhs of migratory birds," says Seerat.

For a group that is barely a year old, the ambition extends well beyond cleaning individual patches of marshland. The birding club is planning a series of seminars, awareness campaigns and community programmes in collaboration with NGOs, environmental organisations and government departments. Seerat says they plan to hold seminars across different districts, with open invitations for members of the public who want to contribute to conservation. The club is also reaching villages located around wetlands, where members speak to residents about protecting water bodies and forests. From door-to-door awareness activities to kath baath (informal conversations) with panchayat members, the young conservationists are raising issues ranging from wetland encroachment to poaching.

Young women becoming conservation leaders
The women-led nature of SABN is significant in a region where environmental conservation has traditionally had a strong male presence. Kashmir has, however, witnessed a growing number of women taking leadership roles across sectors, including business, media, government and the arts. Conservation is no different. Aaliya Mir, for instance, has emerged as one of the Valley’s prominent wildlife rescuers and has become an example of how women can take the lead in protecting wildlife.

SABN is building on that momentum by creating a platform led largely by young women and girls. Its members believe their age and gender can help them connect more easily with younger audiences. Through school visits, seminars and interactive awareness programmes, they hope to encourage more students to see environmental conservation as something they can actively participate in. Their cleanliness drives have also brought together volunteers from different age groups. Young people, local residents and even elderly community members have joined the women in cleaning wetlands. For Alimah and the other students, the message is simple: conservation cannot be left to a handful of experts or organisations. It has to become a community effort.

From awareness to action
Alimah’s book is one example of how the network is trying to take conservation beyond the wetlands. She is working with schools to introduce Birds of Paradise as an additional learning resource. The book combines illustrations, sketches and stories to introduce students to more than 50 migratory bird species, their habitats and the wetlands they depend on. “This book will be introduced as an add-on by the institutes. It has beautiful paintings and sketches of these birds and everything will be put in the form of a story,” Alimah says.

The book launch is being planned alongside the network’s wider awareness activities. Meanwhile, members such as Hurain have taken on specific responsibilities within the group. Given her oratory skills and ability to motivate people, she has been assigned to prepare speeches and lead awareness sessions on environmental protection. Each member brings a different strength — whether it is birdwatching, writing, public speaking, art, research or community outreach. Together, they are turning those individual efforts into a collective movement.
Government seeks greater public participation
The efforts by SABN have also received appreciation from officials, with the government seeking greater participation from community groups in conserving Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile ecosystems. Wildlife Warden, Wetland Division, Altaf Hussain Dentoo says the Valley’s forests, wetlands and water bodies can only be revived when more people participate in conservation. “There has to be participation from all age groups to revive the natural treasures — forests, wetlands and rivers. Any human interference means a big loss to these wetlands in particular," he says.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has also initiated the demarcation of wetlands in Kashmir to strengthen their protection. Recently, the government began demarcating the boundaries of Hokersar wetland, which was designated a Ramsar site in 2005. The UT government’s Revenue Department also constituted a 16-member team of officials from multiple departments to demarcate the boundaries of the wetland and the adjacent Nambli-Narkara reserve.

For the members of SABN, however, conservation is not something that can wait for official action alone. On the banks of Hokersar, Alimah and her fellow birdwatchers continue to take notes, plan school visits and organise their next cleanliness drive. Their binoculars are trained on the birds. Their notebooks are filled with observations. And their attention is firmly fixed on the wetlands they hope to protect. For these young women and girls, saving Kashmir’s wetlands is no longer an individual effort. It is a shared mission — one they hope will inspire an entire generation to take flight alongside the birds they are working to protect.

In a recent update, 29 large metal spheres were excavated in Bhanauli village of the Musafirkhana area, Amethi district in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, August 18. The discovery spread a sudden panic among villagers during foundation excavation. The objects, initially described as cannonball- or shell-like, were soon taken into custody by police. The Uttar Pradesh Archaeology Department was alerted on time to understand the objects, their age and nature. The finding As per PTI report, the spheres were discovered on Tuesday when Mohammad Iqbal was having the foundation of his house dug in Bhanauli village. The workers while digging a hole found the metal spheres buried in the ground. The landowner was alerted, following which the police, revenue officials and archaeological department was alerted. On August 19, an Assistant Archaeological Officer of the UP Archaeology Department, Manoj Kumar Yadav, examined excavated objects and said they were made of copper. The objects also had fuse holes and appeared to have been used as ammunition. As per reports, each sphere was around 60 cm in diameter, about 20 cm high and weighed nearly 9–10 kg. What initially looked like a mysterious find has now taken a more significant turn. While the department's preliminary assessment suggests the spheres may have been ammunition, their exact age, historical period or origin have not yet been established. 29 spheres, not one Reportedly, the discovered objects have a greenish appearance and holes measuring roughly an inch. Their unusual form prompted speculation locally about whether they could be old cannon ammunition or historical military objects. The scale of the discovery is one of the most striking aspects of the incident. Initial reports referred to unidentified metal balls found underground, but subsequent reporting established that 29 spheres were recovered from the excavation site and not one. The Uttar Pradesh Archaeology Department's inspection on Wednesday provided the first expert assessment of the objects. Assistant Archaeological Officer Manoj Kumar Yadav told PTI that the spheres were made of copper and appeared to have been used as ammunition. Asked about further excavation and investigation, Yadav said, “It is a matter for the government and the department. Further action will be taken according to the instructions received.” What’s next Now the authorities will try to find the origin of the objects and how long they may have remained underground. They’ll further investigate the material, construction, dimensions, corrosion and fuse-hole design to identify them. If their historical significance is confirmed, further archaeological investigation could potentially establish their provenance and context. What began as an alarming discovery beneath a house construction site in Bhanauli has now become a potentially important archaeological question: why were 29 copper spheres buried together, and when and how were they used? For now, the discovery remains a unique archaeological and historical find rather than a confirmed link to any particular battle or military campaign.

A stone shrine that the Baiga tribe of Madhya Pradesh revered as sacred for generations has turned out to be a 65-million-year-old coral fossil dating back to the era of the dinosaurs. The shrine is believed to be 65 million years old. A team of scientists from the Madhya Pradesh Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums declared the stone, dating back to the dinosaur era, a 'rare coral fossil'. After receiving repeated reports of a rare stone in Dindori, a team from the Madhya Pradesh Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums identified a strange structure of stones resembling a temple built in the dense forest. Archaeologists were puzzled by the previously unearthed stone structure. The layered stones raised many questions. Following this, the team of scientists visited the site and investigated it and it turned out to be a rare coral fossil. Archaeological Survey of India official and archaeologist Dr Manoj Kumar Kurmi said, "This is a sign of an era that has now ended. At that time, Rajasaurus narmadensis roamed the Narmada region of present-day Madhya Pradesh. The entire area was a volcanic plain. Dinosaurs lived in the region. However, when a 10-kilometre-wide asteroid struck the Earth, a massive volcanic eruption occurred in India's Deccan Traps. With this, the changing global conditions brought an end to the dinosaur era, and new creatures emerged that were smaller than the dinosaurs. This coral fossil also belongs to that era." "The tribal community knew that it was something rare and that's why they not only worshipped it but also protected it," said Madan Kumar Nagarmoje, commissioner of the Archaeological Department. "But it is indeed a rare item. Tests conducted on this fossil have shown evidence of its rarity," he said.

Sarnath, India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. Sarnath has officially been inscribed as India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking a significant milestone in the country’s cultural heritage. Located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is one of the holiest places in Buddhism, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

The UNESCO recognition highlights Sarnath’s outstanding universal value, its rich archaeological remains, and its lasting contribution to world history, religion, and culture. India ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. India also has 69 sites in the Tentative List of the World Heritage, which is a mandatory threshold for any site to be considered as a World Heritage property in the future.

Sarnath History
Sarnath is one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, with a history spanning over 2,500 years. It gained prominence after Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon here following his enlightenment, making it the birthplace of the Buddhist Sangha.

Ancient Name: Sarnath was originally known as Isipatana or Rishipattana, meaning the “place of sages.”
First Sermon: Around the 6th century BCE, Gautama Buddha delivered the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (First Sermon) to his five disciples.
Mauryan Patronage: Emperor Ashoka visited Sarnath in the 3rd century BCE and built stupas, monasteries, and the famous Ashokan Pillar.

Gupta Period: Between the 4th and 6th centuries CE, Sarnath flourished as a major centre of Buddhist learning, art, and architecture.

Medieval Decline: The site declined after invasions during the 12th century CE, leading to the destruction of many Buddhist structures.
Rediscovery: Archaeological excavations in the 19th century uncovered stupas, monasteries, sculptures, and inscriptions, restoring Sarnath’s historical significance. Teachings of Gautama Buddha at Sarnath At Sarnath, Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Setting the Wheel of Dharma in Motion). This sermon laid the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and marked the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha (monastic community).

Four Noble Truths: Explained the nature, cause, cessation of suffering, and the path to liberation.
Noble Eightfold Path: Taught the path to enlightenment through Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
Middle Path (Madhyama Marga): Advocated avoiding both extreme luxury and severe self-mortification.
Compassion (Karuna): Encouraged kindness, empathy, and non-violence towards all living beings.
Non-Attachment: Taught that freedom from desire and attachment leads to inner peace. Self-Discipline: Emphasised ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom as the means to attain enlightenment.
Formation of the Sangha: The first five disciples accepted Buddha’s teachings, leading to the establishment of the first Buddhist monastic community.

Universal Message: The teachings promoted peace, equality, tolerance, and moral living, influencing societies across Asia and the world.
Major Archaeological Remains at Sarnath
Sarnath is home to several archaeological monuments that reflect its importance as an ancient centre of Buddhism, art, and learning. These structures, built over different historical periods, provide valuable insights into India’s cultural and religious heritage.

Dhamek Stupa: Built to commemorate Gautama Buddha’s first sermon, this massive cylindrical stupa is the most prominent monument at Sarnath and features intricate Gupta-period carvings.
Chaukhandi Stupa: Marks the place where Buddha met his first five disciples before delivering his first sermon. It was later modified with an octagonal tower during the Mughal period.

Ashokan Pillar: Erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Its Lion Capital, now preserved in the Sarnath Museum, is the National Emblem of India.

Sarnath Archaeological Museum: India’s first site museum, housing the Lion Capital of Ashoka, Buddhist sculptures, inscriptions, relics, and Gupta-era masterpieces. Mulagandha Kuti: The remains of an ancient monastery believed to mark the place where Buddha spent his first rainy season after enlightenment.

Ancient Monasteries (Viharas): Excavated brick monasteries reveal Sarnath’s role as a major centre of Buddhist education and monastic life. Dharmarajika Stupa: Originally constructed by Emperor Ashoka to enshrine Buddhist relics. Although largely destroyed in the 18th century, its remains remain archaeologically significant.

Temple Ruins: Foundations of several temples and shrines demonstrate the continuous development of Buddhist architecture from the Mauryan to the medieval period. Stone Sculptures and Inscriptions: Numerous statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and inscriptions discovered at Sarnath showcase the excellence of Gupta-period art and provide important historical records.

UNESCO World Heritage Convention
The UNESCO World Heritage Convention is an international treaty adopted in 1972 to identify, protect, conserve, and preserve cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value.

Adopted by: UNESCO General Conference in 1972.
Official Name: Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Objective: To safeguard cultural and natural heritage for present and future generations. Administered by: UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Selection Basis: Sites are inscribed based on Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and fulfil one or more of the 10 UNESCO selection criteria. Types of Heritage: Covers Cultural, Natural, and Mixed World Heritage Sites. International Cooperation: Encourages technical, financial, and scientific assistance among member countries for heritage conservation. State Parties: Countries that ratify theHeritage Convention are responsible for identifying, protecting, and managing World Sites within their territory. India’s Participation: India ratified the Convention in 1977 and has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites after the inscription of Sarnath.

Significance: Promotes heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, and global awareness of humanity’s shared heritage. Sarnath’s Role in the Spread of Buddhism Sarnath played a pivotal role in the growth of Buddhism as it was here that Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon and established the first Buddhist Sangha. Birthplace of the Sangha: The first Buddhist monastic community (Sangha) was established at Sarnath with Buddha’s first five disciples.

Centre of Learning: Sarnath developed into a renowned centre for Buddhist education, philosophy, and monastic training. Royal Patronage: Emperor Ashoka promoted Buddhism by constructing stupas, monasteries, and the Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath. Pilgrimage Centre: It became one of the four holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites, attracting devotees from across the world.

Spread Across Asia: Monks and scholars travelling from Sarnath helped disseminate Buddhist teachings to Sri Lanka, China, Tibet, Myanmar, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and other Asian regions. Accounts of Foreign Travellers: Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang documented Sarnath’s prosperity and importance, providing valuable historical evidence. Promotion of Buddhist Art: Sarnath became famous for its distinctive Gupta-style Buddhist sculptures, which influenced Buddhist art across Asia.